Kenai Peninsula - Kenai Fjords National Park and Bordering Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is E20-maritime forest-loamy colluvial slopes, shallow, on about 4% of the land. E20-maritime sedge-scrub-organic depressions and E20-maritime forest-loamy colluvial and till slopes come next.
About under 1% of the land drains well, and 12% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 14% of it.
USDA rates 64% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 64% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 39% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 63% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Kenai Peninsula - Kenai Fjords National Park and Bordering 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Water, Saline | 259K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Alpine-Barren Mountains | 255K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Subalpine and Alpine-Mountains | 84K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Upland and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains | 83K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Subalpine and Alpine-Rounded Mountains | 15K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Rock outcrop-Aialik-Snow complex, 10 to 100 percent slopes | 9K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 3K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains, Deltas and Mud Flats | 399 | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riverwash-Sandspit complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 333 | Poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Callisto-Caines association, 20 to 80 percent slopes | 134 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cook Inlet Mountains-Boreal Upland and Lowland-Valleys | 86 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iron-Spruce complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 64 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Exit-Ski association, 20 to 90 percent slopes | 37 | Well drained | B | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 64% 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 64% 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.