Northwest Elko County Area, Nevada, Part of Elko and Eureka Counties
The most common soil here is Chiara, on about 11% of the land: a ashy silt loam, smooth, like flour. Ninemile and Bartome come next.
About 97% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% 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 51% 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 Northwest Elko County Area, Nevada, Part of Elko and Eureka Counties, 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 Northwest Elko County Area, Nevada, Part of Elko and Eureka Counties. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiara-Chiara, cobbly-Chiara, very cobbly association | 105K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bartome-Chiara association | 61K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zevadez-Yuko-Kelk association | 49K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ninemile, steep-Graley-Ninemile association | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chiara, very cobbly-Chiara association | 40K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fulstone-Fulstone, moderately steep-Hunnton association | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chiara-Chiara, moderately eroded association | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linkup, steep-Carstump-Linkup association | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bartome-Dacker association | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dacker-Chiara association | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dacker-Zevadez association | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chiara-Dacker-Shalake association | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zevadez-Bartome-Wieland association | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stampede silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Donna-Stampede association | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cleavage-Graley-Cleavage, moderately steep association | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kelk-Clurde association | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Linkup-Carstump-Linkup, very cobbly loam association | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deepeek-Alley association | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Petan-Deunah-Hatpeak association | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very 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 86% 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 99% 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.