Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK732• 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 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 Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge 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
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Upland-Eolian Plains, Sand Hills, and Dunes	619K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains	396K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Plains and Hills	243K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Upland-Loess Plains and Hills	241K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-High Flood Plains and Terraces, Wet	174K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Loess Hills	123K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	120K	Poorly drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-High Flood Plains and Terraces	109K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces, Wet	74K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland and Lowland-Valleys and Flood Plains	60K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Valleys	35K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	12K	Very 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.

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.

Histosols

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

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

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.