Tahoe National Forest Area, 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 Tahoe National Forest Area, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadwood-Rock outcrop-Hurlbut complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes, N Mid Montane | 74K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurlbut-Deadwood-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 72K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tallac-Cryumbrepts, wet complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waca-Meiss complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCarthy-Ledmount-Crozier complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waca-Windy complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes *** | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, granitic | 21K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Waca-Windy complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smokey-Woodseye-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jocal-Jocal variant-Cryumbrepts, wet complex, 50 to 75 percent s lopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aldi-Kyburz-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Franktown-Aldi-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCarthy-Ledmount-Crozier complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waca-Meiss complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, metamorphic-Woodseye complex, 30 to 75 percent slo pes | 17K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Fugawee-Tahoma complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 16K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Mariposa-Jocal complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes, N Mid Montane | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Deadwood association, 50 to 100 percent slopes | 16K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Rock outcrop, metamorphic-Tinker-Cryumbrepts, wet complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 16K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.