Soil Survey of Okanogan County Area, Washington soil survey updates the survey of Okanogan County Area, Washington, published in ... 211—Baldknob-Thout-Nicmar ... Soil Survey of

United States Department of Agriculture

NaturalResourcesConservationService

Soil Survey of Okanogan County Area, Washington

In cooperation withWashington State Department of Natural Resources, Washington State University, and Okanogan Conservation District

Detailed Soil Maps

The detailed soil maps can be useful in planning the use and management of small areas.

To find information about your area of interest, locate that area on the Index to Map Sheets. Note the number of the map sheet and turn to that sheet.

Locate your area of interest on the map sheet. Note the map unit symbols that are in that area. Turn to the Contents, which lists the map units by symbol and name and shows the page where each map unit is described.

The Contents shows which table has data on a specific land use for each detailed soil map unit. Also see the Contents for sections of this publication that may address your specific needs.

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How To Use This Soil Survey

Additional information about the Nations natural resources is available online from the Natural Resources Conservation Service at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov.

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National Cooperative Soil SurveyThis soil survey is a publication of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a joint

effort of the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, State agencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) has leadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey. This survey was made cooperatively by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Washington State University, and the Okanogan Conservation District. The survey is part of the technical assistance furnished to the Okanogan Conservation District.

This soil survey updates the survey of Okanogan County Area, Washington, published in 1980 (USDA, 1980). It provides additional information and includes State and private land not previously mapped.

Major fieldwork for this soil survey was completed in 2007. Soil names and descriptions were approved in 2008. Unless otherwise indicated, statements in this publication refer to conditions in the survey area in 2008. The most current official data are available at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/.

Soil maps in this survey may be copied without permission. Enlargement of these maps, however, could cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping. If enlarged, maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a larger scale.

Nondiscrimination StatementThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its

programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individuals income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDAs TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Cover CaptionTunk Valley, looking toward the Cascade Mountains.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov

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ContentsHow to Use This Soil Survey ... ................................................................................... iContents ...................................................................................................................... iiiForeword ..................................................................................................................... xvClimate ...........................................................................................................................1How This Survey Was Made ..........................................................................................2Detailed Soil Map Units ................................................................................................5

200Aeneas fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ................................................6201Aeneas fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes ................................................7202Aits ashy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...........................................................8203Andic Dystrocryepts-Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex, 35 to 90

percent slopes .....................................................................................................9204Andic Dystrocryepts-Vitrandic Humicryepts complex, 20 to 80 percent

slopes ................................................................................................................10205Aquandic Endoaquolls, 0 to 5 percent slopes ................................................11206Aquandic Endoaquolls-Haplosaprists, 0 to 10 percent slopes .......................12207Aquandic Xerofluvents, 0 to 5 percent slopes ................................................14208Badland ..........................................................................................................15209Baldknob-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes ............................15210Baldknob-Rubble land-Thout complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes ....................16211Baldknob-Thout-Nicmar complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes ............................18212Bearspring gravelly ashy sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes .....................20213Bluebuck stony ashy sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes ............................21214Boesel fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ...............................................22215Boesel-Muckamuck complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes ......................................22216Borgeau-Johntom-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...............24217Borgeau-Nicmar-Johntom complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .........................25218Borgeau-Peka complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...........................................27219Brevco-Lithic Haploxerepts-Pebcreek complex, 15 to 90 percent slopes ......29220Brevco-Lithic Haploxerepts-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent

slopes ................................................................................................................31221Brevco-Lithic Haploxerepts-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent

slopes ................................................................................................................33222Brevco-Lithic Haploxerepts-Rock outcrop complex, dry, 35 to 65 percent

slopes ................................................................................................................34223Burnscreek stony sandy loam, 3 to 30 percent slopes ...................................36224Cashmere fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes .........................................37225Cashmere fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes .........................................38226Cashmere fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes .......................................39227Cashmere fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes .....................................40228Cashmont sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ................................................40229Cashmont sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes ................................................41230Cashmont sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes ..............................................42231Cashmont sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes ............................................43232Cashmont gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes ...................................44


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233Cashmont sandy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony ...................45234Cashmont sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony .................46235Cassal ashy loam, 5 to 25 percent slopes ......................................................47236Chesaw gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes ..................................48237Chesaw gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony .......49238Chesaw-Bong complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes .............................................50239Chesaw-Bong complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...........................................51240Chesaw-Bong complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...........................................52241Chewack-Sitdown-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...............53242Chumstick-Mineral-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ..............55243Chumstick-Mineral-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ..............56244Chumstick-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...........................58245Colville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ..........................................................59246Colville silt loam, moderately wet, 0 to 3 percent slopes ................................60247Conconully gravelly ashy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes ....................................61248Conconully gravelly ashy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes ..................................62249Conconully gravelly ashy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes ................................63250Conconully gravelly ashy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony ......64251Conconully gravelly ashy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony ....65252Conconully-Donavan complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes ................................66253Coxit-Pelican complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .............................................67254Crocamp-Burget complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .......................................69255Crocamp-Burget complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .......................................70256Crocamp-Lithic Humicryepts-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 90 percent

slopes ................................................................................................................71257Cubhill-Johntom complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ........................................73258Dams ..............................................................................................................74259Devore-Rock outcrop complex, warm, 35 to 65 percent slopes .....................75260Devore-Treebutte-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...............76261Devore-Treebutte-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...............77262Disautel silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes .........................................................79263Disautel silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes .......................................................80264Disautel silt loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony ............................81265Disautel silt loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony ..........................82266Disautel cobbly silt loam, 8 to 45 percent slopes, eroded ..............................83267Donavan ashy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes ..................................................84268Donavan ashy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes ..................................................85269Donavan ashy loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes ................................................86270Donavan ashy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony .......................87271Donavan ashy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony .....................88272Donavan-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes .............................89273Entiat sandy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes ....................................................90274Ewall loamy fine sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes ...............................................91275Ewall loamy fine sand, 15 to 25 percent slopes .............................................92276Ewall loamy fine sand, 25 to 45 percent slopes .............................................93277Farway gravelly ashy sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...........................94278Finney-Myerscreek complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...................................95279Goddard-Lithic Haploxerepts complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes ......................96280Goddard-Parmenter complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes ....................................98281Goddard-Parmenter complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ..................................99282Granflat gravelly ashy sandy loam, warm, 0 to 10 percent slopes ...............101283Haley ashy fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes ......................................102284Haley ashy fine sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes ....................................103285Haploxerandic Haplocryepts-Cryaquolls complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes ...104


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286Havillah ashy silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes ...............................................105287Havillah ashy silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes .............................................106288Havillah ashy silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes ...........................................107289Havillah ashy silt loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes, eroded .............................108290Havillah ashy silt loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony ...............109291Histic Cryaquepts-Cryohemists complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes ................ 110292Histosols, ponded ......................................................................................... 111293Hodgson ashy silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes ...........................................112294Humic Vitricryands-Typic Humicryepts complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ... 113295Hunters ashy silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes ...............................................115296Hunters ashy silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes .............................................115297Hunters ashy silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, eroded ................................ 116298Jimbluff ashy sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...................................... 117299Jimbluff gravelly ashy sandy loam, 5 to 25 percent slopes .......................... 118300Johntom-Borgeau-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ............. 119301Johntom-Foggydew-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes ..........121302Johntom-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ............................122303Johntom-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ............................123304Karamin ashy fine sandy loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes ................................124305Kartar ashy sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes ..........................................125306Kartar ashy sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes ........................................126307Kartar ashy sandy loam, cool, 15 to 45 percent slopes ................................127308Kartar ashy fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes ......................................128309Kartar ashy fine sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes ....................................129310Kartar ashy fine sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes ..................................130311Kartar cobbly ashy sandy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony ....131312Kartar cobbly ashy sandy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely

stony ................................................................................................................132313Karu gravelly ashy sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes .............................133314Karu stony ashy sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes .................................134315Koepke ashy silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes ...............................................135316Koepke ashy silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes .............................................136317Koepke ashy silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes ...........................................137318Koepke ashy silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes ...........................................138319Koepke complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes ......................................................139320Koepke complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ....................................................141321Koepke complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ....................................................142322Lani ashy sandy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes .............................................144323Lani ashy sandy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes ...........................................145324Lani ashy sandy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony ..................146325Lani ashy sandy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony ................147326Leavenworth silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ...............................................148327Leftcreek-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...........................149328Leiko ashy sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ..............................................150329Leiko ashy sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes ............................................151330Leiko ashy sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ..........................................151331Leiko ashy sandy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony ................152332Leiko ashy sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony ..............153333Leiko cobbly ashy coarse sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ..................154334Leiko ashy sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony ................155335Leiko-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .................................156336Lekrem-Chumstick-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...........157337Lithic Humicryepts-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ............159338Lithic Haploxerepts-Cashmont complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes ................160


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339Lithic Haploxerepts-Conconully complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes ..............161340Lithic Haploxerepts-Donavan-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent

slopes ..............................................................................................................163341Lithic Haploxerepts-Kartar complex, 15 to 90 percent slopes ......................164342Lithic Haploxerepts-Molson complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes ....................166343Lithic Haploxerepts-Newbon complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes ...................167344Lithic Haploxerepts-Nighthawk complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes ...............169345Lithic Haploxerepts-Republic complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes ..................170346Lithic Haploxerepts-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 90 percent slopes ...........172347Lithic Haploxerepts-Vallan complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes ......................173348Lithic Haploxerepts-Wilma-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent

slopes ..............................................................................................................174349Longort gravelly ashy sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes .........................176350Longort-Santop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .......................................177351Longswamp ashy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes .........................................178352Louploup-Stepstone complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes ..................................179353Louploup-Stepstone complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ................................181354Manley ashy fine sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes ..................................182355Manley ashy fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ................................183356Manley-Devore complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .......................................185357Manley-Devore complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .......................................186358Mansonia-Swakane-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 45 percent slopes ............188359Merkel ashy sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes .........................................189360Merkel ashy sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes .......................................190361Merkel cobbly ashy sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes ............................191362Merkel-Lithic Haploxerepts-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent

slopes ..............................................................................................................192363Merkel-Wilma complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ..........................................194364Midpeak-Johntom-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .............195365Mineral-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes ................................197366Mineral-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes ..............................198367Mires ashy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes ........................................................199368Mires gravelly ashy loam, 3 to 25 percent slopes .........................................200369Mires gravelly ashy sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes ............................201370Mires ashy sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, stony .................................202371Mires ashy sandy loam, 15 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony ..............203372Mires-Leiko complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .............................................204373Mobu silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes ...........................................................205374Mobu silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes .........................................................206375Mobu silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes .......................................................207376Mobu silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, eroded ............................................208377Molson ashy silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes ................................................209378Molson ashy silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes ..............................................210379Molson ashy silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes ............................................211380Molson ashy silt loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes ............................................212381Molson ashy silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony ...................212382Molson ashy silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony .................213383Molson gravelly ashy silt loam, 3 to 25 percent slopes ................................214384Muckamuck silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes .................................................215385Myerscreek ashy fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes .........................216386Myerscreek ashy fine sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes .........................217387Myerscreek stony ashy fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...............218388Myerscreek stony ashy fine sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...............219389Myerscreek-Aquandic Dystrocryepts complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes ........220


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390Myerscreek-Devore complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ................................222391Myerscreek-Devore complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ................................223392Myerscreek-Finney complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .................................225393Myerscreek-Histic Cryaquepts-Cryohemists complex, 0 to 15 percent

slopes ..............................................................................................................226394Myerscreek-Manley complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ................................228395Myerscreek-Twentymile complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ..........................230396Nahahum ashy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes .............................................231397Nahahum ashy loam, cool, 15 to 35 percent slopes .....................................232398Nahahum-Coxit complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .......................................233399Nahahum-Coxit complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .......................................235400Nevine association, 5 to 20 percent slopes ..................................................236401Nevine association, 20 to 40 percent slopes ................................................237402Nevine-Louploup complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes .......................................239403Nevine-Louploup complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .....................................240404Nevine-Louploup complex, moist, 15 to 35 percent slopes ..........................242405Nevine-Merkel complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .........................................243406Nevine-Merkel complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .........................................245407Nevine-Oxerine complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .......................................246408Nevine-Rock outcrop association, 20 to 40 percent slopes ..........................248409Nevine-Rock outcrop association, 40 to 65 percent slopes ..........................250410Nevine-Wilma complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .........................................251411Nevine-Wilma complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ..........................................253412Nevine-Wilma-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...................254413Newbon loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes ........................................................256414Newbon gravelly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes ...............................................257415Newbon gravelly loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes .............................................258416Newbon gravelly loam, 25 to 45 percent north slopes ..................................259417Newbon gravelly loam, 25 to 45 percent south slopes .................................259418Newbon gravelly loam, 0 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony ..................260419Newbon very gravelly loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, eroded ......................261420Newhorn ashy fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes .............................262421Newhorn ashy fine sandy loam, moist, 15 to 35 percent slopes ..................263422Nicmar ashy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes .................................................264423Nicmar gravelly ashy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ....................................265424Nicmar-Baldknob-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ..............266425Nicmar-Santop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ........................................268426Nighthawk loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes .........................................................269427Nighthawk loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes .......................................................270428Nighthawk loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes .....................................................271429Nighthawk gravelly loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony ..............272430Nighthawk gravelly loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony ............273431Okanogan loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes .........................................................274432Okanogan loam, sandy substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes ..........................275433Owhi ashy fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes .......................................276434Owhi ashy fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes .......................................277435Owhi ashy fine sandy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony ..........278436Owhi ashy fine sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony ........279437Owhi gravelly ashy fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes ..........................280438Owhi-Haley complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes ...............................................281439Owhi-Haley complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .............................................282440Owhi-Haley complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .............................................284441Oxerine ashy fine sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...............................285


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442Oxerine-Lithic Haploxerepts-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ..............................................................................................................286

443Oxerine-Nevine complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .......................................287444Oxerine-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .............................289445Pebcreek stony ashy sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes .........................290446Pebcreek-Brevco complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ....................................291447Pebcreek-Brevco complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ....................................292448Pebcreek-Lithic Haploxerepts-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent

slopes ..............................................................................................................294449Peka stony ashy sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ................................295450Peka-Donavan complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ........................................296451Peka-Swakane-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .................298452Pelican gravelly ashy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes ....................................299453Pettijohn-Mineral-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ..............300454Pettijohn-Wilma complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .......................................302455Pogue fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ..............................................304456Pogue fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes ..............................................304457Pogue fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes ............................................305458Pogue fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes ..........................................306459Pogue gravelly fine sandy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony ...307460Pogue gravelly fine sandy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely

stony ................................................................................................................308461Pogue gravelly fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes ................................309462Pogue gravelly fine sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes ..............................310463Radercreek-Santop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .................................311464Redpeak-Ontrail complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ......................................312465Remmel-Devore-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...............314466Rendovy-Goshawk complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .................................316467Republic ashy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes .................................................317468Republic ashy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes ...............................................318469Republic ashy loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes ...............................................319470Republic ashy loam, gravelly substratum, 0 to 8 percent slopes ..................320471Republic ashy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony ....................321472Resner ashy fine sandy loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes ................................322473Resner-Sitdown complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes ........................................323474Resner-Sitdown complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ......................................324475Riverwash .....................................................................................................326476Rock outcrop ................................................................................................326477Rock outcrop-Donavan-Peka complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ..................327478Rock outcrop-Lithic Haplocryepts-Rubble land complex, 35 to 90

percent slopes .................................................................................................328479Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex ..............................................................329480Rufus-Wynhoff-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ..................330481Rufus-Wynhoff-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 90 percent slopes ..................332482Sacheen loamy sand, 35 to 65 percent slopes .............................................333483Salcreek ashy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...............................................334484Salcreek ashy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...............................................335485Scheiner-Myerscreek complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ..............................336486Scoap gravelly ashy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes .....................................337487Setill-Johntom complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .........................................338488Shalrock-Johntom complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...................................340489Shalrock-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...........................341490Shalrock-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...........................342491Sinlahekin-Peka-Hodgson association, 3 to 15 percent slopes ....................344


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492Sitdown stony ashy sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes ..............................346493Sitdown stony ashy sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ............................346494Sitdown-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .............................347495Sitdown-Wellsfar-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ..............348496Skaha gravelly loamy sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes .......................................350497Skaha gravelly loamy sand, 8 to 25 percent slopes .....................................351498Skaha gravelly loamy sand, 25 to 65 percent slopes ...................................352499Smokejump-Jantill complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ..................................353500Smokejump-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ......................354501Smokejump-Twentymile complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ..........................355502Stapaloop ashy fine sandy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes .............................357503Stemilt-Midpeak complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ......................................358504Stepstone ashy fine sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes .............................359505Stepstone ashy fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...........................360506Stepstone-Torboy complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes ......................................361507Storer-Swakane-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes ................363508Strat gravelly fine sandy loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes .................................364509Swakane-Peka-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .................365510Swakane-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes ...........................367511Swakane-Rock outcrop-Peka complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .................368512Sycreek ashy loam, 5 to 35 percent slopes ..................................................369513Synarep-Colville-Xerofluvents complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes ....................370514Thout-Rock outcrop complex, cool, 35 to 65 percent slopes ........................372515Thow-Vingulch complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ........................................374516Thrapp-Aquandic Xerofluvents complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes .................375517Thuso ashy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes .....................................................376518Thuso ashy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...................................................377519Thuso ashy sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes ........................................378520Thuso-Lithic Haploxerepts-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent

slopes ..............................................................................................................379521Toats-Longswamp complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...................................381522Tonasket silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ......................................................382523Tonasket silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes ......................................................383524Tonasket silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes ....................................................384525Tonasket silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes ..................................................385526Tonasket silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes ..................................................386527Tonasket silt loam, 0 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony ........................387528Twentymile stony ashy fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ................388529Twentymile-Smokejump complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ..........................389530Vallan-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes ................................390531Vanbrunt-Swakane-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...........391532Verhart-Rock outcrop complex, cold, 35 to 65 percent slopes .....................393533Veridge-Farway complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .......................................394534Veridge-Farway complex, moist, 35 to 65 percent slopes ............................395535Veridge-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .............................397536Vinegar ashy very fine sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes ...........................398537Vinegar-Thow complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .........................................399538Vingulch-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ............................400539Vitrandic Humicryepts-Lithic Humicryepts complex, 35 to 70 percent

slopes ..............................................................................................................402540Vitrandic Haploxerepts-Lithic Haploxerepts-Rock outcrop complex, dry,

15 to 90 percent slopes ...................................................................................403541Vitrixerandic Haplocryepts-Cryaquolls, 0 to 5 percent slopes ......................404542Wadams ashy sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes ......................................406


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543Wadams ashy sandy loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony ...........407544Wagberg stony ashy fine sandy loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes .....................408545Wagberg stony ashy fine sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes ...................409546Wagberg-Lithic Ultic Haploxerolls-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 90

percent slopes .................................................................................................409547Wagberg-Swakane complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .................................411548Wagberg-Swakane-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...........412549Wagberg-Swakane-Rock outcrop complex, 45 to 90 percent slopes ...........414550Wapal ashy coarse sandy loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes ..............................416551Wapal stony ashy coarse sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes .....................417552Wapal stony ashy coarse sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ...................418553Wapal stony ashy coarse sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...................419554Wapal-Brevco complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes .........................................419555Wapal-Brevco complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .........................................421556Wapal-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...............................422557Wapal-Sacheen complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ......................................423558Water ............................................................................................................425559Wenner ashy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes ................................................425560Wilder-Republic complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ......................................426561Wilma-Lithic Haploxerepts-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent

slopes ..............................................................................................................428562Wilma-Lithic Haploxerepts-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent

slopes ..............................................................................................................429563Wilma-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ...............................431564Winsand-Verhart complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes .....................................432565Winthrop gravelly loamy sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes .................................433566Winthrop loamy sand, 0 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony ...................434567Wynhoff gravelly sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes ................................435568Wynhoff-Lithic Haploxerepts-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent

slopes ..............................................................................................................436569Xerofluvents, wet, 0 to 3 percent slopes .......................................................438570Yellcreek-Midpeak-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes ............439

Use and Management of the Soils ..........................................................................441Soil Survey Information on the Internet ..................................................................441

Soil Properties and Qualities .............................................................................441Suitabilities and Limitations for Use ...................................................................442Soil Reports .......................................................................................................442

Land Capability Classification ................................................................................443Prime Farmland and Other Important Farmland ....................................................444Rangeland ..............................................................................................................445Forestland ..............................................................................................................446

Plant Associations ..............................................................................................447Riparian and Wetland Series .............................................................................447Plant Association Groups and Vegetation Series ..............................................447

Soil Properties ..........................................................................................................449Engineering Soil Properties ....................................................................................449Physical Soil Properties .........................................................................................450Chemical Properties ...............................................................................................452Water Features .......................................................................................................452Soil Features ..........................................................................................................454

Classification of the Soils ........................................................................................455Taxonomic Units and Their Morphology .................................................................456Aeneas Series ........................................................................................................456Aits Series ..............................................................................................................457


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Andic Dystrocryepts ...............................................................................................458Aquandic Dystrocryepts .........................................................................................460Aquandic Endoaquolls ...........................................................................................461Aquandic Xerofluvents ...........................................................................................463Baldknob Series .....................................................................................................464Bearspring Series ...................................................................................................465Bluebuck Series .....................................................................................................466Boesel Series .........................................................................................................468Bong Series ............................................................................................................469Borgeau Series ......................................................................................................470Brevco Series .........................................................................................................471Burget Series .........................................................................................................473Burnscreek Series ..................................................................................................474Cashmere Series ...................................................................................................475Cashmont Series ....................................................................................................476Cassal Series .........................................................................................................477Chesaw Series .......................................................................................................478Chewack Series ....................................................................................................479Chumstick Series ...................................................................................................480Colville Series ........................................................................................................481Conconully Series ..................................................................................................483Coxit Series ............................................................................................................484Crocamp Series .....................................................................................................485Cryaquolls ..............................................................................................................487Cryohemists ...........................................................................................................488Cubhill Series ........................................................................................................489Devore Series ........................................................................................................491Disautel Series .......................................................................................................492Donavan Series ......................................................................................................493Entiat Series ...........................................................................................................495Ewall Series ...........................................................................................................496Farway Series ........................................................................................................497Finney Series .........................................................................................................498Foggydew Series ...................................................................................................499Goddard Series ......................................................................................................501Goshawk Series .....................................................................................................502Granflat Series .......................................................................................................503Haley Series ...........................................................................................................505Haplosaprists .........................................................................................................506Haploxerandic Haplocryepts ..................................................................................507Havillah Series .......................................................................................................508Histic Cryaquepts ...................................................................................................509Histosols .................................................................................................................511Hodgson Taxadjunct ...............................................................................................512Humic Vitricryands .................................................................................................513Hunters Series .......................................................................................................514Jantill Series ...........................................................................................................515Jimbluff Series ........................................................................................................516Johntom Series ......................................................................................................518Karamin Series .......................................................................................................519Kartar Series ..........................................................................................................520Karu Series ............................................................................................................521Koepke Taxadjunct .................................................................................................523Lani Series .............................................................................................................524


xii

Leavenworth Series ...............................................................................................526Leftcreek Series .....................................................................................................526Leiko Series ...........................................................................................................527Lekrem Series ........................................................................................................529Lithic Haplocryepts .................................................................................................530Lithic Haploxerepts .................................................................................................531Lithic Humicryepts ..................................................................................................532Lithic Ultic Haploxerolls ..........................................................................................534Longort Series ........................................................................................................535Longswamp Series .................................................................................................536Longswamp Taxadjunct ..........................................................................................538Louploup Series .....................................................................................................539Manley Series ........................................................................................................540Mansonia Series ....................................................................................................542Merkel Series .........................................................................................................543Merkel Taxadjunct ..................................................................................................544Midpeak Series ......................................................................................................546Mineral Series ........................................................................................................547Mires Series ...........................................................................................................549Mobu Series ...........................................................................................................550Molson Series ........................................................................................................551Muckamuck Series .................................................................................................553Myerscreek Series .................................................................................................554Nahahum Series ....................................................................................................555Nevine Series .........................................................................................................557Newbon Series .......................................................................................................558Newhorn Series ......................................................................................................559Nicmar Series .........................................................................................................561Nighthawk Series ...................................................................................................562Okanogan Series ...................................................................................................564Ontrail Series .........................................................................................................565Owhi Series ............................................................................................................566Oxerine Series .......................................................................................................567Parmenter Series ...................................................................................................569Pebcreek Series .....................................................................................................570Peka Series ............................................................................................................572Pelican Series ........................................................................................................573Pettijohn Series ......................................................................................................575Pogue Series ..........................................................................................................576Radercreek Series .................................................................................................577Redpeak Series ......................................................................................................578Remmel Series .......................................................................................................580Rendovy Series ......................................................................................................581Republic Series ......................................................................................................583Resner Series ........................................................................................................584Rufus Series ...........................................................................................................585Sacheen Series ......................................................................................................586Salcreek Series ......................................................................................................587Santop Series .........................................................................................................589Scheiner Series ......................................................................................................590Scoap Series ..........................................................................................................591Setill Series ............................................................................................................593Shalrock Series ......................................................................................................594Sinlahekin Series ...................................................................................................596


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Sitdown Series .......................................................................................................597Skaha Series ..........................................................................................................598Smokejump Series .................................................................................................599Stapaloop Series ....................................................................................................600Stemilt Series .........................................................................................................602Stepstone Series ....................................................................................................603Storer Series ..........................................................................................................605Strat Series ............................................................................................................606Swakane Series .....................................................................................................607Sycreek Series .......................................................................................................608Synarep Series .......................................................................................................610Thout Series ...........................................................................................................611Thow Series ...........................................................................................................612Thrapp Series .........................................................................................................613Thuso Series ..........................................................................................................614Toats Series ...........................................................................................................616Tonasket Series ......................................................................................................617Torboy Series .........................................................................................................618Treebutte Series .....................................................................................................619Twentymile Series ..................................................................................................620Typic Humicryepts ..................................................................................................622Vallan Series ..........................................................................................................623Vanbrunt Series ......................................................................................................624Verhart Series ........................................................................................................625Veridge Series ........................................................................................................626Vinegar Series ........................................................................................................628Vingulch Series ......................................................................................................629Vitrandic Haploxerepts ...........................................................................................630Vitrandic Humicryepts ............................................................................................632Vitrixerandic Haplocryepts .....................................................................................633Wadams Series ......................................................................................................635Wagberg Series ......................................................................................................636Wapal Series ..........................................................................................................638Wellsfar Series .......................................................................................................639Wenner Series .......................................................................................................640Wilder Series ..........................................................................................................641Wilma Series ..........................................................................................................643Winsand Series ......................................................................................................644Winthrop Series ......................................................................................................645Wynhoff Series .......................................................................................................647Xerofluvents ...........................................................................................................648Yellcreek Series ......................................................................................................649

Formation of the Soils ..............................................................................................651Parent Material .......................................................................................................651

Residuum and Colluvium Derived from Bedrock ...............................................651Glacial Deposits .................................................................................................652Volcanic Ash and Pumice ..................................................................................653Alluvium .............................................................................................................653Organic Material ................................................................................................653

Climate ...................................................................................................................654Living Organisms ...................................................................................................655Topography ............................................................................................................655Time .......................................................................................................................656

References ................................................................................................................657


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Glossary ....................................................................................................................659Tables .......................................................................................................................689

Table 1.Temperature and Precipitation ..............................................................690Table 2.Freeze Dates in Spring and Fall ...........................................................693Table 3.Growing Season ...................................................................................695Table 4.Acreage and Proportionate Extent of the Soils .....................................696Table 5.Land Capability Classification ...............................................................703Table 6.Prime and Other Important Farmland ...................................................729Table 7.Engineering Properties .........................................................................731Table 8.Physical Properties of the Soils ............................................................934Table 9.Chemical Properties of the Soils .........................................................1025Table 10.Water Features .................................................................................1091Table 11.Soil Features .....................................................................................1147Table 12.Taxonomic Classification of the Soils ................................................1192

Issued February 2010

xv

Soil surveys contain information that affects land use planning in survey areas. They include predictions of soil behavior for selected land uses. The surveys highlight soil limitations, improvements needed to overcome the limitations, and the impact of selected land uses on the environment.

Soil surveys are designed for many different users. Farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agronomists can use the surveys to evaluate the potential of the soil and the management needed for maximum food and fiber production. Planners, community officials, engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers can use the surveys to plan land use, select sites for construction, and identify special practices needed to ensure proper performance. Conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, wildlife management, waste disposal, and pollution control can use the surveys to help them understand, protect, and enhance the environment.

Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may impose special restrictions on land use or land treatment. The information in this report is intended to identify soil properties that are used in making various land use or land treatment decisions. Statements made in this report are intended to help the land users identify and reduce the effects of soil limitations on various land uses. The landowner or user is responsible for identifying and complying with existing laws and regulations.

Although soil survey information can be used for general farm, local, and wider area planning, onsite investigation is needed to supplement this information in some cases. Examples include soil quality assessments (http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/) and certain conservation and engineering applications. For more detailed information, contact your local USDA Service Center (http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app)or your NRCS State Soil Scientist (http://soils.usda.gov/contact/state_offices/).

Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils are seasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are too unstable to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorly suited to use as septic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soil poorly suited to basements or underground installations.

These and many other soil properties that affect land use are described in this soil survey. The location of each map unit is shown on the detailed soil maps. Each soil in the survey area is described, and information on specific uses is given. Help in using this publication and additional information are available at the local office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the Cooperative Extension Service.

Roylene Rides at the DoorState ConservationistNatural Resources Conservation Service

Foreword
http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/apphttp://soils.usda.gov/contact/state_offices

xvi

Location of Okanogan County Area in Washington.

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Okanogan

Vancouver

Wenatchee

Walla Walla

SpokaneSeattle

Olympia

1

By Keith Harrington, Natural Resources Conservation Service Fieldwork by Keith Harrington and Rebecca Morris, Natural Resources Conservation Service United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service,in cooperation withWashington State Department of Natural Resources, Washington State University, and Okanogan Conservation District

OkanOgan COunty area is in the north-central part of Washington. The majority of the approximately 1,225,000 acres is in the Okanogan and Methow Valley drainageways. About one-third of the area is woodland, and the rest is mainly rangeland with some nonirrigated cultivated areas on the higher terraces and plateaus. Narrow strips along the major streams and tributaries are irrigated and used for hay, pasture, and orchards.

The survey area is bordered by British Columbia, Canada, to the north; Ferry County and Okanogan National Forest, Washington, to the east; Colville Indian Reservation and Chelan County, Washington, to the south; and Okanogan National Forest to the west.

The climate is varied within the area. The mean annual air temperature ranges from 35 to 52 degrees F, the mean annual precipitation ranges from 10 to 35 inches, and the frost-free season ranges from 40 to 190 days. Elevation ranges from 700 to 7,800 feet. Vegetation varies from shrub/grassland steppe to subalpine forest. The major tree species are ponderosa pine at the lower elevations, Douglas fir and lodgepole pine at the middle elevations, and subalpine fir at the higher elevations.

Soil scientists have identified about 157 different soils in the survey area and about 370 soil map units. The soils vary widely in texture, depth, content of rock fragments, drainage, and climatic features. They are comprised primarily of glacial till, glacial outwash, colluvium, and residuum derived from various rock sources. The majority of the soils are blanketed with a mantle of volcanic ash that varies in thickness.

ClimatePrepared by the National Water and Climate Center, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Portland,

Oregon.

The climate tables were created from data recorded at the Mazama, Omak, and Winthrop, Washington, climate stations during the period 1971 to 2000. Thunderstorm days, relative humidity, percent sunshine, and wind information were estimated from the First Order stations at Yakima and Spokane, Washington.

Soil Survey ofOkanogan County Area, Washington


2

Table 1 gives data on temperature and precipitation. Table 2 shows probable dates of the first freeze in fall and the last freeze in spring. Table 3 provides data on the length of the growing season.

In winter, the average temperature ranges from 22.9 degrees F at Mazama to 26.2 degrees at Winthrop, and the average daily minimum temperature ranges from 19.2 degrees at Omak to 14.7 degrees at Winthrop. The lowest temperature on record, which occurred at Mazama on December 30, 1968, is -48 degrees. In summer, the average temperature ranges from 64.3 degrees at Mazama to 68.5 degrees at Omak. The average daily maximum temperature ranges from 79.2 degrees at Mazama to 83.1 degrees at Winthrop. The highest temperature on record, which occurred at Omak on July 27, 1939, is 109 degrees.

Growing degree days are shown in table 1. They are equivalent to heat units. During the month, growing degree days accumulate by the amount that the average temperature each day exceeds a base temperature (40 degrees F). The normal monthly accumulation is used to schedule single or successive plantings of a crop between the last freeze in spring and the first freeze in fall.

The total average annual precipitation ranges from 12.72 inches at Omak to 22.69 inches at Mazama. Of this, about 15 percent usually falls in June through September at Mazama and about 36 percent at Omak. The growing season for most crops falls within this period. The heaviest 1-day rainfall during the period of record was 5.06 inches at Mazama on November 27, 1950. Thunderstorms occur on about 7 days each year, and most occur in June.

The average seasonal snowfall is 119.7 inches at Mazama, 62.4 inches at Winthrop, and 35.4 inches at Omak. The greatest snow depth at any one time during the period of record, 62 inches, was recorded on January 1, 1997, at Mazama. On average, the number of days per year that have at least 1 inch of snow on the ground is 136 at Mazama, 110 at Winthrop, and 34 at Omak. The heaviest 1-day snowfall on record, 69.5 inches, was recorded on January 15, 2000, at Omak.

The average relative humidity in midafternoon is about 44 percent. Humidity is higher at night, and the average at dawn is about 77 percent. The sun shines 74 percent of the time in summer and 30 percent in winter. The prevailing wind is from the west-northwest. The average windspeed is highest, 8.6 miles per hour, in April. Additional data is available at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/climate/.

How This Survey Was MadeThis survey was made to provide information about the soils and miscellaneous

areas in the survey area. The information includes a description of the soils and miscellaneous areas and their location and major uses. Soil scientists observed the steepness, length, and shape of the slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of crops and native plants; and the kinds of bedrock. They dug many holes to study the soil profile, which is the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. The profile extends from the surface down into the unconsolidated material in which the soil formed. The unconsolidated material is devoid of roots and other living organisms and has not been changed by other biological activity.

Currently, soils are mapped according to the boundaries of major land resource areas (MLRAs). MLRAs are geographically associated land resource units that share common characteristics related to physiography, geology, climate, water resources, soils, biological resources, and land uses (USDA, 2006). Soil survey areas typically consist of parts of one or more MLRA.

The soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area occur in an orderly pattern that is related to the geology, landforms, relief, climate, and natural vegetation of the area. Each kind of soil and miscellaneous area is associated with a particular kind of landform or with a segment of the landform. By observing the soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area and relating their position to specific segments
http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/climate/


3

of the landform, a soil scientist develops a concept, or model, of how they were formed. Thus, during mapping, this model enables the soil scientist to predict with a considerable degree of accuracy the kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specific location on the landscape.

Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge into one another as their characteristics gradually change. To construct an accurate soil map, however, soil scientists must determine the boundaries between the soils. They can observe only a limited number of soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations, supplemented by an understanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient to verify predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to determine the boundaries.

Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the soil profiles that they studied. They noted soil color, texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and amount of rock fragments, distribution of plant roots, reaction, and other features that enable them to identify soils. After describing the soils in the survey area and determining their properties, the soil scientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes (units). Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each taxonomic class has a set of soil characteristics with precisely defined limits. The classes are used as a basis for comparison to classify soils systematically. Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomic classification used in the United States, is based mainly on the kind and character of soil properties and the arrangement of horizons within the profile. After the soil scientists classified and named the soils in the survey area, they compared the individual soils with similar soils in the same taxonomic class in other areas so that they could confirm data and assemble additional data based on experience and research.

While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some of the soils in the area generally are collected for laboratory analyses. Soil scientists interpret the data from these analyses as well as the field-observed characteristics and the soil properties to determine the expected behavior of the soils under different uses. Interpretations for all of the soils are field tested through observation of the soils in different uses and under different levels of management. Some interpretations are modified to fit local conditions, and some new interpretations are developed to meet local needs. Data are assembled from other sources, such as research information, production records, and field experience of specialists. For example, data on crop yields under defined levels of management are assembled from farm records and from field or plot experiments on the same kinds of soil.

Predictions about soil behavior are based not only on soil properties but also on such variables as climate and biological activity. Soil conditions are predictable over long periods of time, but they are not predictable from year to year. For example, soil scientists can predict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that a given soil will have a high water table within certain depths in most years, but they cannot predict that a high water table will always be at a specific level in the soil on a specific date.

After soil scientists located and identified the significant natural bodies of soil in the survey area, they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial photographs and identified each as a specific map unit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields, roads, and rivers, all of which help in locating boundaries accurately.

The survey area is comprised of the private and State land in Okanogan County, Washington. The survey excludes the land in the county that is in the Colville Indian Reservation and Okanogan National Forest. These areas are covered in the soil surveys of Colville Indian Reservation, Washington, Parts of Ferry and Okanogan Counties (USDA, 2002), and Okanogan National Forest Area, Washington (USDA, 2008).

The survey area includes all of the land that was included in the soil survey of Okanogan County Area, Washington, that was published in 1980 (USDA, 1980). In addition, it includes the private land in the Aeneas Valley and Toroda Creek areas and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land in the Loomis


4

and Louploup Blocks. For this private and State land, the Private Forest Land Grading (PFLG) Program mapping completed late in the 1970s to early in the 1980s by DNR was used to assist in the current mapping.

The mapping for the 1980 soil survey report was completed at a scale of 1:20,000. The PFLG mapping was completed at a scale of 1:12,000. All of the land in Okanogan County is now mapped at a scale of 1:24,000.

The update of the private and State DNR land was completed by analyzing the existing PFLG mapping. Polygons of soil map units were located and evaluated using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Map unit polygons were displayed and plotted and then reviewed to determine consistency in delineating the polygons in relation to landform, steepness of slope, elevation, aspect, vegetation, and other map unit design criteria. After review of the map products derived from the GIS analysis, onsite investigation of representative polygons of the map units was completed to confirm the proper map unit symbol assignment. If the field visits to the polygons confirmed the map unit, then all polygons were considered to be properly identified. If the field visits to the polygons did not confirm the proper map unit symbol assignment, then the polygons were assigned to the appropriate map unit or a new map unit was established.

The main focus of the update to the 1980 soil survey information was to identify map units and map unit polygons where more detailed information was needed for planning purposes and evaluate polygons of map units that appeared to be out-of-place from typical landscape positions for the map unit. The intent of the survey was not to remap areas covered by the older survey but to enhance existing information, update mapping where users identified concerns, and update the database to be current with the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) standards. With this update, the soil information is current and consistent with the information in the recently published Okanogan National Forest Area and Colville Indian Reservation soil surveys.

Two orders of soil survey mapping intensity were used in this surveyOrders 2 and 3. Order 2 is a more intensive investigation of the map unit polygons. A discussion on orders of soil mapping intensity and field documentation is contained in the National Soil Survey Handbook (http://soils.usda.gov/technical/handbook/). Generally, the Order 2 intensity of mapping was used in areas of cropland and land used for development, where more intensive management and planning is required. The map units are typically consociations. The Order 3 intensity of mapping was used in areas of rangeland and forestland, where less intensive management and planning is required. The map units are typically associations or complexes, although consociations were used if the soils were consistent and uniform.
http://soils.usda.gov/technical/handbook/

5

Detailed Soil Map UnitsThe map units delineated on the detailed soil maps in this survey represent the soils

or miscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions in this section, along with the maps, can be used to determine the suitability and potential of a unit for specific uses. They also can be used to plan the management needed for those uses.

A map unit delineation on a soil map represents an area dominated by one or more major kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and named according to the taxonomic classification of the dominant soils. Within a taxonomic class there are precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. On the landscape, however, the soils are natural phenomena, and they have the characteristic variability of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of some observed properties may extend beyond the limits defined for a taxonomic class. Areas of soils of a single taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mapped without including areas of other taxonomic classes. Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soils or miscellaneous areas for which it is named and some minor components that belong to taxonomic classes other than those of the major soils.

Many minor soils have properties similar to those of the dominant soil or soils named in the map unit, and thus they do not affect use and management. These are called noncontrasting, or similar, soils. They typically are not mentioned in a map unit description. Other minor components, however, have properties and behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to require different management. These are called contrasting, or dissimilar, components. They generally are in small areas and could not be mapped separately because of the scale used. Some small areas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas are identified by a special symbol on the maps. The contrasting, or dissimilar, minor components are mentioned in the map unit descriptions. A few areas of minor components may not have been observed, and consequently they are not mentioned in the descriptions, especially where the pattern was so complex that it was impractical to make enough observations to identify all the soils and miscellaneous areas on the landscape.

The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineate pure taxonomic classes but rather to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments that have similar use and management requirements. The delineation of such segments on the map provides sufficient information for the development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, however, onsite investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas.

An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions. Each description includes general facts about the unit and gives the major uses.

Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. All the soils of a series have major horizons that are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement. The soils of a given series can differ in texture of the surface layer, slope, stoniness, salinity, degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. On the basis of such differences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown on the detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name


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of a soil phase commonly indicates a feature that affects use or management. For example, Disautel silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, is a phase of the Disautel series.

Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas. These map units are complexes or associations.

A complex consists of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas in such an intricate pattern or in such small areas that they cannot be shown separately on the maps. The pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in all areas. Peka-Donavan complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, is an example.

An association is made up of two or more geographically associated soils or miscellaneous areas that are shown as one unit on the maps. Because of present or anticipated uses of the map units in the survey area, it was not considered practical or necessary to map the soils or miscellaneous areas separately. The pattern and relative proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar. Nevine-Rock outcrop association, 20 to 40 percent slopes, is an example.

This survey includes miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil material and support little or no vegetation. Rock outcrop is an example.

Each detailed soil map unit is assigned to a major land resource area (MLRA) (USDA Agriculture Handbook 296). The MLRA for each detailed soil map unit is given in this section. Some map units, such as Rock outcrop, Water, and other miscellaneous areas, may not be assigned to a single MLRA because the unit can occur in any MLRA.

Table 4 gives the acreage and proportionate extent of each map unit. Other tables give properties of the soils. The Glossary defines many of the terms used in describing the soils or miscellaneous areas.

200Aeneas fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopesMap Unit Setting

Major land resource area (MLRA): 8Columbia PlateauElevation: 700 to 1,600 feetMean annual precipitation: 10 to 12 inchesMean annual air temperature: 48 to 52 degrees FFrost-free period: 140 to 190 days

Map Unit CompositionAeneas and similar soils: 90 percentDissimilar minor components: 10 percent

Characteristics of AeneasSettingLandform: Outwash terraces

Properties and qualitiesParent material: Glacial outwashSlope range: 0 to 3 percentDepth to restrictive feature: 21 to 36 inches to strongly contrasting textural

stratificationDrainage class: Well drainedCapacity to transmit water (Ksat): High or very high (see Physical Properties table)Frequency of flooding: NoneFrequency of ponding: NoneSeasonal high water table (minimum depth): More than 72 inchesAvailable water capacity (entire profile): Low (about 5.5 inches)


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Interpretive groupsLand capability subclass (nonirrigated): 3eLand capability subclass (irrigated): 2eEcological site: SANDY 10-16 PZ (R008XY501WA)

Typical profileA10 to 2 inches; fine sandy loamA22 to 8 inches; fine sandy loamBw8 to 16 inches; fine sandy loamC116 to 26 inches; fine sandy loam2C226 to 30 inches; loamy sand2C330 to 60 inches; sand

Dissimilar Minor ComponentsCashmere soilsPercentage of map unit: 5 percent

Ewall soilsPercentage of map unit: 5 percent

Major UseCrop production

201Aeneas fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopesMap Unit Setting

Major land resource area (MLRA): 8Columbia PlateauElevation: 700 to 1,600 feetMean annual precipitation: 10 to 12 inchesMean annual

Documents

Soil Survey of Okanogan County Area, Washington soil survey updates the survey of Okanogan County Area, Washington, published in ... 211—Baldknob-Thout-Nicmar ... Soil Survey of