Plumas National Forest Area, California

Survey Area CA713• California

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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. 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
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

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

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.