Cashmere Mountain Area, Washington, Parts of Chelan and Okanogan Counties

Survey Area WA608• Washington

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Andisols — soils formed in volcanic ash, very light and porous. 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 Cashmere Mountain Area, Washington, Parts of Chelan and Okanogan Counties. 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
Andic Cryumbrepts-Haplocryods-Rock outcrop complex, steep and very steep*	119K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Rubble land-Glaciers, snowfields complex	108K			Very limited	Very limited
Humicryods-Andic Cryumbrepts-Rock outcrop complex, steep and very steep*	75K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Humicryods-Andic Cryochrepts-Rock outcrop complex, steep and very steep*	56K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nard sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fears stony fine sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes	45K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Andic Cryochrepts, very steep*	40K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop	35K			Very limited	Very limited
Rubble land-Rock outcrop complex	26K	Excessively drained		Very limited	Very limited
Haplocryods-Andic Cryochrepts-Rock outcrop complex, steep and very steep*	26K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Wedge cindery fine sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Fears-Devore association, 30 to 60 percent slopes*	18K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Chumstick-Icicle complex, 45 to 90 percent slopes	18K	Well drained		Very limited	Very limited
Choralmont cindery sandy loam, till substratum, 30 to 60 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Blag-Cle Elum-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Saska-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ardenmont coarse sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Shaser-Chapot complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Devore-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Palmich cindery sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	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.

Andisols

Volcanic ash soils — light, porous, and fertile. Excellent drainage, but low density can complicate foundations.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include 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.