Madera Area, California
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Madera Area, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahwahnee and Vista rocky coarse sandy loams, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 98K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| San Joaquin sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 61K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cometa sandy loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ahwahnee and Vista rocky coarse sandy loams, 30 to 45 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fresno and El Peco fine sandy loams, strongly saline-sodic, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 31K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coarsegold loam, 45 to 75 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ahwahnee and Vista coarse sandy loams, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tujunga loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hanford (ripperdan) fine sandy loam, moderately deep and deep over silt, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ahwahnee and Auberry rocky coarse sandy loams, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madera fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ramona sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ahwahnee and Auberry rocky coarse sandy loams, 30 to 45 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Daulton fine sandy loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ahwahnee and Vista very rocky coarse sandy loams, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grangeville fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ahwahnee and Auberry coarse sandy loams, 15 to 30 percent slope | 12K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grangeville fine sandy loam, over traver soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Daulton loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.