Watauga 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 Watauga County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chestnut-Edneyville complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porters loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Unaka-Porters complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Chestnut complex, escarpment, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chandler fine sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Chestnut complex, escarpment, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chestnut-Ashe complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chestnut-Edneyville complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watauga loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saunook loam, central mountains, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Porters loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Unaka-Porters complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very rocky | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cullasaja very cobbly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cashiers loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Unaka-Porters complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saunook loam, central mountains, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burton-Wayah complex, windswept, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes. 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.