Yavapai County, Arizona, Western Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Yavapai County, Arizona, Western Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barkerville cobbly sandy loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 241K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barkerville extremely rocky sandy loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 238K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock land | 237K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Springerville-Cabezon complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 200K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moano very rocky loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 163K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lynx soils | 106K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabezon-Springerville complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 97K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cellar soils, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 96K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pastura-Lynx association, undulating | 90K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock land, low rainfall | 80K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cabezon soils, 8 to 45 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tortugas extremely rocky loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 69K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonti gravelly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 59K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tortugas very rocky loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Springerville cobbly clay, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonti cobbly loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cave-Continental gravelly sandy loams, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lonti gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thunderbird cobbly clay loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purner gravelly loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 73% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 84% 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.