Carson City Area, Nevada
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 Carson City Area, Nevada.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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 80% 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.