Kuskokwim Mountains and Bordering Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK726• 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 Kuskokwim Mountains 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
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Upland-Eolian Plains, Sand Hills, and Dunes	785K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Loess Hills	498K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Plains and Hills	479K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains	430K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Upland-Loess Plains and Hills	410K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland and Alpine-Rounded Mountains	385K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Alpine and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains	239K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains and Hills, Acid	196K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces, High Elevation	181K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland and Lowland-Valleys and Flood Plains	146K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Alluvial Plains, Wet	117K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Fan Terraces and Stream Terraces	105K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Valleys	85K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Upland and Alpine-Plains and Hills	68K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Stream Terraces and Peat Plateaus	64K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-High Flood Plains and Terraces, Wet	38K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains	25K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Alpine and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains, Acid	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	244	Poorly 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.

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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 95% 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. 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.