Yosemite National Park, California

Survey Area CA790• California

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Yosemite National Park, 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
Rock outcrop-Crazymule-Vitrandic Cryorthents association, 0 to 45 percent slopes, joints, fractures, scoured, cryic	62K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Rock outcrop-Canisrocks complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes, mountain slopes, cryic	43K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Rock outcrop-Canisrocks-Xeric Dystrocryepts complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes, mountain slopes, cryic	38K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not rated	Not rated
Rock outcrop-Rubble land-Canisrocks association, 0 to 80 percent slopes, cirqued mountainflanks, cryic	34K			Not rated	Not rated
Rock outcrop-Canisrocks-Xeric Dystrocryepts complex, 5 to 45 percent slopes, moraines, mountain slopes, cryic	33K			Not rated	Not rated
Canisrocks-Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes, mountainflanks, cryic	32K		A	Not rated	Not rated
Rock outcrop-Typic Cryorthents-Xeric Dystrocryepts complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes, mountain slopes, joints, cryic	30K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not rated	Not rated
Rock outcrop-Canisrocks-Glacierpoint complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes, mountain slopes, joints, cryic	28K		A	Not rated	Not rated
Canisrocks-Rock outcrop-Glacierpoint complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes, mountain slopes, cryic	27K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Canisrocks-Rock outcrop-Rubble land-Vitrandic Dystrocryepts association, 2 to 30 percent slopes, glacially scoured mountain valleys, cryic	19K			Not rated	Not rated
Canisrocks-Xeric Dystrocryepts association, 5 to 30 percent slopes, mountain valleys, moraines, cryic	17K			Not rated	Not rated
Canisrocks-Glacierpoint-Humic Dystrocryepts complex, 15 to 55 percent slopes, lateral moraines, cryic	16K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Canisrocks-Xeric Dystrocryepts complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, mountain slopes, moraines, cryic	15K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Craneflat-Rock outcrop-Rubble land-Waterwheel association, 30 to 80 percent slopes, mountainflanks, frigid	15K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Waterwheel-Humic Dystroxerepts complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, mountain slopes, frigid	15K	Somewhat excessively drained		Not rated	Not rated
Canisrocks-Rock outcrop-Glacierpoint complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes, mountain slopes, moraines, joints, cryic	14K			Not rated	Not rated
Rubble land-Typic Cryorthents-Rock outcrop-Xeric Dystrocryepts complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes, mountainflanks, metamorphic, mafic, cryic	14K			Not rated	Not rated
Rock outcrop-Craneflat-Waterwheel association, 0 to 30 percent slopes, mountain slopes, frigid	13K		A	Not rated	Not rated
Canisrocks-Crazymule complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, mountain slopes, lateral moraines, cryic	12K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Glacierpoint-Typic Cryorthents complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes, mountain slopes, lateral moraines, aprons, cryic	12K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	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.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

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

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

Most soils are reasonably suitable for conventional septic systems, though site-specific conditions always matter. Get a perc test to confirm.

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.