Alderwood and Kitsap
Very Steep

Mapping Symbol: AkF

This mapping unit is about 50 percent Alderwood gravelly sandy loam and 25 Kitsap silt loam. Slopes are 25 to 70 percent. Distribution of the soils varies greatly within short distances. An area mapped with this soil may have only one of these soils or both of them.

Typical Profile: Alderwood Portion
Depth from Surface:
0 to 27 inches: Very dark brown, dark brown, and grayish brown gravelly sandy loam
27 to 60 inches: Grayish brown, weakly to strongly consolidated glacial till (hardpan)

Typical Profile: Kitsap Portion
Depth from Surface:
0 to 24 inches: Very dark brown and yellowish brown silt loam
24 to 60 inches: Olive gray silty clay loam

Permeability: Moderate to moderately rapid above the hardpan (if present) and very slow within it.

Rooting Depth: Roots penetrate easily to the hardpan (if present) . Roots have difficulty penetrating into the hardpan.

Depth to Seasonal High Water Table: 2 to 3½ feet

Available Water Holding Capacity: Seasonally low (Summer) to seasonally high (Winter) in Alderwood portion moderate to moderately high in Kitsap portion.

Runoff Potential: Rapid to very rapid

Erosion and Slippage Hazard: Severe to very severe

Use and Management: Primary use is for timber production. Douglas-fir, Western Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, Red Alder, and Bigleaf Maple are important tree species for use on these soils. These soils have severe limitations on equipment use for site preparation and timber harvest. Adequate vegetation must always be left on these slopes if logged. These soils have severe limitations for engineering and recreational uses.These soils are not recommended for use for cropping, pasture, or livestock grazing purposes.

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