Intermountain Area, Parts of Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, and Siskiyou Counties, California
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Intermountain Area, Parts of Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, and Siskiyou Counties, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loveness-Fleener complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lava flows-Gassaway complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | ||
| Jimmerson loam-Jimmerson stony sandy loam complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Scarface-Gasper complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Jellycamp-Ollierivas complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neuns-Kindig complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jellycamp-Lassen-Longcreek complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chirpchatter-Hunsinger complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Neer-Ponto complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jellycamp-Vansickle complex, very cobbly loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hunsinger-Chirpchatter complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jellico-Splawn complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burney-Arkright complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wyntoon sandy loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bieber-Modoc complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Obie-Mounthat complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gasper-Scarface complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Witcher-Gosch complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lava flows | 12K | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 87% 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.