Big Smoky Valley Area, Nevada, Part of Nye County
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Big Smoky Valley Area, Nevada, Part of Nye County.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stumble loamy fine sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 35K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dobel-Bluewing association | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grassval-Alley-Zaidy association | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vigus-Koyen association | 19K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Not limited |
| Yomba-Playas complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Playas | 15K | Poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Ardivey-Wardenot association | 15K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Timper gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alley-Wiffo-Wrango association | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Umberland clay loam | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollywell-Unsel association | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Old Camp-Rock outcrop complex | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Koyen gravelly fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Unsel-Izo complex | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bluewing very gravelly sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parran silty clay loam | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Unsel-Belted-Orphant association | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laxal-Wrango association | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wardenot gravelly fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Koyen fine sandy loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% 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 76% 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.