North Ferry Area, Washington
The most common soil here is Nevine, on about 15% of the land: a ashy loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Molson and Togo come next.
About 89% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 36% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in North Ferry Area, Washington, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Andisols — soils formed in volcanic ash, very light and porous. 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 North Ferry 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevine loam, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock land | 46K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Growden fine sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevine-Rock land complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Molson stony loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vallan-Rock land complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Togo loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scar sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nevine loam, 30 to 45 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Molson-Rock land complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pepoon-Oxerine complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manley silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevine silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Merkel sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vallan-Tenas complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torboy sandy loam, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bamber-Rock land complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Togo-Rock land complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Togo loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shaskit-Tonata complex | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat 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.
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 97% 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.