Los Angeles County, California, West San Fernando Valley Area

Survey Area CA676• California

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Los Angeles County, California, West San Fernando Valley Area. 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
Mocho-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Not rated
Conejo-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, MLRA 19	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
San Emigdio-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Xerorthents-Urban land-Balcom complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes	7K	Well drained		Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Capistrano-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Chualar-Urban land complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Anacapa-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Balcom silty clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 20	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Gaviota complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes, warm MAAT, MLRA 20	4K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Gazos-Balcom complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lopez shaly clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cropley-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K		C	Very limited	Very limited
Saugus loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Xerorthents-Urban land-Balcom complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	3K	Well drained		Very limited	Very limited
Capistrano-Urban land complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Gazos silty clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Badland	2K			Very limited	Very limited
Mipolomol-Topanga association, 30 to 75 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Balcom silty clay loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, MLRA 20	1K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gaviota sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, warm MAAT, MLRA 20	1K	Well drained	D	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.

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 36% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 58% 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.