Washoe County, Nevada, Central Part
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 Washoe County, Nevada, Central Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typic Udorthents, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 130K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 76K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Wylo-Pickup-Bucklake association | 49K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sodic Endoaquents, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 42K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jaybee-Oppio-Old Camp association | 41K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Terca-Reywat-Wylo association | 41K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Devada-Dosie-Softscrabble association | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucklake-Pickup-Wylo association | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pickup-Wylo association | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Devada-Tunnison association | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ragtown association | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ceejay-Pickup association | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Foxcan-Sojur-Rock outcrop association | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wylo-Bucklake-Rock outcrop association | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Veta-Mazuma association | 15K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Devada-Hart Camp-Tunnison association | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Torriorthents-Aquic Torriorthentscomplex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Trocken, stony-Mazuma association | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Skedaddle-Jaybee-Rock outcrop association | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Veta-Langston association | 13K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 81% 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.