Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Survey Area CA789 California

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Lassen Volcanic National Park, California.

Soil Map UnitAcresDrainageHydro GroupDwellingsSeptic
Scoured-Juniperlake-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 40 percent slopes 13K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Cenplat ashy loamy sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes 9K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Scoured very bouldery medial loamy sand, 2 to 30 percent slopes 7K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Badgerflat-Cenplat complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes 7K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Juniperlake gravelly medial sandy loam, 2 to 35 percent slopes 6K Well drainedAVery limitedVery limited
Emeraldlake-Terracelake-Readingpeak-Rock Outcrop-Rubble land complex, 20 to 95 percent slopes 5K Well drainedAVery limitedVery limited
Bearrubble-Rubble land complex, 8 to 40 percent slopes 5K Well drainedASomewhat limitedVery limited
Terracelake-Acroph-Rock outcrop-Shadowlake complex, 15 to 80 percent slopes 4K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Terracelake-Shadowlake-Acroph-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes 4K Well drainedAVery limitedVery limited
Buttelake ashy sand, 3 to 35 percent slopes 4K Well drainedASomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Sueredo bouldery ashy loamy coarse sand, 2 to 30 percent slopes 4K Well drainedASomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Badgerflat very gravelly ashy sandy loam, 1 to 30 percent slopes 4K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedVery limited
Kingsiron-Dittmar-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 80 percent slopes 3K Well drainedAVery limitedVery limited
Diamondpeak-Brokeoff-Endoaquepts-Aquic Dystroxerepts, debris flows-Typic Dystroxerepts complex, 10 to 80 percent slopes 3K Well drainedCVery limitedVery limited
Prospectpeak, ashy coarse sand, 10 to 30 percent slopes 2K Well drainedAVery limitedVery limited
Water 2K DNot ratedNot rated
Buttewash ashy coarse sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes 2K Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Lava Flows 2K Not ratedNot rated
Chaos extremely gravelly ashy coarse sand, 2 to 30 percent slopes 2K Somewhat excessively drainedANot limitedVery limited
Ashbutte-Vitrandic Xerorthents complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes 2K Somewhat excessively drainedAVery limitedVery limited

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 72% 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.

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