Wheeler County Area, Oregon
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Wheeler County Area, Oregon.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop-Exfo-Lickskillet complex, 30 to 90 percent south slopes | 43K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Gwinly-Kishwalk-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent south slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Simas-Ruckles-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 40 percent south slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Exfo-Lickskillet-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 30 percent south slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quirk-Dupratt-Meaufun complex, wet, 2 to 30 percent south slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kishwalk-Gwinly-Tanksel complex, 15 to 50 percent south slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sorf-Brisbois-Badland complex, 30 to 60 percent south slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dupratt-Quirk-Fourbeaver complex, wet, 30 to 60 percent south slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Normauk, dry-Scarpal, dry-Dupratt, wet, complex, 30 to 60 percent north slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Prill-Gwinly complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waha-Rockly complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kishwalk-Kaskela-Gwinly complex, landslides, 5 to 35 percent north slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockly-Gwinly-Ninetysix complex, 50 to 90 percent south slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drinkwater-Lickskillet-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent south slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Normauk ashy loam, dry, 20 to 45 percent north slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ateron-Bingville complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sorf-Ruckles complex, 15 to 30 percent south slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Simas-Sorf complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gooserock-Lickskillet-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent north slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockly-Exfo-Gwinly complex, 10 to 35 percent south slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% 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.