Seward Peninsula - Kotzebue Sound and Kivalik River Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
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.