Skamania County Area, Washington
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Skamania County Area, Washington.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Zygore gravelly loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aschoff very gravelly loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Rubbleland complex | 14K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Aschoff-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| St. Martin gravelly silty clay loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swift cindery sandy loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| McElroy gravelly loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steever stony clay loam, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinney loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cinnamon sandy loam, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Studebaker very gravelly loamy sand, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zygore-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dougan very gravelly loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skoly stony loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steever stony clay loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cinnamon sandy loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stabler loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Swift-Rock outcrop complex, 65 to 90 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Umbric Vitrandepts, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 82% 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 89% 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.