Wetzel County, West Virginia

Survey Area WV103• 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 Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Wetzel 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	147K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Peabody complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Skidmore gravelly loam, occasionally flooded	14K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Peabody complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes, moderately eroded	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Vandalia silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nolin loam	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Gilpin-Rock outcrop complex, very steep	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Vandalia silty clay loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wheeling-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	799	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Udorthents, smoothed	745	Well drained		Not rated	Not rated
Otwell silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	474	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Elk silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	439	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Vandalia-Urban land complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	432	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Huntington silt loam	294	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Huntington-Urban land complex	258	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Glenford silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	188	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Vandalia silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony	111	Well drained	C	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.

Alfisols

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

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Entisols

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

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.