Yukon Flats Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is Seventeenmile, on about 11% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Typic Haplocryepts and Typic Cryaquents come next.
About 44% of the land drains well, and 39% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 83% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 73% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 14% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Yukon Flats Area, Alaska, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Flats 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seventeenmile, sandy substratum-Typic Cryaquents, silty-Scaup association, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 556K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 446K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Typic Haplocryepts-Folistic Haplorthels-Typic Histoturbels complex, 3 to 35 percent slopes | 418K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kingslough-Jokinaugh association, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 406K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chissovun-Tajittro-Gushdoiman complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 381K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Haplocryepts-Typic Histoturbels association, 3 to 35 percent slopes | 313K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yanert-Nuntragut-Twin complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 294K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tlozhavun-Yasuda association, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 291K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seventeenmile, sandy substratum-Draanjik-Yasuda complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 271K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sussaymin-Gushdoiman-Hydric Cryofibrists, dysic complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 264K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tlozhavun-Choonjik-Tajittro-Yasuda complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 263K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tlozhavun-Tajittro-Gwichin-Yasuda complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 232K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seventeenmile-Canvasback complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 194K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gwichin-Nuntragut-Yasuda complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 185K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tajittro-Chissovun-Gushdoiman complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 185K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tajittro-Yanert complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 173K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Cryaquents, gravelly substratum-Typic Cryaquents, silty complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 172K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Histoturbels-Typic Haplocryepts association, 3 to 35 percent slopes | 171K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seventeenmile-Yasuda association, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 157K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Seventeenmile-Kocacho complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 157K | Well drained | B | Not 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 73% 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 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.