Gulkana River Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Gulkana River Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mendna and Chelina soils, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klasi peat, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mendna-Ewan complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cryorthents and Cryochrepts soils, 20 to 80 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chelina and Mendna soils, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kuslinad-Kuslinad, very wet complex | 3K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cryaquepts, 4 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swillna, thin surface-Swillna complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pergelic Cryohemists-Mendna, very wet-Cryofibrists complex, 0 to 14 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chelina loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kuslinad peat | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cobblank and Telay soils, 2 to 16 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water, upland | 2K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Maclaren-Kuslinad complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water, riverine | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cryaquepts and Cryaquepts, very wet soils, 4 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pippod and Chistna soils, high elevation, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chistna and Pippod soils, 0 to 14 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pergelic Cryohemists and Cryofibrists soils | 1K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dackey-Hogan complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.