Upper Tanana Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is Goldstream, on about 22% of the land: a mucky silt loam, smooth, like flour. Tanana and Histosols come next.
About 32% of the land drains well, and 53% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 61% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 76% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 16% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 7% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Upper Tanana Area, Alaska, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 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 Upper Tanana 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanana silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 31K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldstream and Histosols, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldstream peat, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Jarvis-Stratify complex, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steese-Ester association, 12 to 45 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Koyukuk silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Goldstream-Tanana complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stratify and Riverwash, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riverwash | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Salchaket-Riverwash association, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nenana silt loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nenana silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Minchumina peat, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldstream peat, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ester-Steese association, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tanana, moderately wet-Goldstream complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nenana silt loam, 12 to 45 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goodpaster variant-Goldstream complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldstream peat, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | D | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% 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 89% 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.