Sequoia National Forest Parts of Fresno, Kern and Tulare Counties, California
The dominant drainage class is Excessively 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 Sequoia National Forest Parts of Fresno, Kern and Tulare Counties, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop | 60K | Excessively drained | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Cieneba-rock outcrop complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 55K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Cieneba-Brader family complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 44K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Cieneba complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 40K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chawanakee-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Siskiyou family-Rock outcrop-Brader family complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dowe-Chaix-Rock outcrop association, moderately steep | 27K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cannell-Sirretta-Nanny family complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cagwin-Toem-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaix-Rock outcrop-Chawanakee complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaix-Dome-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Toem complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 20K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Auberry-Cieneba-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaix-Rock outcrop-Chawanakee complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Livermore family-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Cieneba-Chawanakee complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 18K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toem-Rock outcrop-Cagwin complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 17K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tollhouse-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cannell-Sirretta-Nanny family complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dome-Chaix-Rock outcrop association, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.