Humboldt and Del Norte Area, California
The most common soil here is Coppercreek, on about 6% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Burroin and Slidecreek come next.
About 93% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 10% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 91% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 53% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Humboldt and Del Norte Area, California, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Humboldt and Del Norte 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bagaul-Burroin-Redtop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slidecreek-Lackscreek-Coppercreek complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coppercreek-Slidecreek-Tectah complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hullygully-Burroin complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sasquatch-Sisterrocks-Ladybird complex, 30 to 50 percent | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darkwoods-Firmountain-Oakside complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sisterrocks-Sasquatch-Footstep complex, 50 to 75 percent | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sidehill-Oakside-Darkwoods complex, 50 to 100 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scaath-Rockysaddle-Wiregrass complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burgsblock-Coolyork-Tannin complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coppercreek-Slidecreek-Lackscreek complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mooncreek-Tossup-Noisy complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mooncreek-Noisy-Sidehill complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darkwoods-Firmountain-Oakside complex, 75 to 110 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burroin-Redtop complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tectah-Coppercreek-Trailhead complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wiregrass-Rockysaddle-Peacock complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darkwoods-Firmountain-Redtop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coppercreek-Ahpah-Lackscreek complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coppercreek-Tectah-Slidecreek complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 91% 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 98% 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.