Benton-Owens Valley Area Parts of Inyo and Mono Counties, California
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Benton-Owens Valley Area Parts of Inyo and Mono Counties, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playas | 67K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Lithic Torriorthents-Lithic Haplargids-Rock outcrop complex, cool, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 32K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pizona-Brantel association, 2 to 50 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brantel gravelly loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 23K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chidago gravelly loamy sand, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Honova loamy coarse sand, slightly moist, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Millner-Millner stony association, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mazourka-Eclipse complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brantel gravelly coarse sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Alamedawell gravelly substratum-Brantel association, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Honova extremey cobbly loamy sand, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Torriorthents-Lithic Haplargids-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torrifluvents-Fluvaquentic Endoaquolls complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montezuma-Brantel complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Xeric Haplargids-Lithic Xeric Torriorthents complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cambidic Haplodurids-Typic Haplodurids association, cool, 5 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lubkin-Tinemaha complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Goodale-Cartago complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Taboose-Lava flows complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zono coarse sand, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 83% 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.