Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK744• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Gelisols — permafrost soils found in very cold climates. 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 Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge Area, Alaska. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland-Hills and Plains	502K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland-Loess Plains and Peat Plateaus	418K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains	286K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid	202K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	144K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Alpine and Upland-Rugged Mountains	33K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Upper Kobuk and Koyukuk Hills and Valleys-Boreal Upland and Lowland-Glaciated Valleys	24K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Upper Kobuk and Koyukuk Hills and Valleys-Boreal Upland and Alpine-Rounded Mountains	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Alpine and Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland-Hills and Plains, Acid	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Gelisols

Permafrost soils. Extremely challenging for construction and septic. Found almost exclusively in Alaska.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 100% 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.