Sevier County Area, Utah
The most common soil here is Hiko Peak, on about 7% of the land: a cobbly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Sanpete and Torriorthents come next.
About 89% of the land drains well, and 6% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 80% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 71% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 35% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Sevier County Area, Utah, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Sevier County Area, Utah. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torriorthents-Xeric Haplogypsids association, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hiko Peak, steep-Saxby-Rock outcrop association, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Horrocks-Krueger-Demner association, 8 to 40 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sanpete very cobbly sandy loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sanpete-Lisade association, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Red Butte-Hiko Peak, steep association, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents, dry-Hiko Peak, dry association, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amtoft-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodacious-Reebok-Pass Canyon complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Searla, dry-Demner-Bezzant association, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Wala, steep-Annabella, steep association, 15 to 75 percent slopes | 6K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Redfield silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Naser silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lodar-Amtoft-Fontreen complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hiko Peak, dry-Tarnach-Rock outcrop association, 4 to 45 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Povertyflat very gravelly loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hiko Peak, south-Annabella complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Horrocks, steep-Demner-Wallsburg association, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vicking-Krueger association, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Krueger loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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 71% 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 80% 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.