Malheur County, Oregon, Northern Part
The most common soil here is Elijah, on about 3% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Haar and Ruckles come next.
About 72% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 2% of it.
USDA rates 71% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 61% 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 53% 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 Malheur County, Oregon, Northern 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 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 Malheur County, Oregon, Northern 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Digital Data Available | 766K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ruckles-Ruclick-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 50 percent south slopes | 83K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Immig-Gwinly complex, 15 to 40 percent south slopes | 65K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ateron-Carryback complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anatone-Lambring-Ateron complex, 15 to 55 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haar-Hanning-Tubmountain complex, 2 to 50 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elijah silt loam, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bakeoven-Ruckles-Ruclick complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drewsey-Haar complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Suncold-Lamonta complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tenmile-Meadowridge-Eglirim complex, 15 to 55 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kiona-Rubble land complex, 35 to 70 percent south slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Snowmore-Bogusrim, very stony surface-Muni complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lookout-Ruckles complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haar, dry-Haar complex, 30 to 50 percent south slopes | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drewsey-Quincy-Solarview complex, 2 to 40 percent south slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Teguro-Buckbrush, stony surface complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elijah-Frohman-Owsel complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Poall-Haar-Hanning complex, 2 to 50 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lambring-Ateron complex, 10 to 50 percent north slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | 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 61% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 71% 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.