Gogebic County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Gogebic County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gogebic fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, stony | 60K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tula-Gogebic complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, stony | 53K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 28K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lupton and Cathro soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gogebic fine sandy loam, 6 to 18 percent slopes, stony | 28K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gogebic fine sandy loam, sandy substratum, 6 to 18 percent slopes, stony | 27K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gogebic silt loam, 6 to 18 percent slopes, stony | 25K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gogebic fine sandy loam, sandy substratum, 1 to 6 percent slopes, stony | 23K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Karlin-Keweenaw-Sarona, dense substratum, complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gogebic silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, stony | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gogebic silt loam, sandy substratum, 6 to 18 percent slopes, stony | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pleine-Cathro-Gay complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, stony | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton-Pleine-Cathro complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gogebic-Peshekee complex, 6 to 18 percent slopes, very rocky, very stony | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bowstring-Arnheim complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 14K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gogebic-Tula-Lupton complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loxley, Greenwood, and Dawson peats, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flintsteel loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, stony | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockland-Arnheim, frequently flooded, complex, 0 to 70 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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 93% 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.