Washoe County, Nevada, North 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, North Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longdis-Updike association | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Devada-Nitpac-Bidrim association | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Devada-Bieber association | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saraph-Hangrock-Tuffo association | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paypoint-Langston association | 25K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hart Camp-Ninemile association | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ninemile-Tinpan-Crocan association | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Devada-Reywat association | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ninemile-Hart Camp association | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bombadil-Ceejay association | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Playas | 15K | Very poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Ninemile-Madeline-Tinpan association | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Davey-Corral association | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ferver-Tunnison association | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tusune-Hartig association | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Devada extremely cobbly loam, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Layview-Westbutte-Hapgood association | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashdos-Ashtre-Hackwood association | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Longdis-Dugway association | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ninemile-Madeline-Crocan association | 9K | 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, poor drainage in some areas. 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.