Sierraville Soil Series
K-Factor
0.28
Soil Erodibility Factor
Texture Class
loam
Drainage Class
somewhat poorly drained
About Sierraville
Deep, somewhat poorly drained soils formed in lacustrine deposits and alluvium from mixed granitic and volcanic sources. Found on broad, nearly level valley floors and glacial lake plains at 4,800–6,000 ft elevation.
K factor values are sourced from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) SSURGO database.
Using Sierraville 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
Named for the town of Sierraville in Sierra County. Occurs in the Sierra Valley and similar intermontane basins in Plumas and Sierra counties. Used for irrigated pasture and native hay production.
Counties Where Found
Sierraville soil FAQ
What is the K factor for Sierraville soil?
Sierraville 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 Sierraville soil found in California?
Sierraville is mapped in Plumas, Sierra. County mapping is based on available soil series data and should be verified for the exact project location.
How is Sierraville used in RUSLE erosion calculations?
Use the Sierraville 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 Sierraville soil data
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