Adams-Washington Area, Parts of Adams and Washington Counties, Idaho

Survey Area ID656• Idaho

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Adams-Washington Area, Parts of Adams and Washington Counties, Idaho. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Gem-Reywat complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes	61K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Meland-Riggins complex, 4 to 30 percent slopes	59K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Meland-Riggins complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	59K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gem-Reywat complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bakeoven-Reywat complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Riggins extremely stony loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bakeoven-Reywat-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Riggins extremely stony loam, 4 to 30 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gem-Bakeoven complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bluebell cobbly loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Demasters loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rockly-Riggins complex, 4 to 30 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gem stony clay loam, 2 to 30 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Klicker stony loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cranecreek-Reywat complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	15K			Not rated	Not rated
Gem-Bakeoven complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Deshler-Devnot complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ticanot very cobbly loam, 4 to 65 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Oldsferry channery loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.