Yancey County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Yancey County, North Carolina. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porters-Unaka complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, rocky | 18K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buladean-Chestnut complex, central mountain, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony | 15K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Cleveland-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 95 percent slopes, very bouldery | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, central mountain, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toecane-Tusquitee complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very bouldery | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chandler-Micaville complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huntdale clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buladean-Chestnut complex, central mountain, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thunder-Saunook complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very bouldery | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toecane-Tusquitee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very bouldery | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fannin sandy clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifton clay loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fannin sandy clay loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifton clay loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, central mountain, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thunder-Saunook complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very bouldery | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porters-Unaka complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burton-Craggey-Rock outcrop complex, windswept, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very bouldery | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saunook-Thunder complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chandler-Micaville complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% 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 100% 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.