Bannock County Area, Idaho, Parts of Bannock and Power Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Bannock County Area, Idaho, Parts of Bannock and Power Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedarhill-Ririe-Watercanyon complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ririe-Watercanyon complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valmar-Camelback, deep-Hades complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rexburg silt loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ririe silt loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harkness-Sedgway-Mikesell complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ireland, extremely stony surface-Camelback-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Camelback-Cedarhill, high precipitation-Lanoak complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ririe-Watercanyon complex, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Camelback, very deep-Hades-Valmar complex 10 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moonlight-Camelback association, 30 to 60 percent slopes, MLRA 13 | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downey-Arimo complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cedarhill, high precipitation-Hades-Ricrest complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valmar, low precipitation-Watercanyon-Hondoho complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hondoho-Arbone-Ririe complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sedgway-Beaverdam complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ririe silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ireland, extremely stony surface-Dateman-Pavohroo association, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hondoho-Arbone complex, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ririe-Watercanyon-Cedarhill complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 75% 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.