Klamath County, Oregon, Southern Part
The most common soil here is Lorella, on about 9% of the land: a very stony loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Woodcock and Calimus come next.
About 68% of the land drains well, and 21% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 20% of it.
USDA rates 82% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 68% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 36% 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 Klamath County, Oregon, Southern Part, 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 Klamath County, Oregon, Southern Part. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lorella very stony loam, 2 to 35 percent south slopes | 104K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 79K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Maset-Hawkslake complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodcock association, north, mlra 21 | 31K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fordney loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, north, MLRA 21 | 29K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wocus-Yamsay complex, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 28K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lorella-Calimus association, steep north slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirk-Chock, brief flooding complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 23K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodcock association, south, mlra 21 | 21K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hawkslake, warm-Jummer-Rockyhole, warm complex 2 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tulana silt loam | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hawkslake-Rockyhole complex, warm, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malin clay loam | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Said-Riddlefield-Raycreek complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edgewood-Yawhee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nuss-Royst association, gently sloping | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Merlin-Knotmer complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes, extremely stony | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Royst stony loam, 5 to 40 percent south slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lapine paragravelly ashy coarse sandy loam, high precipitation, cool, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Laki-Henley loams | 11K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat 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 68% 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 82% 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.