White Mountains Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.