Fill Dirt in Markleeville, CA

Delivered fill dirt prices in Markleeville vary with haul distance, supply, and moisture content, but you can typically expect a range of about $20 to $60 per ton. Converted to volume, that is roughly $24 to $72 per cubic yard using a common conversion of 1.2 tons per cubic yard; heavier or wetter material may reach 1.4–1.5 tons/yd3 and raise the per-yard cost. Exact pricing is shown at checkout for your zip code and Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum order.

Hello Gravel’s minimum order is 3 tons, which applies in Markleeville as well. Deliveries are usually made by tri-axle or tandem dump trucks; smaller dump trucks or end-dump trucks can be used for tight access but may increase the per-ton price.

Yes. Markleeville is in mountain terrain so winter snow, temporary road closures, and spring weight restrictions (frost laws) can limit truck access or require smaller loads. Plan deliveries from late spring through fall when possible, and expect possible extra fees or schedule changes during snow season or after major storms.

Local rules can apply: grading, large fills, or changes to drainage often require county permits in Alpine County, and work near streams or wetlands may trigger environmental review. Before importing large amounts of fill or changing site grades, contact Alpine County Building and Planning to confirm permit needs and check landfill rules for disposing contaminated soil.

For structural bases such as driveways, aim for 90% to 95% relative compaction (roughly 90–95% of standard Proctor), which almost always requires mechanical compaction in 4–6 inch lifts using a plate compactor or small roller. For non-structural yard fill you can be less stringent, but place in thin lifts and lightly compact to reduce settlement.

Fill dirt by itself is generally not the best material for steep slopes or erosion control because it can erode and settle. For steeper terrain, use engineered solutions such as retaining walls, geotextiles, compacted structural fill, or angular base rock and surface stabilization (mulch, vegetation, erosion blankets) to reduce runoff and movement.

Use a conversion of about 1.2 tons per cubic yard for typical dry loam fill dirt; ranges of 1.1 to 1.5 tons/yd3 are common depending on moisture and density. Example: a 10 ft x 10 ft area at 6 inches deep is 5 cubic feet x 100 = 50 cubic feet = 1.85 cubic yards ≈ 2.2 tons; a 20 ft x 30 ft area at 6 inches is 300 sq ft x 0.5 ft = 150 cu ft = 5.56 yd3 ≈ 6.7 tons.

Expect most settlement in the first year after placement, especially through winter freeze-thaw and spring melt cycles. Proper compaction and drainage reduce long-term movement, but plan to inspect and regrade low spots annually and after heavy runoff; repaired spots are usually filled and compacted as needed.

For drainage and septic, clean drain rock or washed gravel is recommended instead of fill dirt because it allows water to pass through; engineered sand and gravels are common for septic leach fields. For topsoil needs, screened topsoil or compost blends are better for planting. Costwise, plain fill dirt is usually the cheapest material per ton, while washed drain rock and engineered soils cost more per ton but provide the required performance for drainage or septic systems.

Markleeville is a small mountain community, so local contractor options may be limited and some contractors travel from nearby towns. For labor, expect a wide range: local spreading/compacting rates commonly run from about $60 to $125 per hour or roughly $5 to $20 per cubic yard depending on access, slope, and equipment needed. Hello Gravel can help connect you with local suppliers and hauling contractors and we recommend getting 2–3 quotes for spreading and compaction work.

Clear the dump area of obstacles, mark property lines and utility locations, and provide a stable truck turnaround and unload zone so the driver can safely dump. Include delivery instructions in your order notes, request tailgate spreading if needed (driver discretion), and confirm any gate codes or access restrictions before delivery.