Tanana Lakes Recreation Area Master Plan - Fairbanks North Star ...

Geology & Soils
Climactic fluctuations during the Quaternary Period caused glacial expansion
and recession throughout Alaska. Interior Alaska was not glaciated during
this period; however, glaciers surrounded the area during glacial advances.
Rivers flowing from surrounding glaciers deposited several hundred feet
of silt, sand, and gravel in the Tanana Valley. A layer of loess ranging
from several inches to more than 128 feet thick covers most of the Tanana
Valley. Gravel deposits along the Tanana River occur up to 154 feet thick
and are significant reservoirs for groundwater. Soils within the project area
are classified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources
Conservation Service as a mosaic of Eielson fine sandy loam, Eielson/
Piledriver complex, Tanana mucky silt loam, Tanana/Mosquito complex, and
riverwash.
Hydrology
The alluvial plain between the Tanana and Chena Rivers near Fairbanks
generally consists of highly transmissive sands and gravels in below-watertable
conditions. Depending on topography, depths to groundwater in the
Fairbanks area range from 0 feet (surface water) to 21 feet below the ground
surface. Depths to groundwater in the alluvial plain are within 10 feet of
the ground surface in most areas, and within 5 feet of the ground surface in
low-lying areas. The project area is a low-lying area in the alluvial plain and
depths to groundwater are estimated at 0 feet to 5 feet below the ground
surface. The FNSB estimates the Maximum High Water Elevation of the
project site to be 432 feet.
FNSB - Department of Parks and Recreation
TANANA LAKES MASTER PLAN 3-3