Stevens County, Washington

Survey Area WA065• Washington

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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. 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
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

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.

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Andisols

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

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.