Clallam County Area, Washington
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Clallam County Area, Washington.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klahowya silt loam, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 70K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palix loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozette silt loam, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 29K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Snahopish very gravelly loam, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palix-Ozette complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elwha gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clallam gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Solduc very gravelly sandy loam | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Klone-Klahowya-Tealwhit complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ozette-Andeptic Udorthents complex, 5 to 80 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Queets silt loam | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Terbies very gravelly sandy loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klahowya-Andeptic Udorthents complex, 5 to 80 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elwha gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Makah gravelly loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ilwaco silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tealwhit silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kydaka-Zeeka complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sentinelpeak gravelly loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Louella gravelly loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.