Death Valley National Park Area, California and Nevada

Survey Area CA793• California

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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. 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
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

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.

Entisols

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

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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.