McDowell County, 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 McDowell County, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pineville-Berks association, 35 to 80 percent slopes, rocky, extremely stony | 275K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaymine-Cedarcreek-Matewan complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony | 16K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin and Lily soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Rock outcrop complex, extremely steep, extremely stony | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Chavies complex | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kaymine-Rock outcrop complex, very steep, extremely stony | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pineville-Lily complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cedarcreek-Rock outcrop complex, very steep, extremely stony | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yeager fine sandy loam | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Itmann extremely channery sandy loam, very steep | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 930 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cedarcreek very channery loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 760 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, smoothed | 645 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kaymine very channery loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 590 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chavies loam | 385 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 355 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Sewell-Rock outcrop complex, very steep, extremely stony | 330 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sewell extremely channery sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 260 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% 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.