Beaver Creek Area, Arizona

Survey Area AZ641• Arizona

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Beaver Creek Area, Arizona. 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
Springerville very stony clay, 0 to 10 percent slopes	49K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Brolliar stony clay loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Retriever very stony loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Springerville very stony clay, 10 to 20 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Stony very steep land, basalt	14K			Not rated	Not rated
Stony steep land, basalt	14K			Not rated	Not rated
Retriever very stony loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Siesta stony silt loam	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Brolliar silt loam, deep	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Springerville very stony clay, 20 to 30 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Stony rough land, basalt and cinders	8K			Not rated	Not rated
Brolliar very stony loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock land-Springerville complex	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Sandstone rock land	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Brolliar stony clay loam, 10 to 20 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rough broken and stony land, limestone	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Karro and laveen fine sandy loams	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sponseller stony silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Siesta silt loam, deep	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gem clay loam	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 77% 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

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.