Washoe County, Nevada, North Part
The most common soil here is Devada, on about 10% of the land: a very cobbly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Ninemile and Longdis come next.
About 92% of the land drains well, and 4% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 5% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% 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 69% 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 Washoe County, Nevada, North Part, 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 Washoe County, Nevada, North Part. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 86% 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 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.