Benewah County Area, Idaho, Western Part
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Benewah County Area, Idaho, Western Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlinton-Carlinton, dry complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Taney ashy silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Honeyjones, warm-Ahrs complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southwick ashy silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ardenvoir, dry-Ardenvoir complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latahco-Lovell complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huckle ashy silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Honeyjones ashy silt loam, warm, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Honeyjones ashy silt loam, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Taney ashy silt loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Larkin-Southwick complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sinkler-Arson complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Santa ashy silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huckle, dry-Ardenvoir complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southwick-Driscoll complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carlinton, dry-Taney complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reggear ashy silt loam, moist, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carlinton ashy silt loam, dry, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharptop-Santa complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.