Bayfield County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Bayfield County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portwing-Herbster complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 73K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 42K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Vilas loamy sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 42K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Amnicon-Cuttre complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 36K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gogebic fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, stony | 33K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vilas loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sanborg-Badriver complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gogebic, very stony-Pence, very stony-Cathro complex, 0 to 18 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, ravines and escarpments, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 26K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kellogg-Allendale-Ashwabay complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 24K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Sultz sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lupton, Cathro, and Tawas soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cublake-Croswell-Ashwabay complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vilas loamy sand, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 19K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kellogg-Allendale-Ashwabay complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Padus-Pence-Keweenaw complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 15K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Superior-Sedgwick complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keweenaw-Pence complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 12K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 60% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.