Yakima County Area, 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 Yakima County Area, Washington.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warden silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rock Creek very stony silt loam, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock Creek-Clint-Simcoe complex, 0 to 45 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Esquatzel silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lickskillet very stony silt loam, 5 to 45 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ritzville silt loam, basalt substratum, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Jumpe stony loam, 25 to 45 percent north slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Warden silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Starbuck-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 45 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ritzville silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kiona stony silt loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sapkin very stony loam, 10 to 45 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sutkin stony loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bakeoven very cobbly silt loam, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jumpe stony loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jumpe stony loam, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starbuck silt loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ritzville silt loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willis silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Naxing stony loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% 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 70% 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.