Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Poorly 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 Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Rounded Mountains with Common Permafrost | 385K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Hills with Common Permafrost, Nonacid | 288K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Subalpine and Boreal Hills | 265K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal and Subalpine Hills with Extensive Permafrost | 210K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Hills with Extensive Permafrost | 204K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Sedimentary Hills | 181K | Poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal and Subalpine Hills with Common Permafrost | 104K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alpine Granitic Mountains | 88K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Subalpine Glaciated Hills | 70K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Terraces with Extensive Permafrost | 59K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Eolian Hills with Common Permafrost, Wet | 53K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Subalpine Hills | 48K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Eolian Plains with Extensive Permafrost, Moist | 47K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Low Flood Plains | 39K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Boreal Hills with Common Permafrost, Thin Surface | 37K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Eolian Hills with Extensive Permafrost | 36K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alpine Granitic Mountains, Dry | 34K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Valley Bottoms | 32K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Flood Plains with Common Permafrost | 29K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Eolian Terraces with Extensive Permafrost | 26K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% 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 100% 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.