Skagway-Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Alaska

Survey Area AK622• Alaska

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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

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.