Haines Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Haines Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop and glaciers | 77K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ferebee-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 90 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cryorthents, 20 to 180 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water, fresh | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tolstoi-Passage complex, 70 to 100 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kupreanof-Passage complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kupreanof-Passage complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tolstoi, Passage, and Kupreanof silt loams, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollow and Skagway soils, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tolstoi-Passage complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Lithic Cryofolists complex, 70 to 120 percent slopes | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rock outcrop-Tolstoi complex, 70 to 100 percent slopes | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kupreanof-Passage complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Tolstoi-Passage complex, 70 to 100 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Funter peat, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nataga-Cryorthents association, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ashmun-Hollow-Funter complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tolstoi-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Lithic Cryofolists complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lutak-Kupreanof association, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% 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 60% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.