Soil survey area

Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge - Nunivak Island Refuge Area, Alaska

Survey Area AK700• Alaska

The short version

The most common soil here is E39-Maritime tussock-silty frozen slopes, on about 40% of the land. E39-Maritime dwarf scrub-lichen-silty frozen slopes and E39-Maritime sedge-scrub-silty frozen slopes come next.

About 21% of the land drains well, and 74% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 95% of it.

USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 95% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.

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 - Nunivak Island Refuge 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
Northern Bering Sea Islands-Maritime Upland-Plains	759K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Northern Bering Sea Islands-Maritime Upland-Hills and Plains	223K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Northern Bering Sea Islands-Maritime Water, Saline	50K			Not limited	Not limited
Northern Bering Sea Islands-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains	7K	Very poorly drained	B/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.

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.

Andisols

Volcanic ash soils — light, porous, and fertile. Excellent drainage, but low density can complicate foundations.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 95% 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.