Cashmere Mountain Area, Washington, Parts of Chelan and Okanogan Counties
The most common soil here is Andic Cryumbrepts, on about 5% of the land. Humicryods and Nard come next.
About 84% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 99% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 57% 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 Cashmere Mountain Area, Washington, Parts of Chelan and Okanogan Counties, 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 99% 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 99% 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.