Stewart River Training Site, Alaska

Survey Area AK658• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Stewart River Training Site, 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
Sinuktuk-Kiglauik complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sinuktuk-Kiglauik-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sinuktuk-Kiglauik complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Boldrin-Peluk complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nuluk-Belmezok complex	1K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tigaraha-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tisuk-Dirrant complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	728	Well drained	C	Not limited	Not limited
Boldrin-Sinuktuk complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	679	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Imuruk-Tisuk-Dirrant complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes	599	Somewhat excessively drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tuksuk-Kiglauik complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes	526	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Boldrin-Peluk complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes	477	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Agiapuk-Pinguk complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes	285	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Tisuk-Kuzitrin complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes	246	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Distin-Cassiterite complex	212	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kanauguk-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes	38	Well drained	C	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.

Inceptisols

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

Gelisols

Permafrost soils. Extremely challenging for construction and septic. Found almost exclusively in Alaska.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

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

Spodosols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 72% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 96% 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.