Western White Pine County Area, Nevada, Parts of White Pine and Eureka Counties
The most common soil here is Palinor, on about 10% of the land: a very gravelly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Pookaloo and Cavehill come next.
About 91% of the land drains well, and 6% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 80% 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 43% 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 Western White Pine County Area, Nevada, Parts of White Pine and Eureka 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 Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Western White Pine County Area, Nevada, Parts of White Pine and Eureka 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pookaloo-Cavehill-Rock outcrop association | 218K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palinor very gravelly loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 168K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palinor-Urmafot association | 84K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palinor-Shabliss association | 79K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zimbob-Pookaloo association | 76K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pyrat-Heist-Tulase association | 55K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pookaloo-Hyzen-Mijoysee association | 47K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sheffit-Katelana association | 45K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Automal-Wintermute association | 43K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kunzler-Sycomat association | 41K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Douhide-Segura-Cropper association | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sheffit-Blimo association | 38K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Broland-Yody association | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haunchee-Hardol-Hardzem association | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wardbay-Hardol-Adobe association | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hardzem-Haunchee-Wardbay association mlra 28b | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palinor-Shabliss-Tulase association | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Playas-Orupa association | 29K | Poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Duffer-Equis association | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urmafot-Bobs-Palinor association | 29K | 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 80% 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 89% 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.