Southern Wood-Tikchik Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK635• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Southern Wood-Tikchik Area, 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
Water	106K			Not rated	Not rated
Okstukuk-Mosquitopoint-Typic Haplocryods association, 0 to 3 percent slopes	60K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ahklun-Klak association, 12 to 85 percent slopes	57K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Mosquitopoint-Typic Haplocryods-Okstukuk association, 0 to 35 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Highlake-Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex, 0 to 150 percent slopes	28K			Very limited	Very limited
Goodnews-Buchia association, 5 to 85 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ahklun very gravelly medial sandy loam, 20 to 85 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Western Maritime Terraces and Boreal Flood Plains	11K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Tikchik-Cryaquepts-Nishlik complex, 0 to 40 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Klak-Nagugun-Pegati-Typic Cryofluvents, occasionally flooded, complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Klak-Ahklun-Goodnews association, 3 to 60 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Western Maritime Glaciated Plains	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Okstukuk-Typic Haplocryods complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Tikchik-Cranberrycreek-Sharp-Stuyahok complex, 0 to 40 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Klak-Mitlak-Twinhills association, 5 to 65 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Okstukuk silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Buchia-Ahklun complex, 20 to 75 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Goodnews-Nagugun complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Klak-Nigag-Pungokepuk complex, 2 to 40 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Ahklun Mountains-High Elevation Nonvegetated Mountains	480			Not rated	Not rated

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.

Inceptisols

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

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

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 49% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 52% 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.