Southern Wood-Tikchik Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is Ahklun, on about 10% of the land: a very gravelly medial sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Okstukuk and Mosquitopoint come next.
About 62% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 28% of it.
USDA rates 53% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 49% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 36% 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 soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Southern Wood-Tikchik Area, Alaska, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
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 53% 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.