Elko County, Nevada, Southeast 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, Southeast Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pookaloo-Cavehill-Rock outcrop association | 149K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Katelana association | 82K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tecomar-Tecomar, dry-Pookaloo association | 65K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wintermute-Automal association | 60K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Katelana-Sheffit-Ragtown association | 55K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shabliss-Palinor association | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Katelana-Ragtown-Timpie association | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wala-Tarnach association | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pookaloo-Tecomar-Rock outcrop association MLRA 28B | 35K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uvada-Ragtown association | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tecomar-Zimbob association | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Izamatch-Luning association | 28K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wardbay-Adobe-Haunchee association MLRA 28B | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amtoft-Kyler association | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haunchee-Halacan-Wardbay association | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zimbob association | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palinor-Automal association | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palinor very gravelly loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarnach-Wesfil association | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarnach-Upatad-Wesfil association | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, 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.