Butte Valley-Tule Lake Area, California, Parts of Siskiyou and Modoc Counties

Survey Area CA684• California

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Butte Valley-Tule Lake Area, California, Parts of Siskiyou and Modoc Counties. 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
Capjac silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	42K	Poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tulebasin mucky silty clay loam	42K	Very poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Inlow-Ocho complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Searles-Truax-Orhood complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Searles-Orhood complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	15K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Poman loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lamath silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	12K	Poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Modoc loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Searles-Orhood complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Laki fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Kalo stony sandy loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tulana silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Fordney loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, south, MLRA 21	8K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Truax-Searles, 2 to 9 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Doel sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lorella-Fiddler very complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rojo sandy loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dehill fine sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Eastable loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat 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.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Andisols

Volcanic ash soils — light, porous, and fertile. Excellent drainage, but low density can complicate foundations.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 73% 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. 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.