Butte Area, California, Parts of Butte and Plumas Counties
The dominant drainage class is Poorly 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 Butte Area, California, Parts of Butte and Plumas Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esquon-Neerdobe , 0 to 1 percent slopes | 58K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lofgren-Blavo , 0 to 1 percent slopes | 30K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 21K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Paradiso loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lofgren-Blavo , 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 14K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Almendra loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Conejo clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Oroville-Thermalito-Fernandez-Thompsonflat complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xerorthents, shallow-Typic Haploxeralfs-Rock outcrop, cliffs complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parrott silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ultic Haploxeralfs-Rockstripe-Rock outcrop, cliffs ,30 to 50 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xerorthents, shallow-Typic Haploxeralfs-Rock outrcrop, cliffs complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eastbiggs loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gridley taxadjunct loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xerorthents, Tailings and 0 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boga-Loemstone , 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Doemill-Jokerst , 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gianella fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beecee very gravelly medial loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bosquejo clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 84% 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 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.