Northwest Elko County Area, Nevada, Part of Elko and Eureka Counties
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 Northwest Elko County Area, Nevada, Part of Elko and Eureka Counties.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% 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.