Clallam County Area, Washington

Survey Area WA609• Washington

The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Clallam County Area, Washington. 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

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

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.