Skamania County Area, Washington

Survey Area WA659• Washington

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Skamania 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
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

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.

Andisols

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

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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.