Siskiyou County, California, Central Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Siskiyou County, California, Central Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duzel-Jilson-Facey complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 103K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marpa-Kinkel-Boomer, cool complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 80K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kindig-Neuns gravelly loams, 50 to 80 percent slopes complex | 47K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lassen-Kuck complex, stony, 2 to 50 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lassen-Rock outcrop-Kuck complex, 2 to 50 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jilson-Duzel gravelly loams, 5 to 50 percent slopes complex | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Haploxerolls-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 65 percent slopes* | 24K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mary-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 50 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Xerorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 65 percent slopes* | 21K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop | 17K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gazelle silt loam | 16K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mary stony loam, 2 to 50 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Salisbury cobbly loam, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Settlemeyer loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaix-Chawanakee gravelly coarse sandy loams, 50 to 70 percent slopes complex | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinehurst stony loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sheld-Iller stony sandy loams, 9 to 30 percent slopes complex | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plutos-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinehurst stony loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Avis-Oosen complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.