Wetzel County, West Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.