Ashe County, North Carolina
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 Ashe County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edneyville loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watauga loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porters stony loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watauga loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard stony loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chandler loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tusquitee and Spivey stony soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toxaway loam | 9K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tusquitee loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clifton loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ashe gravelly fine sandy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colvard fine sandy loam | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifton loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fannin loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Braddock gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Watauga loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Porters stony loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 91% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.