Sherman County, 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 Sherman County, Oregon.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condon silt loam, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 83K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Walla Walla silt loam, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Condon-Bakeoven complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Walla Walla silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lickskillet-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 70 percent south slopes | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wrentham-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 70 percent north slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lickskillet very stony loam, 7 to 40 percent south slopes | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anderly silt loam, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anderly silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Rubble land-Lickskillet complex, 50 to 80 percent south slopes | 15K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Nansene-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 70 percent north slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cantala silt loam, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Condon silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lickskillet-Bakeoven complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Walla Walla silt loam, 15 to 35 percent north slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wato very fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Endersby-Hermiston complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bakeoven very stony loam, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mikkalo silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 72% 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.