Washburn County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is 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 Washburn County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 33K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Graycalm-Menahga complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville and Markey soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Graycalm-Menahga complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Keweenaw-Pence complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, stony | 15K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keweenaw-Sayner-Vilas complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 15K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Haugen-Rosholt complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton, Cathro, and Tawas soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menahga sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Graycalm-Menahga complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keweenaw-Sayner-Vilas complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Grayling sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fremstadt, stony-Cress complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Loxley mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keweenaw-Pence complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 11K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Haugen, very stony-Greenwood complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grettum loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Menahga sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Menahga sand, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haugen, very stony and Haugen sandy loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 88% 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.