Sheldon Antelope Refuge Area, Nevada, Parts of Humboldt and Washoe 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 Sheldon Antelope Refuge Area, Nevada, Parts of Humboldt and Washoe Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newlands family-Hapgood family-Mosquet family association | 87K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freznik family, very stony-Wagontire family-Bregar family, very stony complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 62K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Floer family-Fitzwater family, very stony-Xeric Haplargids complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bruncan complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vining-Tuffo complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anawalt-Oreneva complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fertaline family-Wagontire family-Madeline family, very stony complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hart Camp-Devada-Rock outcrop complex | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fitzwater family, very stony-Xeric Haplargids complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xeric Haplargids-Fitzwater family, very stony complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knott family-Weso family-Badland complex, 2 to 50 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Millerlux family, very stony-Home Camp family, extremely stony-Madeline family, very stony association | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anawalt family-Madeline family, very stony-Oreneva family association | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Indian Creek-Buffaran association | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Puett-Soughe complex | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucklake very cobbly loam, 8 to 50 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wagontire family-Actem family, very stony association | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xeric Haplargids-Ucopia family-Fertaline family association | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vanwyper family, very stony-Devada family, very stony-Hunnton family association, 0 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pachic Haploxerolls-Xeric Haplargids complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% 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.