Stevens County, 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 Stevens County, Washington.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aits stony loam, 0 to 40 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Donavan stony loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newbell cobbly ashy silt loam, 0 to 40 percent slopes, stony | 47K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huckle ashy silt loam, dry, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Donavan-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aits stony loam, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonner silt loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Donavan complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 30K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Aits loam, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raisio shaly loam, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newbell-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newbell cobbly ashy silt loam, 40 to 65 percent slopes, stony | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aits-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raisio-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aits loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartill ashy silt loam, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aits-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 40 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spens extremely gravelly loamy sand, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aits loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bernhill very stony loam, 0 to 40 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.