Santa Clara Area, California, Western Part

Survey Area CA641• California

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 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 Santa Clara Area, California, Western Part. 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
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

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.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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.