Klickitat 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 Klickitat County Area, Washington.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mikkalo silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockly-Lorena complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 21K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Van Nostern-Bakeoven complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bakeoven very cobbly loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Itat cobbly loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Underwood ashy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Berson gravelly ashy loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gunn loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Satus stony ashy loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dalig loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leidl-Dillcourt-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Underwood ashy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Satus stony ashy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldendale silt loam, basalt substratum, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Van Nostern silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mikkalo-Bakeoven complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gunn loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Warden silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Goldendale silt loam, basalt substratum, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 67% 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 81% 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.