Reindeer and Iditarod Rivers Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Reindeer and Iditarod Rivers Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland and Alpine-Rounded Mountains | 479K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Loess Hills | 302K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands, Boreal and Subalpine Low Mountains | 250K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands, Boreal and Subalpine Mountains | 183K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Plains and Hills | 120K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Alpine and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains | 116K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Valleys | 112K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands, Portage Mountain Uplands | 65K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 59K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands, Boreal Low Sedimentary Mountains | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands, Boreal Flood Plains and Terraces | 4K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces, High Elevation | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands, Boreal Uplands | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands, Boreal Peatlands | 1K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Flood Plains, wet | 888 | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Peatlands and Alluvial Plains | 767 | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands, Boreal Flood Plains and Terraces | 488 | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Interior Alaska Lowlands, Water | 349 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Boreal Flood Plains | 169 | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 99% 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 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.