Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge - Tanana Kuskokwim Lowlands Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK789• 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 Gelisols — permafrost soils found in very cold climates. 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 Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge - Tanana Kuskokwim Lowlands 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
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Alluvial Plains, Wet	203K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Glaciated Plains and Hills	197K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland Alluvial Plains	143K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains	77K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Upland-Eolian Plains, Sand Hills, and Dunes	69K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains	59K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces, Wet	44K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces, High Elevation	43K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland-Rounded Mountains, Acid	32K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Alpine-Rugged Mountains	27K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Alpine-Barren Mountains	14K			Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Upland and Lowland-Mountain Valleys	14K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Lowlands-Boreal Lowland-Fan Terraces and Stream Terraces	7K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Lowland-Mountain Valleys	3K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains, Terraces, and Fans	1K			Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Mountains-Boreal Alpine-Mountain Valleys	47	Well drained	B	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.

Gelisols

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

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 93% 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 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

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.