Swain County Area, 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 Swain County Area, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junaluska-Tsali complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soco-Stecoah complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, rocky | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brasstown-Junaluska complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Tsali complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylco-Cataska complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ditney-Unicoi-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spivey-Santeetlah complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brasstown-Junaluska complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Junaluska-Tsali complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville-Chestnut complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, rocky | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spivey-Santeetlah complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex, 2 to 50 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cheoah-Jeffrey complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soco-Stecoah complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cullasaja-Tuckasegee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very stony | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cleveland-Chestnut-Rock outcrop complex, windswept, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very stony | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.