Yosemite National Park, California
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Yosemite National Park, California.
| 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 |
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.