Okanogan County Area, Washington

Survey Area WA649• Washington

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Okanogan 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
Lithic Haploxerepts-Conconully complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	58K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Conconully gravelly ashy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony	45K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Lithic Haploxerepts-Donavan-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lithic Haploxerepts-Molson complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Conconully gravelly ashy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lithic Haploxerepts-Cashmont complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Newbon gravelly loam, 25 to 45 percent south slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Donavan-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lithic Haploxerepts-Vallan complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nevine-Merkel complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Nevine-Louploup complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Merkel ashy sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	17K			Not rated	Not rated
Kartar cobbly ashy sandy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony	15K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Nevine-Louploup complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Conconully gravelly ashy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Rock outcrop	14K			Very limited	Very limited
Nevine-Wilma-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Pogue gravelly fine sandy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony	13K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Pogue fine sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not 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.

Andisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 76% 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 76% 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.