National Petroleum Reserve - Beaufort Coastal Plain Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is E46-Arctic sedge-loamy frozen low-center polygons, on about 16% of the land. E46-Arctic tussock-loamy frozen plains and E46-Arctic wet meadow-organic depressions come next.
About 0% of the land drains well, and 76% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 85% of it.
USDA rates 85% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 85% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in National Petroleum Reserve - Beaufort Coastal Plain Area, Alaska, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Very 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 National Petroleum Reserve - Beaufort Coastal Plain 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains, High | 6.6M | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arctic Coastal Plain-Water, Saline | 1.3M | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Loess Plains and Hills | 1.2M | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 1.0M | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains, Low | 599K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arctic Coastal Plain-Water, Fresh | 215K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Inigok, occasionally ponded-Teshekpuk complex | 204K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arctic Coastal Plain-Arctic Lowland-Barren Beaches, Bays and Lakes | 161K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| W | 126K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Nuiqsut-Poleakoon, frequently ponded complex | 113K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodfish frequently flooded-Arrakis complex | 107K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Inigok-Anajuk, occasionally ponded complex | 72K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nuiqsut, frequently ponded-Inigok, occasionally ponded complex | 57K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kikak-Tuluga, frequently flooded complex | 13K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nuiqsut-Poleakoon, frequently flooded, frequently ponded complex | 11K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poleakoon-Kikak, frequently flooded, frequently ponded complex | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodfish-Riverwash, frequently flooded association | 7K | Poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Arctic Foothills-Arctic Upland-Hills and Plains | 325 | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | 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 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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.