Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, 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 Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop, granitic-Benchlake, moist-Langille complex, 2 to 45 percent slopes | 59K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Rock outcrop, granitic-Isosceles, cool-Langille, cool complex, 5 to 75 percent slopes | 47K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Beetlerock-Windowpeak complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, granitic-Canisrocks-Typic Cryorthents, warm complex, 30 to 100 percent slopes | 38K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Typic Cryorthents, 30 to 90 percent slopes | 34K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, granitic crags, 30 to 100 percent slopes | 33K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Siberian, dry-Lapin complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Canisrocks-Typic Cryorthents, warm-Rock outcrop, granitic complex, 30 to 100 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Siberian, dry-Canisrocks, dry complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, granitic-Typic Cryorthents-Canisrocks, scree complex, 30 to 100 percent slopes | 26K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Rock outcrop, granitic-Isosceles-McDermand complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 24K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Dorst, moist-Beetlerock-Rock outcrop, granitic complex, 15 to 100 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tharpslog-Canyonview, warm-Cabincove complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, granitic-Dorst-Lackey complex, 45 to 125 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, granitic-Doncecil, cool-Pigchute, avalanche complex, 15 to 125 percent slopes | 21K | A | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Rock outcrop, granitic-Typic Cryorthents, warm complex, 30 to 90 percent slopes | 19K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Rock outcrop, granitic crags-Typic Cryorthents complex, 30 to 100 percent slopes | 19K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edencreek-Grunigen-Edencreek, warm complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Windowpeak-Halstead complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lackey, cool-Dorst complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | 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 89% 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 94% 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.