Kodiak Archipelago Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is Akalura, on about 9% of the land. Narrow Cape and Kodiak come next.
About 51% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates 59% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 48% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 42% 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Andisols — soils formed in volcanic ash, very light and porous. 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 Kodiak Archipelago 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 2.1M | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Akalura-Ayakulik-Koniag complex, 20 to 55 percent slopes | 506K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Narrow Cape-Rezanof-Koniag complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 413K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kodiak-Marka-Afognak complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 314K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Akalura-Kaguyak-Bidarka complex, 3 to 35 percent slopes | 257K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaguyak-Shuyak-Bidarka complex 15 to 80 percent slopes | 170K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Akalura-Bidarka complex, 50 to 90 percent slopes | 152K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kodiak-Narrow Cape-Marka complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 142K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubbleland, 15 to 80 percent slopes | 103K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Rezanof-Koniag-Terror lake complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 82K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Akalura-Spiridon-Kaguyak complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 82K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Akalura-Kodiak-Kazakof complex, 18 to 75 percent slopes | 72K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kodiak-Missak-Izhut complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sulua-Luchek-Alitak complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 55K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kodiak-Kazakof-Marka complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kodiak-Pyramid-Marka complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Narrow Cape-Marka complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Akalura-Kazakof-Izhut complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaguyak-Rock outcrop-Bidarka complex, 5 to 65 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pasagshak-Salonie-Yukuk complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 38K | Moderately well drained | C | 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 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 59% 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.