Plumas National Forest Area, California
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Plumas National Forest Area, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skalan-Deadwood-Kistirn families complex, 50 to 70 percent slopes. | 67K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cagwin-Toem families complex, 2 to 70 percent slopes. | 46K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waca-Woodseye families complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes. | 43K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex | 36K | Excessively drained | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Ultic Haploxeralfs-Inville family complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes. | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toem-Cagwin families complex, 2 to 55 percent slopes. | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinkel-Deawood families complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes. | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinkel-Deadwood families complex, 50 to 70 percent slopes. | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kistirn-Aiken-Deadwood families complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes. | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holland family, basic, 2 to 50 percent slopes. | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ultic Palexeralfs-Lithic Haploxeralfs-Skalan family complex, 2 to 55 percent slopes. | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waca-Woodseye families complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes. | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uvi-Smokey families complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes. | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Inville-Woodseye families complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes. | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wapi family-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 85 percent slopes. | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wapi family, 50 to 85 percent slope. | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holland family, basic, 50 to 70 percent slopes. | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaix-Wapi families complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes. | 20K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bullnel-Etchen-Boomtown families complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes. | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sattley-Franktown families complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes. | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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 93% 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.