Inyo County Area, 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 Inyo County Area, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithic Torriorthents and Ustic Haplargids, shallow; mesic hills and mountains | 358K | Well drained | C | 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 | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Typic Torriorthents and Calcic Petrocalcids; mesic fan piedmonts | 96K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Torriorthents, Typic Haplocalcids, and Rock outcrop; hyperthermic hills and mountains | 63K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lava flows and Lithic Haplargids; thermic | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents and Torripsamments; hyperthermic basins | 26K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Typic Argixerolls, shallow and Torriorthentic Haplustolls; frigid mountains | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xeric Torriorthents, Typic Torrifluvents, and Aeric Halaquepts; thermic basins | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 64% 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 81% 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.