Gauley River National Recreation Area, West Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Gauley River National Recreation Area, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layland-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very rubbly | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Highsplint-Sharondale complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes, very stony | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig-Clifftop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 658 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Layland-Laidig complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rubbly | 613 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Layland-Clifftop complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very stony | 609 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifftop channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 557 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Highsplint channery loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 503 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 480 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Layland-Laidig complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rubbly | 306 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, railroad grade | 275 | Excessively drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Clifftop channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 265 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water-Rubble land complex | 249 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Clifftop channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 242 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Udorthents, leveled land, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 192 | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig channery loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, rubbly | 159 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 149 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nallen loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 134 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nallen loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 104 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pope-Craigsville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 85 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, graded, 15 to 55 percent slopes | 46 | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 90% 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.