Yuba County, California
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Yuba County, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Joaquin loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 56K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sobrante-Auburn complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conejo loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, MLRA 17 | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sites silt loam, 9 to 15 percent slopes, N low montane | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Redding gravelly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, MLRA 17 | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sites silt loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, N low montane | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sobrante-Auburn complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sobrante-Auburn complex, gravelly, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kimball loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| WATER | 7K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Hollenbeck silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| DUMPS, MINE TAILINGS | 6K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Sobrante-Timbuctoo complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Surnuf cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sobrante-Auburn complex, gravelly, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sobrante-Timbuctoo complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Argonaut-Auburn complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chawanakee-Chaix-Hotaw complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sites gravelly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holland-Hoda-Hotaw complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.