Mendocino County, Western Part, California
The most common soil here is Ornbaun, on about 10% of the land. Zeni and Yellowhound come next.
About 92% of the land drains well, and 4% stays wet for long stretches; 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 72% 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 Mendocino County, Western Part, 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 B (moderate infiltration). 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 Mendocino County, Western Part, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ornbaun-Zeni complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 92K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yellowhound-Kibesillah complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes, MLRA 4B | 65K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dehaven-Hotel complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ornbaun-Zeni complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irmulco-Tramway complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holohan-Hollowtree-Casabonne complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 5 | 47K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yellowhound-Kibesillah-Ornbaun complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 4B | 42K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irmulco-Tramway complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Casabonne-Wohly complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ornbaun-Zeni complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vandamme loam, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yellowhound-Woodin-Ornbaun complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodin-Yellowhound complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holohan-Hollowtree complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Casabonne-Wohly complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yellowhound-Woodin complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gibsoncreek-Sproulish-Redwohly complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irmulco-Tramway complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hopland-Wohly complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gschwend-Frenchman complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not 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 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.