Chelan County Area, Washington (Parts of Chelan and Kittitas Counties)
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 Chelan County Area, Washington (Parts of Chelan and Kittitas Counties).
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entiat sandy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Entiat-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Zen-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stemilt silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dinkelman gravelly sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nard-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop | 9K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Bjork silt loam, 45 to 65 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tyee gravelly loamy coarse sand, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowiche silt loam, 45 to 65 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nard silt loam, 45 to 65 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bjork-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thow gravelly fine sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nard silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stemilt silt loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colockum bouldery silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chelan gravelly sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Terrace escarpments | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Varelum silt loam, 45 to 65 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% 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 92% 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.