Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge - Kuskoskwim River Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is E38-maritime dwarf scrub-lichen-silty frozen coastal plains, on about 21% of the land. E38-maritime sedge wet meadow-organic depressions and E38-maritime silty dwarf scrub-lichen frozen coastal plains come next.
About 6% of the land drains well, and 77% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 84% of it.
USDA rates 84% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 84% 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 2% 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 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 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 Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge - Kuskoskwim River 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains, Mid-Level | 3.6M | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains, High | 1.1M | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Water, Saline | 960K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains, Low | 885K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 355K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Plains | 325K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Water, Fresh | 291K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Upland-Plains and Hills, Silty | 156K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains | 150K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 50K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 49K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oscarville-Water complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ahklun Mountains-Northwest Maritime Upland-Rugged Mountains, Acid | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oscarville-Water association, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water-Takslesluk association, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kasigluk-Pikmiktalik-Akolmiut association, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ahklun Mountains-Northwest Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kasigluk-Pikmiktalik association, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunapitchuk-Hangar-Kongeruk association, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kasigluk peat, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 1K | 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 84% 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 84% 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.