Central Sierra Foothills Area, California, Parts of Calaveras and Tuolumne 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 Central Sierra Foothills Area, California, Parts of Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonanza-Loafercreek complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonanza-Loafercreek-Gopheridge complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loafercreek-Gopheridge complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nedsgulch-Wallyhill-Arpatutu complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 35K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Loafercreek-Gopheridge complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loafercreek-Bonanza complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nedsgulch-Wallyhill-Arpatutu complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Copperopolis-Whiterock complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nedsgulch-Arpatutu complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aquic Haploxeralfs, rarely flooded and occasionally ponded-Loafercreek-Dunstone complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Millvilla-Luckymine complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amador sandy loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nedsgulch-Sites complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wardsferry-Millvilla complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Musick-Hotaw complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gardellones-Gopheridge-Motherlode complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Copperopolis-Whiterock complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, rocky | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sanguinetti-Moccasinhill-Deerflat complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes, cool | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Copperopolis-Whiterock complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 92% 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.