Tahoe Basin Area, California and Nevada

Survey Area CA693• California

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Tahoe Basin 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	130K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Cagwin Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, extremely stony	9K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cagwin-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, extremely stony	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rock Outcrop-Rockbound complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes	7K		D	Not rated	Very limited
Cassenai gravelly loamy coarse sand, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very stony	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Rock Outcrop-Rockbound complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes	6K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Whittell-Jobsis-Rock outcrop complex, cool, 30 to 75 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cassenai gravelly loamy coarse sand, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very stony	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Temo-Witefels complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	5K	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tahoma-Jorge complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Jorge-Tahoma complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Jorge very cobbly fine sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, rubbly	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop, granitic	4K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Meeks gravelly loamy coarse sand, 15 to 30 percent slopes, extremenly bouldery	3K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Temo-Witefels complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	3K	Excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop, volcanic	3K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Christopher-Gefo complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Jobsis-Whittell-Rock outcrop complex, cool, 8 to 30 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dagget very gravelly loamy coarse sand, moist, 15 to 30 percent slopes, rubbly	3K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Cassenai gravelly loamy coarse sand, 5 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	3K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat 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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Andisols

Volcanic ash soils — light, porous, and fertile. Excellent drainage, but low density can complicate foundations.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 30% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 36% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

Gardening & Agriculture

Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.