Powell and Wolfe 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 Powell and Wolfe Counties, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelocta-Gilpin complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes, stony | 70K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carpenter-Bledsoe-Berks complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes, stony | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham-Gilpin-Alticrest complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Helechawa-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat excessively drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Alticrest-Ramsey-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jessietown-Muse-Rohan complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bledsoe-Berks-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grigsby silt loam, frequently flooded | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westbend silt loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Shelocta complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grigsby-Orrville complex, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham-Gilpin complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allegheny loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rowdy-Grigsby complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam, frequently flooded | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knowlton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grigsby-Skidmore-Morehead complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allegheny loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood-Lowell-Cynthiana complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes, eroded, very rocky | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 87% 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.