Skagway-Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Skagway-Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Diorite Mountains | 128K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Subalpine Mountains | 20K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Maritime Mountains, Very Steep, Smooth | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maritime Mountains, Very Steep, Dissected | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Estuarine Water, Salt | 7K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Maritime Mountains, Steep | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maritime Mountains, High Elevation | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Subalpine Mountains, Avalanche Chutes | 3K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Maritime Floodplains, Gravelly | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maritime Floodplains, High Gradient, Jokulhlaup | 1K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Maritime Floodplains, Loamy | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maritime Floodplains, High Gradient | 835 | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Maritime Fans | 773 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maritime Floodplains, Urban Land | 359 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Maritime Organic Floodplains | 350 | Very poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Estuarine Floodplains | 215 | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maritime Water, Lakes and Ponds | 207 | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Estuarine Coastal Plains | 125 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 99% 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 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.