Keweenaw County Area, Michigan

Survey Area MI605• Michigan

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Keweenaw County Area, Michigan. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Montreal-Paavola-Dishno complex, dissected, 8 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky, very bouldery	19K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Montreal-Paavola-Waiska complex, dissected, 8 to 35 percent slopes, rocky, very bouldery	18K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Skanee-Gay complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gratiot-Sabattis complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes, rocky, very bouldery	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arcadian-Dishno-Rock outcrop complex, dissected, 8 to 35 percent slopes, very bouldery	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Munising-Skanee complex, dissected, 4 to 18 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	10K			Not rated	Not rated
Lupton and Tawas soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes	10K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arcadian-Michigamme-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, extremely bouldery	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Montreal-Paavola-Waiska complex, dissected, 1 to 12 percent slopes, rocky, very bouldery	9K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Montreal-Paavola-Dishno complex, dissected, 1 to 12 percent slopes, very rocky, very bouldery	9K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tawas-Deford complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes	7K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Munising-Skanee complex, dissected, 1 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Munising-Yalmer complex, dissected, 1 to 12 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Monteal-Dishno-Gratiot complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky, very bouldery	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arcadian-Nipissing-Rock outcrop complex, dissected, 8 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	5K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Histosols and Aquents, ponded	4K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Trimountain-Lac La Belle-Michigamme complex, dissected, 15 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky, extremely bouldery	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Au Gres-Deford-Croswell complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Garlic-Alcona complex, dissected, 1 to 12 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 92% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some 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.