Yentna Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK631• Alaska

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Yentna 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
Strandline-Spenard-Kroto complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes	723K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Starichkof peat, 0 to 7 percent slopes	246K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Salamatof peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes	199K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Killey and Hiline silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes	161K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Chuit and Nakochna silt loams, 3 to 30 percent slopes	145K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Chichantna peat, 0 to 8 percent slopes	134K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	122K			Not rated	Not rated
Rubble land	110K	Excessively drained	A	Not rated	Not rated
Puntilla silt loam, 7 to 20 percent slopes	110K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Chuit-Nakochna-Rubble land complex, 7 to 45 percent slopes	106K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Strandline-Kroto complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes	96K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Nancy-Kashwitna complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	92K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Kroto-Strandline-Cryorthents complex, 30 to 45 percent slopes	90K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hewitt peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes	86K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Spenard silt loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes	81K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Puntilla silt loam, 30 to 45 percent slopes	68K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Puntilla silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes	59K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Slikok muck, 0 to 5 percent slopes	56K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Doroshin peat, 0 to 5 percent slopes	53K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nancy-Kashwitna complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	45K	Well drained	B	Not 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.

Spodosols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 91% 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.