Malheur County, Oregon, Southern Part

Survey Area OR644• Oregon

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 Malheur 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
Bogusrim ashy silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	274K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Snowmore ashy silt loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes	165K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Snowmore gravelly ashy fine sandy loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes	148K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nevador ashy fine sandy loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes	122K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Drice-Babala ashy silt loams complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	98K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Drice-Babala, high elevation, ashy silt loams complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	98K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Igert gravelly loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes	93K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Babala ashy silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	78K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nevador-Broyles complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	67K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Boost ashy silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, stony	66K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Muni gravelly ashy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes	64K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Muni-Deppy complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	56K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Minveno-Lava flows complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	56K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lithgow-Colbar complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes	53K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nevador-Orovada, dry, complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	51K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Dacker-Gance-Nevador association	50K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Zevadez gravelly ashy loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes	49K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Gooding-Littlegrass complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes	46K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sharesnout, south-Sharesnout, north-Mahogee association	42K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Snowmore-Bogusrim-Muni complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	39K	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 83% 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 97% 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.