Togiak National Wildlife Refuge - Southwestern Part and Bordering Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
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.