Sierra National Forest Area Parts of Fresno, California

Survey Area CA750• California

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Sierra National Forest Area Parts of Fresno, 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
Holland-Chaix families complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Holland-Chawanakee families complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Holland family, 35 to 65 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Lithic Xeropsamments complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	28K	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cagwin family-Lithic Xeropsamments-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Lithic Xeropsamments complex, 45 to 85 percent slopes	26K	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sirretta family and Umpa family, wet, 2 to 25 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Holland family, 5 to 35 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Chawanakee family-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes	22K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wilderness Area	22K			Not rated	Not rated
Rock outcrop	20K	Excessively drained	D	Not rated	Not rated
Coarsegold-Auberry families association, 35 to 65 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Chaix family, deep, 5 to 45 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Holland-Chaix families complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cagwin family, 25 to 60 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Stecum family-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 45 percent slopes	19K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Entic Cryumbrepts-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 55 percent slopes	18K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Ledford family-Entic Xerumbrepts-Rock outcrop association, 10 to 45 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Cagwin family-Lithic Xeropsamments-Rock outcrop complex, 45 to 65 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Shaver family, 35 to 65 percent slopes	17K	Well 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.

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 85% 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 90% 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.