Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is 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 Isle Royale National Park, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (Lake Superior) | 409K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Michigamme-Peshekee-Rock outcrop complex, 4 to 26 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton and Cathro soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water (Inland) | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Michigamme-Peshekee complex, 5 to 21 percent slopes, very rocky, stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Michigamme-Peshekee-Arcadian complex, 5 to 33 percent slopes, very rocky | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathro, Lupton, and Arnheim soils, drainageway, 0 to 4 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chippewa Harbor-Michigamme complex, 3 to 19 percent slopes, rocky | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Michigamme-Peshekee complex, 7 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky, stony | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevens-Cathro complex, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chippewa Harbor-Nevens complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes, very rocky, very stony | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montreal-Michigamme complex, 3 to 17 percent slopes, rocky, very stony | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quetico-Peshekee-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 27 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arcadian-Nipissing complex, 2 to 14 percent slopes, very rocky, very stony | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevens-Gratiot complex, 1 to 7 percent slopes, rocky | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arcadian-Quetico-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 37 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montreal-Nevens complex, 1 to 9 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sabattis-Cathro complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arcadian-Minong-Rock outcrop complex, 4 to 40 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Michigamme-Arcadian complex, 9 to 45 percent slopes, rocky, very stony | 3K | Well drained | C | 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
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.