Soil survey area

North Ogilvie and Yukon - Old Crow Basin Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK746• Alaska

The short version

The most common soil here is E32-boreal taiga-silty frozen loess slopes, on about 26% of the land. E31-Boreal forest-loamy eolian slopes and E31-Boreal taiga-silty frozen loess slopes come next.

About 44% of the land drains well, and 56% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 98% of it.

USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 72% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.

Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 4% 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 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 North Ogilvie and Yukon - Old Crow Basin 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
Yukon Flats-Boreal Upland-Plains and Hills	850K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains	746K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland-Hills and Plains	622K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid	169K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon Flats-Boreal Lowland-High Flood Plains and Terraces	152K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Alpine-Rounded Mountains, Acid	110K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon Flats-Boreal Upland-Hills and Plains	101K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains and Hills, Calcareous	78K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Yukon Flats-Boreal Upland-Hills and Plains, Acid	56K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Alpine and Upland-Rugged Mountains	35K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	23K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Alpine-Rugged Mountains	20K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Lowland-Mountain Valleys	6K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Alpine and Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon Flats-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	775	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon Flats-Boreal Lowland-High Flood Plains, Terraces and Peatlands	125	Poorly drained	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.

Gelisols

Permafrost soils. Extremely challenging for construction and septic. Found almost exclusively in Alaska.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 72% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 97% 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.