Susanville Area, Parts of Lassen and Plumas Counties, California
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 Susanville Area, Parts of Lassen and Plumas Counties, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 125K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Petescreek-Fredonyer association 2 to 30 percent slopes | 72K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Devada-Petescreek-Fiddler association, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 69K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ravendale silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 68K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Devada-Rock outcrop association, 2 to 50 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Petescreek-Searles association, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Horsecamp-Brubeck association, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eaglelake-Outland-Weste complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Searles-Devada-Fivesprings association, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Longcreek-Devada-Rubble land complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anawalt-Ninemile association, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Searles-Orhood-Devada association, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Devada-Brubeck association, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckbay-Orhood-Devada association, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Searles-Glean association, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Searles-Glean association, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Said-Ninemile association, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fiddler-Orhood-Petescreek association, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenbrook-Graufels-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubble land-Fiddler association, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 17K | Excessively drained | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 83% 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.