Malheur National Forest, Oregon
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 National Forest, Oregon.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argixerolls-Palexerolls-Vitrixerands association, 2 to 40 percent slopes | 227K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vitrixerands-Argixerolls association, 2 to 65 percent slopes | 108K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Argixerolls-Vitricryands association, 2 to 45 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Webbgulch-Thirstygulch-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Webbgulch-Thirstygulch-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bigcow-Wonder complex, dry, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thirstygulch-Anatone-Webbgulch complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porch-Hondu-Wintercanyon complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Argixerolls association, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bigcow-Wonder complex, dry, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bigcow-Wonder-Limberjim complex, dry, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porch-Wintercanyon complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Escondia-Wonder complex, dry, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hondu-Porch-Wintercanyon complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Webbgulch-Thirstygulch-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porch-Wintercanyon-Bluecanyon complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porch-Wintercanyon complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thirstygulch-Anatone-Webbgulch complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porch-Hondu-Wintercanyon complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hondu-Analulu-Gutridge complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% 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 100% 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.