High Sierra Area, California
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 High Sierra Area, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop-Typic Cryorthents complex, 40 to 85 percent slopes | 96K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Typic Cryorthents complex, 0 to 45 percent slopes | 68K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Rock outcrop and rubble land | 65K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Typic Cryorthents, 0 to 35 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Cryorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 45 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Cryorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 85 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Lithic cryothents-Nanamkin family association, 15 to 60 percent slopes. | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Cryorthents-Rock outcrop-Lithic Cryorthents complex, tephritic, 0 to 30 percest slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Cryumbrepts-Dystric Cryochrepts-Typic Cryorthents complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Typic Cryorthents-Lithic Cryorthents complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 16K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Typic Cryorthents-Dystric Cryochrepts-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Xerorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 85 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents-Haplargids-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Cryorthents-Typic Cryochrepts-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 45 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, granitic crags, 30 to 100 percent slopes | 13K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Typic Cryorthents-Entic Cryumbrepts complex, 0 to 45 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex | 12K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Entic Xerumbrepts-Dystric Xerorthents-Rock outcrop association, 40 to 85 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, granitic-Isosceles, cool-Langille, cool complex, 5 to 75 percent slopes | 12K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Typic Cryorthents-Typic Cryumbrepts-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% 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 97% 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.