High Sierra Area, California

Survey Area CA740• California

The dominant drainage class is Well 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 High Sierra Area, California. 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Andisols

Volcanic ash soils — light, porous, and fertile. Excellent drainage, but low density can complicate foundations.

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.