Kodiak Archipelago Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Southern Kodiak Mountains | 1.6M | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Plains and Hills, Ash Influenced, Kodiak | 383K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Plains, Hummocky | 295K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Southern Kodiak Hills and Plains | 195K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Subalpine and Upland Rounded Mountains, Ash Influenced, Kodiak | 192K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Upland and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains, Ash Infuenced | 139K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Lowland-Southern Kodiak Valley Bottoms | 115K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Southern Kodiak Barren Mountains | 110K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Southern Kodiak Hills and Plains, Warm | 53K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Southern Alaska Peninsula Mountains-Maritime Upland-Southern Kodiak Lower Mountains Slopes, Warm | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Water, Saline | 2K | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 82% 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 92% 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.