Seward Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK623• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Histosols — organic soils (peat/muck) formed in wetlands. 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 Seward 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
Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Upland and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains	20K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Subalpine and Alpine-Mountains	14K			Very limited	Very limited
Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Hills and Plains	12K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Alpine-Barren Mountains	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Southern Alaska Coastal Mountains-Maritime Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	4K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alexander Archipelago-Gulf of Alaska Coast-Maritime Water, Saline	10			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.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 88% 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 88% 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.