Benewah County Area, Idaho, Western Part

Survey Area ID620• Idaho

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Andisols — soils formed in volcanic ash, very light and porous. 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. 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
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

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.

Andisols

Volcanic ash soils — light, porous, and fertile. Excellent drainage, but low density can complicate foundations.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

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

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.