Inyo County Area, California

Survey Area CA663• California

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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	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

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.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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.