Yakima County Area, Washington
The most common soil here is Warden, on about 10% of the land: a very fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Ritzville and Jumpe come next.
About 96% of the land drains well, and 4% stays wet for long stretches.
USDA rates 76% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 59% 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 30% 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 Yakima 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 59% 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 76% 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.