Bluestone National Scenic River, West Virginia
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 Bluestone National Scenic River, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cateache-Pipestem complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes, extremely stony | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Highsplint-Berks complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes, extremely stony | 866 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestem channery silty clay loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 453 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Combs fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 212 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 160 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cateache channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 132 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Potomac-Nelse complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes, extremely stony, frequently flooded | 113 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Berks complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 102 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestem channery silty clay loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 90 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gilpin loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 53 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Highsplint channery loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 48 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 33 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holly-Lobdell complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 24 | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chavies fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 18 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monongahela silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16 | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cateache channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 15 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craigsville very gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes, extremely stony, rarely flooded | 9 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cateache channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lily loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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 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.