White Mountains Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK686• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Well 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 White Mountains 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
Tatalina-Pupcreek complex, 3 to 35 percent slopes	1.0M	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Subalpine-Rounded Mountains	935K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland-Hills and Plains	795K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wolfrun-Mascot complex, 18 to 40 percent slopes	765K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Upland and Alpine-Rugged Mountains	409K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Eastcrazy-Albert-Westcrazy complex, 1 to 18 percent slopes	285K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Albert-Eastcrazy-Westcrazy complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	230K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Westcrazy-Overwest complex, 1 to 3 percent slopes	221K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mastodon-Ottertail complex, 3 to 18 percent slopes	168K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Schwatka-Ottertail-Mastodon complex, 3 to 35 percent slopes	162K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mascot-Tatalina complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes	150K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Mastodon-Schwatka complex, 8 to 60 percent slopes	109K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Frozenfoot-Typic Cryaquents complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes	98K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon Flats-Boreal Upland-Hills and Plains	93K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tatalina-Mascot complex, 3 to 18 percent slopes	90K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sussaymin-Hydric Cryofibrists-Gushdoiman complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes	90K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lefevre-Pupcreek complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes	86K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Frozenfoot-Pupcreek-Fluvaquentic Aquorthels, drainageway silty, complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	81K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ottertail-Pinnell-Mastodon complex, 12 to 24 percent slopes	80K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Interior Alaska Highlands-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	75K	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.

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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 81% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.