Garfield County Area, 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 Garfield County Area, Washington.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athena silt loam, 7 to 25 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwin extremely stony silt loam, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Athena-Spofford silt loams, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lickskillet-Bakeoven complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Athena silt loam, calcareous substratum, 7 to 25 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Walla Walla silt loam, 7 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Athena silt loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lickskillet extremely stony silt loam, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chard silt loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linville silt loam, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Athena-Lance silt loams, 10 to 40 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwin-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Asotin silt loam, high rainfall, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Athena silt loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oliphant-Spofford silt loams, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Athena silt loam, calcareous substratum, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Asotin silt loam, 7 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Walla Walla silt loam, 40 to 55 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chard silt loam, 7 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oliphant silt loam, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% 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 80% 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.