Reindeer and Iditarod Rivers Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK712• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Reindeer and Iditarod Rivers 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-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

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.

Entisols

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

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.

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.