Seward Peninsula and Nulato Hills 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 and Nulato Hills Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Loess Plains | 1.2M | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Water, Saline | 1.2M | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid | 1.1M | Very poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Hills and Plains, Gravelly | 977K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Upland-Plains and Hills, Silty | 853K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Rounded Mountains, Calcareous | 621K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Boreal Upland and Maritime Upland-Glaciated Mountains | 323K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains | 223K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains | 185K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Upland-Plains and Hills, Gravelly | 177K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Boreal Upland and Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains | 165K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 148K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid | 146K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 136K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Arctic Uplands-Plains, Silty | 133K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Rounded Mountains | 91K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Boreal Upland and Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid | 90K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Plains | 86K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northern Seward Peninsula-Selawik Lowlands-Water, Saline | 83K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Seward Peninsula Highlands-Arctic Upland-Coastal Plains | 69K | Very poorly drained | C/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.