Selawik National Wildlife Refuge Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Selawik National Wildlife Refuge Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains | 822K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains, Low | 559K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Upland-Plains, Gravelly | 507K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Alpine and Upland-Plains and Hills | 283K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Water, Saline | 216K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Upper Kobuk and Koyukuk Hills and Valleys-Boreal Alpine-Glaciated Valleys | 137K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Lowlands-Flood Plains and Terraces | 120K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Rounded Mountains | 95K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Upland and Lowland-Glaciated Valleys | 85K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Loess Plains | 76K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upper Kobuk and Koyukuk Hills and Valleys-Boreal Alpine-Rounded Mountains | 76K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 54K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Water, Fresh | 47K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Upland-Lower Mountain Slopes | 43K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid | 35K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Western Brooks Range Mountains, Foothills, and Valleys-Boreal Alpine-Rounded Mountains | 14K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 13K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upper Kobuk and Koyukuk Hills and Valleys-Boreal Upland and Alpine-Rounded Mountains | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upper Kobuk and Koyukuk Hills and Valleys-Boreal Alpine-Rounded Mountains, Acid | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Highlands-Boreal Alpine and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% 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 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.