McDowell 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 McDowell County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evard-Cowee complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 72K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chestnut-Ashe complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes, stony | 44K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville-Evard complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville-Chestnut complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes, stony | 23K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville clay loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Evard loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iotla sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Brasstown complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Cleveland-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 95 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ditney-Unicoi complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rosman loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ostin cobbly loamy sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenlee very cobbly loam, 6 to 25 percent slopes, very bouldery | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tate loam, escarpment, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tate loam, escarpment, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lonon-Northcove complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Braddock clay loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Northcove very cobbly sandy loam, 10 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 84% 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 96% 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.