North Star Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.