Malheur County, Oregon, Southern Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Malheur County, Oregon, Southern Part.
| 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 |
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.