Washoe County, Nevada, South 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, South Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 42K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Acrelane-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osobb-Rezave-Fireball association MLRA 27 | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xman-Zephan-Mizel association | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sutcliff-Bundorf-Kleinbush association | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Softscrabble-Gabica-Sumine association | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duco-Tristan-Arzo association | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xman-Oppio-Old Camp association | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duco-Pahrange-Lemm association | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hawsley-Ruhe-Bluewing association | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Indiano-Ister-Skedaddle association | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frodo-Xman-Oppio association | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haybourne loamy sand, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fraval-Hirschdale-Jumbo association | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Graufels-Glenbrook complex, 8 to 50 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Graufels-Glenbrook-Haypress association | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jorge-Boomtown-Fugawee association | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haypress-Tanob-Rock outcrop association | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tristan-Barshaad-Arzo association | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bombadil-Hefed-Rubble land association | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 83% 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.