Grays Harbor County Area, Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties, Washington

Survey Area WA627• Washington

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Grays Harbor County Area, Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties, 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
Zenker silt loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes	86K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Elochoman silt loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes	86K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lytell silt loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes	80K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lytell silt loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes	67K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ocosta silty clay loam	44K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	44K			Not rated	Not rated
Bunker silt loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hoquiam silt loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Knappton silt loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Le Bar silt loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Palix silt loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Zenker silt loam, 65 to 90 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Buckpeak silt loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Astoria silt loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Grehalem silt loam	26K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Elochoman silt loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Calawah silt loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Bunker silt loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Mopang silt loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Willapa silt loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes	24K	Moderately well drained	C	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 91% 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 91% 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.