Washburn County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Menahga, on about 10% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Graycalm and Haugen come next.
About 53% of the land drains well, and 17% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 28% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 57% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Washburn County, Wisconsin, 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 A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 57% 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 94% 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.