Sauk County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Sauk County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Farge silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dorerton, very stony-Elbaville complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valton silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valton silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norden loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ettrick silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| La Farge silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| La Farge silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Baraboo stony silt loam, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valton silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gaphill-Rockbluff complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Algansee-Kalmarville complex, river valleys, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dickinson sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Curran silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norden silt loam, 30 to 45 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seaton silt loam, driftless valley, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gotham loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Baraboo stony silt loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hixton silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% 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 93% 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.