Upper Deschutes River Area, Oregon, Parts of Deschutes, Jefferson, and Klamath Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Upper Deschutes River Area, Oregon, Parts of Deschutes, Jefferson, and Klamath Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gosney-Rock outcrop-Deskamp complex, dry, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 64K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lapine gravelly loamy coarse sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 59K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lapine gravelly loamy coarse sand, low, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 45K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Madras loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wanoga-Fremkle-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shanahan loamy coarse sand, low, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 36K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dester gravelly loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dester sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goodtack ashy very fine sandy loam, low precipitation, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wanoga-Fremkle-Henkle complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stukel-Rock outcrop-Deschutes complex, dry, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deschutes-Stukel complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gardone sand, moist, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 27K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Stookmoor-Beden complex, 1 to 20 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deskamp-Gosney complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Borobey sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Stukel-Deschutes-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steiger loamy coarse sand, low, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Shanahan loamy coarse sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Steiger loamy coarse sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 61% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.