Elko County, Nevada, Central Part
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 Elko County, Nevada, Central Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bioya-Orovada association | 116K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hunnton-Wieland-Hunnton, gravelly association | 68K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linkup-Roca-Vanwyper association | 64K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quarz-Cleavage-Loncan association | 49K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hunnton-Wieland-Bilbo association | 48K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hunnton-Wieland-Gance association | 44K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sumine-Cleavage-Cleavage, very cobbly association | 41K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cleavage-Cleavage, very cobbly-Loncan association | 40K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Donna-Stampede-Gance association | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cotant-McIvey-Quarz association | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tustell-Gance-Mahala association | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wieland-Enko association | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cotant-McIvey-Rock outcrop association | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orovada-Bioya-Haybourne association | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orovada-Puett association | 28K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Enko-Rad association | 28K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hunnton-Wieland-Wieland, moderately steep association | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Devilsgait-Woofus-Devilsgait, gravelly substratum association | 27K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chen, moderately steep-Chen-Lerrow association | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hunnton-Chiara-Wieland association | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% 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 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.