Whatcom County Area, Washington
The most common soil here is Whatcom, on about 6% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Andic Xerochrepts and Squalicum come next.
About 45% of the land drains well, and 19% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 22% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 78% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 20% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Whatcom County Area, Washington, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Whatcom 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whatcom-Labounty silt loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whatcom silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edmonds-Woodlyn loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hale silt loam, drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Andic Xerochrepts, 60 to 90 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lynden sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tromp loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shuksan-Kulshan-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pangborn muck, drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Squalicum gravelly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Briscot silt loam, drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whatcom silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oakes very gravelly loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitehorn silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Xerochrepts-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winston silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Andic Xerochrepts, cool-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nati loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Squalicum gravelly loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Whatcom silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 78% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.