Mariposa County Area, California

Survey Area CA649• California

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% 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 100% 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.