Kitsap County Area, Washington

Survey Area WA635• Washington

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Kitsap County Area, 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
Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes	18K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	18K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Harstine gravelly ashy sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Dystric Xerorthents, 45 to 70 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Kapowsin gravelly ashy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Harstine gravelly ashy sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Poulsbo gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Indianola-Kitsap complex, 45 to 70 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Norma fine sandy loam	8K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Harstine gravelly ashy sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kapowsin gravelly ashy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Shelton extremely gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kilchis very gravelly sandy loam, 30 to 70 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
McKenna gravelly loam	5K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ragnar fine sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Shelton extremely gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Indianola loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Shelton very gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Poulsbo-Ragnar complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	B/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.

Andisols

Volcanic ash soils — light, porous, and fertile. Excellent drainage, but low density can complicate foundations.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some 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.