Washakie County Soil Data
Washakie County, Wyoming
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.6
Texture
Fine sandy loam
Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
C/D
Data Story
About Soil in Washakie County, Wyoming
The Entisols of Washakie County
Washakie is dominated by Entisols, which are young soils with a high pH of 7.58. This level is more alkaline than both the national median of 6.5 and the Wyoming average of 7.18.
Fine Sandy Loam Texture
The soil is classified as a fine sandy loam, containing 46.4% sand and 21.8% clay. This provides a balance that is easy to till while still holding enough nutrients for agricultural use.
Low Organic Matter Potential
Organic matter is just 1.80%, which is well below the Wyoming state average of 5.40%. With a water capacity of 0.154 in/in, these soils require significant amendment to reach peak fertility.
Managing Poorly Drained Acres
The soil is somewhat poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group C/D. This means water moves slowly, and gardeners must be careful not to over-saturate their plants.
Garden Success in Zone 4b
In Hardiness Zone 4b, your best bets are root crops and leafy greens. Focus on building up that 1.80% organic matter with compost to improve your garden's overall resilience.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Somewhat poorly drained
Water is removed slowly enough that the soil is wet at shallow depths for significant periods. Mottling present.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Fine sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Alkaline Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 7.6. These products help acidify soil for better nutrient uptake.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Washakie County have?
Washakie County's soil is classified as Fine sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 46% sand, 31% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Washakie County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Washakie County's soil has a pH of 7.6, which is mildly to moderately alkaline. Sulfur amendments can lower pH if needed.
What is the drainage class for Washakie County?
Washakie County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Washakie County's soil?
Based on Washakie County's Fine sandy loam texture, pH of 7.6, and Somewhat poorly drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Washakie County?
Washakie County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Washakie County
Soil Verdict
Washakie County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -25°F. Soils here experience deep freeze cycles that can disrupt structure, kill shallow roots, and slow microbial activity for months each year.
Planting Guidance
Focus on cold-hardy perennials, native grasses, and conifers. The short growing window favors plants with low heat requirements. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Deep winter freezing can create soil heaving that pushes shallow-rooted plants out of the ground; add 3-4 inches of organic mulch each fall. Soil drainage is critical — frozen, waterlogged soil kills roots faster than cold alone. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Washakie County is somewhat cooler than the Wyoming statewide average. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Washakie County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Wyoming
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.