Nulato Hills Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is Sikinik, on about 10% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Mountmcdonald and Cilla come next.
About 41% of the land drains well, and 45% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 65% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 97% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 21% 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 soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Nulato Hills 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 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 Nulato Hills 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountmcdonald-Iiguk-Kanguq association, 0 to 45 percent slopes | 111K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cilla-Pokercreek-Shortycove complex 4 to 20 percent slopes | 77K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sikinik-Nikaat-Asulu complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 74K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulatohills-Cuyaqsak complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 59K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sikinik-Runkelscreek association, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 55K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Apun-Willowcreek association, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 54K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sikinik-Ukpik association, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 53K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cilla-Bonasila-Cuyaqsak association, 8 to 45 percent slopes | 53K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tuma-Tolukowuk-Chiroskey complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nikaat mucky peat, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 44K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulatohills-Cascadecreek complex, 20 to 85 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cascadecreek-Cilla-Golsovia association, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Imak-Pokercreek complex, 1 to 22 percent slopes | 37K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunapik-Iiguk association, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 37K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ottercreek-Peke association, 4 to 20 percent slopes | 36K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cascadecreek-Cuyaqsak-Nuvuk association, 8 to 45 percent slopes | 35K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Teacreek-Golsovia association, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 33K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paugna-Mountmcdonald complex, 0 to 65 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ottercreek-Ukpik-Apun association, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mountmcdonald-Bonasila association, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 27K | Well 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some 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.