Mendocino County, Western Part, California
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% 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 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.