Estill and Lee Counties, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Estill and Lee Counties, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelocta-Gilpin complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes, stony | 89K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bledsoe silt loam, 20 to 65 percent slopes, very rocky | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carpenter-Bledsoe-Berks complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes, stony | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jessietown-Woolper-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Helechawa-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jessietown-Muse-Rohan complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Shelocta complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shrouts-Beasley-Woolper complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Latham-Alticrest complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rocky | 7K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Gilpin-Latham-Marrowbone complex, 12 to 55 percent slopes, rocky | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood-Lowell-Cynthiana complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes, eroded, very rocky | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westbend silt loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rayne-Gilpin complex, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Allegheny loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Latham silt loam, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rohan-Trappist complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chagrin-Grigsby complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alticrest-Ramsey-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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 94% 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.