Malheur County, Oregon, Southern Part
The most common soil here is Snowmore, on about 10% of the land: a cobbly fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Nevador and Bogusrim come next.
About 94% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 8% of it.
USDA rates 92% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 79% 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 55% 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, 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% 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 92% 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.