Wallowa County Area, Oregon
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Wallowa County Area, Oregon. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wallowa-Bocker complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harlow-Bocker complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harlow-Bocker complex, 15 to 30 percent south slopes | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tamara-Syrupcreek complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Snell-Harlow complex, 15 to 30 percent north slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowsly-Howmeadows-Sherod complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Imnaha-Bocker-Clearline complex, 30 to 60 percent south slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albee-Bocker complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anatone-Cherrycreek-Imnaha complex, 30 to 60 percent north slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwinly-Mallory-Kettenbach complex, 30 to 60 percent south slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowsly silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klicker-Anatone complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwin-Kettenbach-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 90 percent south slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Snell-Harlow complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Threebuck-Tamarackcanyon-Harlow complex, 30 to 60 percent north slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dixiejett-Lickskillet-Rockly complex, 30 to 60 percent south slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olot-Anatone complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwinly-Kettenbach-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 90 percent south slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harlow-Bocker complex, 30 to 60 percent south slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Syrupcreek-Tamara complex, 15 to 30 percent north slopes | 9K | 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 93% 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.