Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada, Central Part, Parts of Eureka, Lander and Nye Counties
The most common soil here is Clanalpine, on about 10% of the land: a very gravelly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Segura and Scuffe come next.
About all of the land drains well.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 96% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 84% 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 Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada, Central Part, Parts of Eureka, Lander and Nye 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 Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada, Central Part, Parts of Eureka, Lander and Nye 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clanalpine-Segura-Cleavage association | 394K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stopatoe-Scuffe-Notstew association | 286K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soughe-Atlow-Segura association | 133K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stewval-Bellehelen-Rock outcrop association | 90K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grassval-Alley-Zaidy association | 78K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bijorja-Hendap-Bullville association | 69K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hapgood-Labshaft-Layview association | 65K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gabbvally-Stewval-Bellehelen association | 60K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atlow-Upatad-Soughe association | 58K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clanalpine-Scuffe-Segura association | 58K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moreypeak-Cropper association | 56K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alley-Pineval-Spasprey association | 49K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cropper-Graley association | 45K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toquima-Notstew-Rock outcrop association | 44K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zimbob-Logring association | 42K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pintwater-Gabbvally-Stewval association | 40K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zadvar-Chuckridge-Watoopah association | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garnel-Bullville association | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alta-Snopoc-Rock outcrop association | 28K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Granzan-Hopeka-Haunchee association | 24K | 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 96% 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.