Tahoe Basin Area, California and Nevada
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Tahoe Basin Area, California and Nevada.
| 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 |
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.