Douglas County, Washington
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Douglas County, Washington.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touhey complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 60K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Touhey-Stubblefield complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grinrod-Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Strat-Tubspring complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Renslow silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Argabak-Timentwa-Rock outcrop complex, warm, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heytou-Stubblefield complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Renslow silt loam, cemented substratum, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tubspring-DelRio-Strat complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Timentwa-Lickskillet-Argabak complex, warm, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Siweeka-Brazlan complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Siweeka complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Toler ashy silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Argabak-Horseflat complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Argabak-Horseflat-Toler complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heytou-Stubblefield complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heytou-Stubblefield-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Farmer ashy fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tagear ashy fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 25% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 75% 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.