Adams-Washington Area, Parts of Adams and Washington Counties, Idaho
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.