Stikine Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK645• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Stikine 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
Salt Water	1.8M			Not rated	Not rated
Kushneahin-Maybeso complex, 3 to 35 percent slopes	488K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Permanent ice and snow	470K			Not rated	Not rated
Rock outcrop	273K			Not rated	Not rated
Lithic Cryosaprists-Lithic Humicryods association, 15 to 120 percent slopes, alpine	212K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kupreanof-Mosman complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes	168K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sunnyhay-Tolstoi complex, 15 to 120 percent slopes, alpine	150K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kushneahin-Kina association, 3 to 35 percent slopes	140K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Maybeso peat, 5 to 35 percent slopes	88K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mitkof-Mosman complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes	79K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nakwasina peat, 5 to 35 percent slopes	78K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mosman very gravelly loam, 75 to 120 percent slopes	68K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sunnyhay-Tolstoi-St. Nicholas complex, 20 to 120 percent slopes, subalpine	64K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Cryumbrepts, loamy-skeletal, 60 to 120 percent slopes	62K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kupreanof-Mitkof complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes	59K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kupreanof-Tolstoi association, 5 to 35 percent slopes	58K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Mitkof sandy loam, 5 to 35 percent slopes	56K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Mosman very gravelly loam, 35 to 75 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lithic Cryaquods-Lithic Cryosaprists association, 35 to 120 percent slopes	48K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mitkof-Mosman complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes	48K	Somewhat poorly 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.

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.

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 42% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.