Skagway-Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Alaska
The most common soil here is D22-Maritime Forest Gravelly Slopes, Shallow, on about 4% of the land. D22-Maritime Forest Gravelly Slopes, Shallow, Convex and 22-Maritime Forest Gravelly Slopes, Shallow come next.
About 20% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 69% of it.
USDA rates all of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and all very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 93% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
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. 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.