Keweenaw County Area, 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 Keweenaw County Area, Michigan.
| 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 |
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.