The Dalvord soils are on mountains, hills, and pediments. Slope ranges from 8 to 75 percent. The soils formed in colluvium and residuum from granite. Elevations are from 1,900 to 5,100 feet. The climate is arid, with hot, dry summers and cool winters.
Most precipitation comes in the winter but in some areas it is sporadic.
The mean annual precipitation is 2 to 8 inches. The frost-free season is 200 to 340 days. These are the Etinarg , Goldroad , and Langwell soils. Etinarg soils are found on similar landscape positions at higher elevations and have an argillic horizon. They are in a mesic soil temperature regime.