Island County, Washington

Survey Area WA029• Washington

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Island County, 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
Elwha-Zylstra-Morancreek, cool, complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes	19K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Everett-Alderwood complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Indianola-Uselessbay complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Everett-Alderwood complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Mitchellbay gravelly sandy loam, cool, 2 to 10 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Utsalady-Uselessbay complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Indianola loamy sand, 3 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Uselessbay-Utsalady complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Everett-Alderwood complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Aquic Dystroxerepts-Oxyaquic Xerorthents complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Beaches-Endoaquents, tidal-Xerorthents association, 0 to 5 percent slopes	3K			Very limited	Very limited
Zylstra-Frostad complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Sholander, cool-Spieden complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	3K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Everett sandy loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Sucia loamy sand, cool, 2 to 10 percent slopes	2K	Moderately well drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Indianola loamy sandy, dry, 0 to 5 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Coveland loam, cool, 0 to 5 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hoypus sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Sholander, cool-Limepoint complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Zylstra-Alderwood complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	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.

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 67% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.