Sequoia National Forest Parts of Fresno, Kern and Tulare Counties, California

Survey Area CA760• California

The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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	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

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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.