Totchaket Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK625• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Totchaket 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
Tanacross silt loam	117K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nenana silt loam, shallow, undulating	78K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bolio peat	42K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Beales silt loam, undulating	40K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Teklanika loamy fine sand, rolling	34K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tanana silt loam	33K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dotlake silt loam	28K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Volkmar silt loam	26K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nenana silt loam, shallow, nearly level	25K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kantishna peat	24K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Salchaket very fine sandy loam	20K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Nenana silt loam, shallow, rolling	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Volkmar-Nenana complex	17K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Teklanika loamy fine sand, hilly	13K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Beales silt loam, nearly level	12K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Bradway very fine sandy loam	11K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	10K			Not rated	Not rated
Richardson silt loam	6K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Teklanika loamy fine sand, very steep	6K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Koyukuk silt loam, undulating	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat 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.

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.

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 82% 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 98% 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.