Bear Lake County Area, Idaho
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Bear Lake County Area, Idaho.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 41K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bear Lake-Bear Lake, ponded complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lago-Bear Lake complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sprollow, dry-Lonjon complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Springhollow-Arbone complex, dry, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bear Lake-Chesbrook-La Roco complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cedarhill-Clegg-Drage complex, 5 to 55 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bern silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dinswamp mucky peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pontuge-Cokeville complex, 10 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jebo-Cupine complex, dry, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Streek-Swanpeak complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Warshod-Slan complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bear Lake-Lago complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hutchley-Cupine-Vitale complex, 2 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Joes silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Everry-Preuss complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lago silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pegram silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vicking-Cokeville complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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.