Butte Valley-Tule Lake Area, California, Parts of Siskiyou and Modoc Counties
The most common soil here is Capjac, on about 10% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Tulebasin and Searles come next.
About 59% of the land drains well, and 28% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 7% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 74% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 37% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Butte Valley-Tule Lake Area, California, Parts of Siskiyou and Modoc Counties, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% 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 89% 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.