Carson City Area, Nevada
The most common soil here is Koontz, on about 8% of the land: a very gravelly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Surpass and Glenbrook come next.
About 89% of the land drains well, and 6% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 82% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 89% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 66% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Carson City Area, Nevada, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Carson City Area, Nevada. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surpass gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Koontz-Sutro complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Koontz-Sutro complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenbrook-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 3K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Devada-Rock outcrop association | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Incy fine sand, 4 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oppio-Nosrac association | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deven-Rock outcrop complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toiyabe-Corbett complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 2K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarloc-Glenbrook association | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Koontz-Sutro association, steep | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toiyabe-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 2K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Indiano-Nosrac-Old Camp association | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ister-Reywat-Koontz association | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vicee-Aldax variant complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hocar-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haybourne gravelly sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Roloc-Graufels-Glenbrook association | 1K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Surpass coarse sandy loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes MLRA 26 | 1K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat 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 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 82% 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.