Santa Clara Area, California, Western Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Santa Clara Area, California, Western Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land-Flaskan complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Urban land-Elpaloalto complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Urbanland-Campbell complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, protected | 16K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Urbanland-Hangerone complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, drained | 16K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Katykat-Mouser-Sanikara complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mouser-Katykat-Sanikara complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Stevenscreek complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Elsman-Maymen, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alo-Altamont complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Still complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Novato silty clay loam, excessive salinity, 0 to 1 percent slopes, protected | 8K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elsman-Maymen-Sanikara, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ben Lomond-Casrock complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Footpath-Mouser complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sanikara-Mouser-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urbanland-Newpark complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Water | 5K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Montara-Santerhill complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urbanland-Clear Lake complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Mouser-Maymen complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 43% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.