Baker County Area, Oregon
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 Baker County Area, Oregon.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snell-Ateron complex, 12 to 35 percent north slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruckles-Ruclick complex, 12 to 35 percent south slopes | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ateron very stony loam, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ateron very stony loam, 12 to 35 percent south slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Snell-Ateron complex, 35 to 60 percent north slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Durkee gravelly silt loam, 12 to 35 percent south slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roostercomb-Longbranch complex, 12 to 35 percent north slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Virtue silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lostbasin-Xerorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 50 percent south slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruckles-Ruclick complex, 35 to 50 percent south slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wingville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruckles-Ruclick complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ateron very stony loam, 35 to 60 percent south slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sinker and Chambeam soils, 35 to 50 percent north slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ateron-Roostercomb extremely gravelly clay loams, 12 to 35 percent south slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ruclick very cobbly silt loam, 12 to 35 percent north slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwinly-Immig very cobbly silt loams, 12 to 35 percent south slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Encina gravelly silt loam, 12 to 35 percent south slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Campcreek-Skullgulch association, 12 to 35 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Durkee gravelly silt loam, 12 to 35 percent north slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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 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.