Lake County, California
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Lake County, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maymen-Etsel-Snook complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes, low ffd | 63K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maymen-Etsel-Mayacama complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 56K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 49K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Sanhedrin-Kekawaka-Speaker complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Henneke-Montara-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 15 | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skyhigh-Millsholm loams, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maymen-Hopland-Mayacama association, 20 to 60 percent slopes, MLRA 15 | 24K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maymen-Hopland-Etsel association, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maymen-Etsel-Speaker association, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neuns-Sanhedrin-Deadwood complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neuns-Sanhedrin-Deadwood complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Millsholm-Bressa loams, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bally-Phipps-Haploxeralfs association, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sheetiron-Deadwood association, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maymen-Etsel-Snook complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Speaker-Maymen-Marpa association, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neuns-Sanhedrin-Speaker gravelly loams, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Millsholm-Bressa-Hopland association, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maymen-Millsholm-Bressa complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maymen-Hopland-Mayacama association, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% 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 90% 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.