Togiak National Wildlife Refuge - Southwestern Part and Bordering Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK710• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). 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 Togiak National Wildlife Refuge - Southwestern Part and Bordering 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
Ahklun Mountains-Northwest Maritime Upland-Glaciated Plains and Hills	578K	Somewhat excessively drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ahklun Mountains-Northwest Maritime Water, Saline	449K			Not limited	Not limited
Ahklun Mountains-Northwest Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains	255K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Plains and Peatlands	247K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Water, Saline	118K			Not limited	Not limited
Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Upland-Glaciated Plains and Hills	106K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Plains	88K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Water, Saline	61K			Not limited	Not limited
Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Upland and Boreal Upland-Glaciated Plains	30K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Ahklun Mountains-Northwest Maritime Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ahklun Mountains-Northwest Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plain	12K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains, High	5K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Lowlands-Coastal Plains, Low	890	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains, Mid-Level	347	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bristol Bay-Northern Alaska Peninsula Lowlands-Maritime Water, Fresh	7			Not limited	Not 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.

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.

Inceptisols

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

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 66% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 68% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.