North Star Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK642• 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 Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Star 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
Histic Pergelic Cryaquepts-Typic Cryochrepts complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	411K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilmore silt loam, 12 to 45 percent slopes	219K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Histic Pergelic Cryaquepts, fans, 1 to 20 percent slopes	171K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Cryochrepts-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 35 percent slopes	152K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Histic Pergelic Cryaquepts, 15 to 45 percent slopes	127K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Steese-Gilmore complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes	80K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Histic Pergelic Cryaquepts-Typic Cryochrepts association, 15 to 45 percent slopes	79K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Goldstream-Pergelic Cryohemists complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	67K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ester-Gilmore complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	65K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ester peat, 15 to 45 percent slopes	36K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Jarvis-Salchaket complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Saulich peat, 7 to 12 percent slopes	26K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilmore-Steese complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Histic Pergelic Cryaquepts-Stratify complex, 3 to 7 percent slopes	16K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Jarvis-Stratify complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gilmore-Ester complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Saulich-Fairbanks complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes	11K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rubble land	9K			Not rated	Not rated
Water	7K			Not rated	Not rated
Goldstream peat, 0 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Very 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.

Inceptisols

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

Gelisols

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

Entisols

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

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 98% 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 98% 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.