Death Valley National Park Area, California and Nevada
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Death Valley National Park Area, California and Nevada.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typic Haplargids and Lithic Haplargids; thermic hills and mountains | 930K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents, Torripsamments, and Haplargids; hyperthermic fan piedmonts | 723K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Torriorthents and Ustic Haplargids, shallow; mesic hills and mountains | 607K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Torriorthents, Typic Haplocalcids, and Rock outcrop; hyperthermic hills and mountains | 502K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Torriorthents and Typic Haplargids; thermic fan piedmonts | 260K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Torripsamments and Torriorthents; hyperthermic dunes and alluvium | 229K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents and Torripsamments; hyperthermic basins | 220K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Xeric Torriorthents, Typic Torrifluvents, and Aeric Halaquepts; thermic basins | 44K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Typic Argixerolls, shallow and Torriorthentic Haplustolls; frigid mountains | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Torriorthents and Calcic Petrocalcids; mesic fan piedmonts | 11K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lava flows and Lithic Haplargids; thermic | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 58% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 92% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.