Susanville Area, Parts of Lassen and Plumas Counties, California
The most common soil here is Devada, on about 8% of the land: a very cobbly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Petescreek and Ravendale come next.
About 80% of the land drains well, and 5% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 5% of it.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 78% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 63% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Susanville Area, Parts of Lassen and Plumas Counties, California, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Susanville Area, Parts of Lassen and Plumas Counties, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 78% 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 91% 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.