Gilmer County, West Virginia

Survey Area WV021• West Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Gilmer County, 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
Gilpin-Peabody complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, severely eroded, very stony	125K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur silt loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded	32K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Vandalia silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sensabaugh loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	10K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Pineville complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very stony	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Chagrin loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Vandalia silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded	1K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Fairpoint channery clay loam, steep, very stony	1K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kanawha loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Hackers silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Pineville loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	643	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Monongahela silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	407	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	391			Not rated	Not rated
Udorthents, smoothed	311			Not rated	Not rated
Monongahela silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	303	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Janelew channery silt loam, steep	177	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Itmann channery clay loam, steep	111	Somewhat excessively drained	A	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 99% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 98% 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.