Interior Rivers - Lime Hills and Kuskokwim Mountains 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 Interior Rivers - Lime Hills and Kuskokwim Mountains Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Upland and Subalpine-Glaciated Plains and Hills, Ash Influenced | 693K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Glaciated Plains and Hills | 368K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Fan Terraces and Stream Terraces | 252K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Plains and Hills | 222K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains | 158K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Alluvial Plains, Wet | 142K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Upland and Subalpine-Mountain Valleys, Ash Influenced | 125K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Peatlands and Alluvial Plains | 96K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Subalpine and Alpine-Rounded Mountains, Ash Influenced | 92K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Alpine and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains | 66K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands, Boreal Glaciated Uplands | 59K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Upland-Loess Plains and Hills | 49K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Subalpine and Alpine-Rugged Mountains | 45K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands, Boreal Peatlands | 40K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains, Terraces, and Fans | 38K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Loess Hills | 37K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces, High Elevation | 31K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-High Flood Plains and Terraces | 24K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands, Boreal Glaciated Plains | 17K | Poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Alpine-Glaciated Plains and Hills | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 73% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.