Sheldon Antelope Refuge Area, Nevada, Parts of Humboldt and Washoe Counties
The most common soil here is Xeric Haplargids, on about 6% of the land. Newlands family and Fitzwater family come next.
About 96% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 97% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 88% 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 Sheldon Antelope Refuge Area, Nevada, Parts of Humboldt and Washoe 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 Sheldon Antelope Refuge Area, Nevada, Parts of Humboldt and Washoe 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 97% 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.