Grant County Area, Oregon
The most common soil here is Keerins, on about 6% of the land: a channery ashy sandy clay loam, gritty but holds together. Gwin and Rockly come next.
About 95% 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 91% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 83% 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 Grant County Area, Oregon, 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 Grant County Area, Oregon. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gwin-Rockly-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent south slopes | 35K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Merlin-Canest-Zumwalt complex, MLRA 9, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keerins channery loam, 15 to 65 percent south slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwin-Rockly-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bocker-Parsnip-Raycreek complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Devnot-Coelho-Elderflat complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hutchley-Kishwalk-Finsel complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwinly-Devnot complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klicker-Fivebit-Bocker complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwin-Rockly-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 90 percent south slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwinly-Kishwalk-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent south slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keerins-Izee complex, 15 to 65 percent north slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Finsel-Camool complex, 20 to 50 percent north slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keerins-Logdell complex, 15 to 65 percent south slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Silvies-Gerow-Luckybutte, occasionally flooded complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Exfo-Rock outcrop-Ninetysix complex, 20 to 50 percent south slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Silvies-Gerow complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockly-Elderflat complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hack-Rockly-Watama complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Meaufun-Alding-Gaib complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | 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 91% 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.