Stanislaus County, California, Western Part
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Stanislaus County, California, Western Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga-Honker-Franciscan complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes, MLRA 15 | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wisflat-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 23K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Wisflat-Arburua-San Timoteo complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes, MLRA 15 | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Honker-Vallecitos-Honker, eroded, complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes, MLRA 15 | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arburua-Contra Costa-Wisflat complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arburua-Contra Costa-Wisflat complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wisflat-Arburua-San Timoteo complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 15 | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaviota gravelly loam, 30 to 75 percent slopes, eroded, MLRA 15 | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gonzaga-Honker-Franciscan complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 15 | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vernalis-Zacharias complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Capay clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, MLRA 17 | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Franciscan-Quinto-Honker complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes, MLRA 15 | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alo-Vaquero complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, MLRA 15 | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vernalis clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vernalis loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Capay clay, wet, 0 percent slopes, MLRA 17 | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stomar clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaviota loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Henneke-Hentine-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zacharias clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% 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 88% 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.