National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California
The most common soil here is Arizo, on about 11% of the land: a very gravelly fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Dalvord and Noble Pass come next.
About 95% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 66% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 52% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 34% 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 National Training Center, Fort Irwin, 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 Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 National Training Center, Fort Irwin, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dalvord-Etinarg association, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 45K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Noble Pass complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arizo-Granitepass-Bikelake complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Goldivide extremely gravelly-Granitepass-Goldivide complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Goldivide-Cajon-Twobitter association, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gravesumit-Cajon-Livefire complex, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Dalvord-Angelpoint-Rock outcrop association, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dalvord-Rock outcrop association, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cavespring very gravelly sandy loam, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Crackerjack-Dime association, 8 to 50 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arizo very gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 14K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Noble Pass-Rock outcrop association, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Langwell-Artillery-Rock outcrop association, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nellake-Arizo association, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Venusite-Uxo association, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Arizo-Twobitter association, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Crosgrain extremely gravelly loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Juratrias-Mulespring-Newera complex, 8 to 75 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dalvord-Rock outcrop-Langwell complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Twobitter-Arizo association, 2 to 8 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 52% 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 66% 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.