Lower Kenai Peninsula - Northern Chugach Islands Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is E20-maritime forest-loamy colluvial slopes, shallow, on about 26% of the land. E20-maritime sedge-scrub-organic depressions and E20-maritime forest-loamy colluvial and till slopes come next.
About 0% of the land drains well, and 86% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under all of it.
USDA rates all of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and all very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 14% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under all 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 Lower Kenai Peninsula - Northern Chugach Islands 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 Upland and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Subalpine and Alpine-Rounded Mountains | 947 | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Water, Saline | 8 | 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 100% 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.