Ray Mountains - Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge Northwest Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK745• 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 Ray Mountains - Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge Northwest 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	877K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon Flats-Boreal Upland-Hills and Plains	420K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid	359K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Alpine and Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid	287K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon Flats-Boreal Upland-Hills and Plains, Acid	130K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon Flats-Boreal Lowland-High Flood Plains, Terraces and Peatlands	73K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains	55K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Yukon Flats-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	27K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Seventeenmile-Yasuda association, 0 to 3 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Typic Cryaquents-Seventeenmile-Scaup complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	416	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chissovun-Tajittro-Gushdoiman complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	405	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	119	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.

Inceptisols

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

Spodosols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 97% 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.