Inyo County Area, California
The most common soil here is Lithic Torriorthents, on about 26% of the land. Typic Haplargids and Typic Torriorthents come next.
About all of the land drains well.
USDA rates 84% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 62% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 62% 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 biggest mapped areas
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 Inyo County 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithic Torriorthents and Ustic Haplargids, shallow; mesic hills and mountains | 358K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Haplargids and Lithic Haplargids; thermic hills and mountains | 307K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Torriorthents and Typic Haplargids; thermic fan piedmonts | 204K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Torriorthents, Torripsamments, and Haplargids; hyperthermic fan piedmonts | 144K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Typic Torriorthents and Calcic Petrocalcids; mesic fan piedmonts | 96K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Torriorthents, Typic Haplocalcids, and Rock outcrop; hyperthermic hills and mountains | 63K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lava flows and Lithic Haplargids; thermic | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents and Torripsamments; hyperthermic basins | 26K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Typic Argixerolls, shallow and Torriorthentic Haplustolls; frigid mountains | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xeric Torriorthents, Typic Torrifluvents, and Aeric Halaquepts; thermic basins | 8K | Well drained | A | Not 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 62% 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 84% 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.