Butte Valley-Tule Lake Area, California, Parts of Siskiyou and Modoc Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Valley-Tule Lake Area, California, Parts of Siskiyou and Modoc Counties.
| 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 |
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.