Grays Harbor County Area, Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties, Washington
The most common soil here is Lytell, on about 9% of the land: a paragravelly medial silt loam, smooth, like flour. Zenker and Elochoman come next.
About 80% of the land drains well, and 9% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 11% of it.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 3% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Grays Harbor County Area, Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties, Washington, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% 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.