Surprise Valley-Home Camp Area, California and Nevada
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Surprise Valley-Home Camp Area, California and Nevada. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 58K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Devada-Bucklake association | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chalco-Saraph-Tuffo association | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wylo-Bucklake-Rock outcrop association | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saltmount silty clay loams, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ashtre-Nutzan-Ashdos association | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macnot-Jesayno-Nevadash association | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Old Camp very stony loam, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ninemile-Karlo-Crocan association | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Devada-Reywat-Bitner association | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saraph-Macnot-Tuffo association | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Playas | 15K | Very poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Nitpac-Tunnison-Devada association | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ferver-Tunnison association | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashtre-Bitner association | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crazybird-Warnermount association | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mazuma-Bighat association | 13K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Couch-Jesayno association | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Raglan-Mazuma association | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dosie-Rubble land association | 13K | Well drained | C | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% 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 75% 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.