Kittitas County Area, Washington
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.