Santa Clara Area, California, Western Part
The most common soil here is Mouser, on about 6% of the land: a gravelly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Sanikara and Katykat come next.
About 46% of the land drains well, and 5% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 51% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 50% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 41% 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 Santa Clara Area, California, Western Part, 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 51% 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.