Seward Peninsula - Kotzebue Sound and Kivalik River Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK736• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Seward Peninsula - Kotzebue Sound and Kivalik River 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
Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Loess Plains	1.1M	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Hills and Plains, Gravelly	211K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Water, Saline	152K			Very limited	Very limited
Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Rounded Mountains	122K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	83K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid	78K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains	64K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Boreal Upland and Maritime Upland-Glaciated Mountains	37K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains	35K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Lowland-Coastal Plains, Low	17K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Upland-Plains and Hills, Silty	9K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Rounded Mountains, Calcareous	7K			Very limited	Very limited
Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Upland-Plains, Gravelly	3K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Boreal Upland and Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kunjik-Siku association, 0 to 25 percent slopes	770	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Apun, sedimentary peat, 6 to 15 percent slopes	237	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Urgiilik-Tui complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes	125	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nikaat-Ugruk-Igruk complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes	26	Poorly drained	B/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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% 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.