The overall drainage pattern is poorly defined, except for lower stretches of larger rivers. Permafrost is discontinuous over the area and thaw lakes are numerous. Morainal and abandoned melt-water channel lakes are frequent. Soils above permafrost are wet or moist throughout the summer. Wetlands occupy 36 percent of the area.
Flooding is probably the most important naturally-occurring disturbance in the area.
Wildfire frequency is low. The area is used primarily for subsistence and recreational hunting and fishing. Ahtna Athabaskans reside in this Section. Compiled by Alaska Region.