Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge - Yukon River Area, Alaska
The dominant drainage class is Very 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 Delta National Wildlife Refuge - Yukon River Area, Alaska.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains, Mid-Level | 3.3M | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Plains | 1.4M | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains, Low | 1.1M | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 1.0M | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Lowland-Coastal Plains, High | 836K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Water, Saline | 709K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Boreal Lowland-Flood Plains and Terraces | 377K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain-Maritime Water, Fresh | 145K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain, Boreal Plains | 136K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Upland-Rounded Mountains | 120K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Boreal Upland and Maritime Upland-Hills and Plains, Gravelly | 114K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwim Coastal Plain, Tundra Plains | 62K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nulato Hills-Southern Seward Peninsula Highlands-Maritime Upland-Plains and Hills, Silty | 35K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yukon-Kuskokwin Coastal Plain, Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Boreal Flood Plains, wet | 5K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Flood Plains, moderately wet | 371 | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Flood Plains, sandy | 258 | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boreal Flood Plains, low | 125 | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% 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 90% 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.