How deep is our clay layer?

I understand this can vary by specific location, but was wondering if anyone has experience / data as to how deep the local clay layer is. I may want to dig a drywell but before I do I'd like to have some idea as to how deep it needs to be.

Lanky, total thread drift: we have a new Boticelli target. So far it's just Morganna and me. You're welcome to return if and when you have five minutes...

I know it's at least 16 feet deep in our neighborhood. That was how far they dug to remove contaminated soil on our lawn.

Between Valley and Prospect, I have been digging in our yard to about five feet. Still clay. I was actually surprised, I guess i expected it to be like the reservation looks once I got down a few feet and to find large rock.

Ah hah! I was just going to ask him to jump in! As I remember Lanky had a knowledge of sports figures and I'm in the weeds on your latest challenge! Help!

joanne said:

Lanky, total thread drift: we have a new Boticelli target. So far it's just Morganna and me. You're welcome to return if and when you have five minutes...

16 feet all of solid clay? Yikes. @rowerg - thanks also for the input. What to do, what to do...

ml1 said:

I know it's at least 16 feet deep in our neighborhood. That was how far they dug to remove contaminated soil on our lawn.

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Holy cow. Given all that clay, that's about the size of the drywell I'd probably have to create to be effective...

avellino does dry wells, they may be able to tell you what they have seen with clients

Check out the USDA Web Soil Survey

You should be able to get an estimate of available water storage, depth to restrictive layers etc.

I am not familiar with dry wells, why do you put one in?

To direct storm water or runoff from your gutters away from your home. Dry wells can become clogged, and when that happens water in your gutters will back up. I think it's better to connect to a storm sewer (if possible) or just daylight the water.

maps said:

I am not familiar with dry wells, why do you put one in?