Kittitas County Area, Washington

Survey Area WA637• Washington

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Kittitas 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
Rock outcrop	25K			Very limited	Very limited
Water	21K			Not rated	Not rated
Jumpe stony ashy loam, 5 to 25 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Rubble land-Glaciers, icefields complex, 30 to 90 percent slopes	19K			Very limited	Very limited
Rubble land-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 90 percent slopes	17K	Excessively drained		Very limited	Very limited
Nard ashy loam, 5 to 25 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Loneridge ashy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes, stony	16K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Andic Dystrocryepts-Andic Haplocryods-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 90 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Shinn very cobbly ashy loam, 0 to 30 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Laufer-Thiessen-Rubble land complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sapkin-Rubble land complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Vantage-Clerf complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Loneridge ashy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, stony	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Terence gravelly ashy sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes, stony	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Saydab cobbly ashy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nimue ashy sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Keechelus gravelly ashy loam, 30 to 60 percent south slopes, stony	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Argabak very cobbly loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nard ashy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Stirrup ashy sandy loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	A	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

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

Spodosols

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

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 87% 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 93% 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.