Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge - Kuskoskwim River Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK705• Alaska

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	3.4M	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains, High	825K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Water, Saline	721K			Not limited	Not limited
Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains, Low	662K	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	322K			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
Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces	49K	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
Ahklun Mountains-Northwest Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains	3K	Well drained	B	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.

Histosols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 85% 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 85% 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.