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Windy Soil Series

K-Factor

0.28

Soil Erodibility Factor

Texture Class

silty clay loam

Drainage Class

poorly drained

About Windy

Deep, poorly drained soils formed in alluvium and glacial outwash in alpine and subalpine meadows. Aquic moisture regime with a seasonal high water table at or near the surface for much of the year. Found on nearly level to gently sloping valley floors above 7,500 ft.

K factor values are sourced from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) SSURGO database.

Using Windy 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

Representative of the high-elevation wet meadow soils in Alpine County. These meadow soils are critical water storage systems for the headwaters of the Mokelumne and Carson rivers.

Counties Where Found

Windy soil FAQ

What is the K factor for Windy soil?

Windy 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 Windy soil found in California?

Windy is mapped in Alpine, Mono, Tuolumne. County mapping is based on available soil series data and should be verified for the exact project location.

How is Windy used in RUSLE erosion calculations?

Use the Windy 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 Windy soil data

Start a Rapid RUSLE project with this soil's K-factor (0.28) pre-loaded. Get accurate RUSLE erosion risk assessments in minutes.

Start a Rapid RUSLE project with this soil

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