Yakama Nation Closed Area, Washington, Parts of Klickitat and Yakima Counties
The most common soil here is Singh, on about 12% of the land: a ashy sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Adamslake and Nank come next.
About 92% of the land drains well, and 4% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 77% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 42% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 4% 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 Yakama Nation Closed Area, Washington, Parts of Klickitat and Yakima Counties, 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 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 Yakama Nation Closed Area, Washington, Parts of Klickitat and Yakima Counties. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adamslake ashy fine sandy loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Singh-Adamslake complex, cool, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nank-Yikwil, cool complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Singh ashy sandy loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nank ashy sandy loam, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Yatama ashy sandy loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Satus stony ashy loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes, stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waaw ashy sandy loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Millerpoint ashy sandy loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Twolakes-Walupt complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Singh ashy fine sandy loam, bedrock substratum, dry, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Adamslake-Singh complex, cool, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Firoke ashy fine sandy loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop and Rubble land, 20 to 90 percent slopes | 7K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Naxing stony ashy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Singh ashy sandy loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Panak ashy loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Satus, stony-Adamslake complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Snowplow ashy sandy loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glen ashy sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not 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 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 77% 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.