Gauley River National Recreation Area, West Virginia

Survey Area WV621• West Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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. 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
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

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

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.