Altamont Soil Series
USDA Code: CA0014
K-Factor
0.37
Soil Erodibility Factor
Texture Class
clay loam
Drainage Class
well drained
About Altamont
Moderately deep, well drained soils formed in material weathered from sandstone and shale. Found on uplands with slopes of 15 to 75 percent.
K factor values are sourced from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) SSURGO database.
Using Altamont in a RUSLE calculation
For a California construction project, use the soil K factor with rainfall erosivity, slope length and steepness, cover management, and support practice inputs. The K factor represents the soil erodibility portion of the model, so selecting the soil series that matches the site is important for defensible stormwater documentation.
In a SWPPP workflow, the practical question is not just what soil type is mapped near the project. It is whether the mapped series, K factor, and drainage assumptions match the site evidence well enough to support the RUSLE or RUSLE2 calculation.
California Distribution
Common in the Diablo Range foothills of Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Subject to significant erosion on steep slopes.
Counties Where Found
Altamont soil FAQ
What is the K factor for Altamont soil?
Altamont has a listed K factor of 0.37 in the Rapid RUSLE soil directory. Confirm final values against project specific soil survey data before submitting permit documents.
Where is Altamont soil found in California?
Altamont is mapped in Alameda, Contra Costa. County mapping is based on available soil series data and should be verified for the exact project location.
How is Altamont used in RUSLE erosion calculations?
Use the Altamont K factor as the soil erodibility input in RUSLE or RUSLE2, along with rainfall, slope, cover, and support practice factors for the site.
Calculate erosion risk with Altamont soil data
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