Wasco County, Oregon, Northern Part
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 Wasco County, Oregon, Northern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakeoven-Condon complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lickskillet extremely stony loam, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wamic-Skyline complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Skyline-Hesslan complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bakeoven-Watama complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wrentham-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maupin loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hesslan complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lickskillet very stony loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watama-Wapinitia silt loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wamic loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wamic loam 5 to 12 percent north slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hesslan-Skyline complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bakeoven-Maupin complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Walla Walla silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Walla Walla silt loam, 12 to 20 percent north slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cantala silt loam, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nansene silt loam, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cantala silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Condon silt loam, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% 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 91% 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.