Inyo National Forest, Eastern Part, California and Nevada
The most common soil here is Packham family, on about 4% of the land. Pergelic Cryoborolls and Hartig family come next.
About all of the land drains well.
USDA rates 93% 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: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 85% 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 National Forest, Eastern Part, California and Nevada. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop, granitic-Packham family-Rubble land association, 30 to 80 percent slopes. | 37K | Excessively drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Pergelic Cryoborolls-Soakpak family association, 5 to 70 percent slopes. | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Washoe-Checkett-Mulett families association, 30 to 60 percent slopes. | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Packham-Slinger families-Rock outcrop, granitic association, 30 to 60 percent slopes. | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartig-Dunul families-Rock outcrop, granitic association, 50 to 70 percent slopes. | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sanpete-Theriot families complex, 5 to 60 percent slopes. | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bregar-Slinger families-Rock outcrop, metasedimentary complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes. | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex. | 18K | Excessively drained | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Entero-Penelas-Slatery association | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hymas family-Rock outcrop, limestone association, 30 to 60 percent slopes. | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xeric Torriorthents-Lomoine-Xeric Torriorthents, deep association | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Supervisor-Bartine families association, 30 to 70 percent slopes. | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, granitic-Brad-Hartig families complex, 60 to 80 percent slopes. | 12K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Packham-Spaa families-Rock outcrop, granitic association, 30 to 60 percent slopes. | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Merlin-Wenzel families-Rock outcrop, volcanic association, 5 to 60 percent slopes. | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Basket-Bondranch families complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes. | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartig family-Rock outcrop, granitic complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes. | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Risue-Abgese-Preston families association, 2 to 15 percent slopes. | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sanpete-Theriot families-Rock outcrop, limestone association, 60 to 80 percent slopes. | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartig-Packham families association, 30 to 60 percent slopes. | 9K | 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 93% 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.