Hood River County Area, Oregon
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Hood River County Area, Oregon.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bins-Bindle association, steep | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yallani stony loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wyeth very gravelly loam, 45 to 75 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bins-Bindle association, very steep | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkdale loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Yallani stony loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hutson fine sandy loam, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bald very cobbly loam, 45 to 75 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bald cobbly loam, 5 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Oak Grove loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dee silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ketchly loam, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Divers gravelly loam, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oak Grove loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Culbertson loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oak Grove loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hood loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Xerofluvents, nearly level | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodell very cobbly loam, 45 to 75 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
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.