Mariposa County Area, California
The most common soil here is Daulton, on about 10% of the land: a gravelly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Gopheridge and Loafercreek come next.
About 96% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 2% of it.
USDA rates 97% 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 95% 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 soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Mariposa County Area, California, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
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 Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Mariposa County Area, California. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daulton very rocky loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ahwahnee-Auberry rocky sandy loams, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Daulton loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonanza-Loafercreek-Jasperpeak complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jasperpeak-Gopheridge complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Daulton very rocky loam, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gardellones-Gopheridge-Motherlode complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blasingame-Las Posas rocky loams, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moccasinhill-Copperopolis complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loafercreek-Gopheridge complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gopheridge-Jasperpeak complex, 50 to 90 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gopheridge-Jasperpeak-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trabuco-Jasperpeak-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| San Andreas-Coarsegold complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Priestgrade channery fine sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock land | 10K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Shaver-Holland-Chawanakee complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ahwahnee-Auberry very rocky sandy loams, 30 to 75 percent slope | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wallyhill-Fricot complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Auberry very rocky sandy loam, 15 to 30 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 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.