Diablo Soil Series
USDA Code: CA0146
K-Factor
0.28
Soil Erodibility Factor
Texture Class
clay
Drainage Class
well drained
About Diablo
Deep, well drained soils formed in material weathered from sandstone, shale, and related sedimentary rocks. Found on uplands.
K factor values are sourced from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) SSURGO database.
Using Diablo 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
Found in the hills surrounding the San Francisco Bay Area, particularly Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara counties.
Counties Where Found
Diablo soil FAQ
What is the K factor for Diablo soil?
Diablo has a listed K factor of 0.28 in the Rapid RUSLE soil directory. Confirm final values against project specific soil survey data before submitting permit documents.
Where is Diablo soil found in California?
Diablo is mapped in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara. County mapping is based on available soil series data and should be verified for the exact project location.
How is Diablo used in RUSLE erosion calculations?
Use the Diablo 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 Diablo soil data
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