2.6 Topography

Another important factor in accurately estimating surface runoff is the topography of the watershed. In fact, the watershed and sub-basin boundaries were defined by MDNR staff based on topographic information (Figure 12). AWRI constructed a digital elevation model (DEM) using US Geological Survey topographic information (Figure 13). The DEM displays an area's topographic characteristics in a manner which, for many, is easier to decipher than conventional topographic maps. The soil types of the watershed also reveal topographic detail. Hundreds of acres in the watershed are of soils described in the Soil Survey of Kent County as rolling to steep.

The watershed's topography plays an important role in one of the special features of the area. Alpine Township is one of the most productive apple producing areas in the State of Michigan. Township officials credit much of the productivity to the land itself, particularly the topography. (Steffens, Sharon 1994. Viewpoint. The York Creek Journey. 1(1):3.)

Table 2. Soil Types - York Creek Watershed
Soil Code Soil Type Acres
5 Algansee loamy fine sand 12.4 6 Glendora loamy sand 79.1 7 Cohoctah loam 58.9 9B Rimer loamy fine sand, 0-4% 18.3 11B Owosso-Marlette sandy loams, 2-6% 89.0 11C Owosso-Marlette sandy loams, 6-12% 23.6 15 Sloan loam 5.6 17B Chelsea loamy fine sand, 0-6% 130.5 17C Chelsea loamy fine sand, 6-12% 9.6 17D Chelsea loamy fine sand. 12-18% 4.7 22B Oshtemo sandy loam, 0-6% 36.3 22C Oshtemo sandy loam, 6-12% 23.2 25B Oakville fine sand, 0-6% 30.5 25C Oakville fine sand, 6-12% 43.5 30B Spinks loamy sand, 0-6% 42.5 30C Spinks loamy sand, 6-12% 90.0 36B Marlette loam, 2-6% 191.3 36C Marlette loam, 6-12% 288.9 36D Marlette loam, 12-18% 43.5 36E Marlette Loam, 18-25% 43.9 37B Capac loam, 0-4% 181.0 38 Parkhill loam 8.0 39B Arkport loamy very fine sand, 1-6% 4.6% 45B Perrinton loam, 2-6% 10.8 45C Perrinton loam, 6-12% 28.9 45D Perrinton loam, 12-18% 2.8 46B Ithaca loam, 1-6% 2.7 47 Pewano loam 33.7 48B Metea loamy sand, 2-6% 70.1 48C Metea loamy sand, 6-12% 17.8 48D Metea loamy sand, 12-18% 1.5 49B Selfridge loamy sand, 12-18% 13.0 50B Woodbeck silt loam, 2-6% 14.3 50C Woodbeck silt loam, 6-12% 5.0 50D Woodbeck silt loam, 12-18% 1.5 56B Scalley sandy loam, 2-6% 8.7 56C Scalley sandy loam, 6-12% .5 62B Tekenink fine sandy loam, 2-6% 7.7 63 Urban land-Cohoctah complex 115.5 66D Boyer loamy sand, 12-18% 10.4 74 Dumps 4.5 75 Udorthents, loamy 25.4 76 Udipsaments, nearly level to steep 3.6 78 Urban Land 114.2 81B Urban land-Spinks complex, 0-8% 31.4 82B Urban Land- Perrinton Complex, 0-8% 50.1 82C Urban Land- Perrinton Complex, 8-15% 6.5 83B Marlette Loam, moderately wet,1-5% 33.3 89E Marlette-Oakville-Boyer Complex 15-60% 17.5 W Water 19.7 Total 2110

Source: USDA Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Kent County, Michigan, April 1986.

Figure 7. Soil Textures - York Creek Watershed

Figure 8. Hydrologic Soil Groups - York Creek Watershed

Figure 9. Limitations On Dwelling With Basements - York Creek Watershed

Figure 10. Septic Tank Limitations - York Creek Watershed

Figure 11. Designated Sub-Basins - York Creek Watershed

Figure 12. Digital Elevation Model - York Creek Watershed