Bonner County Area, Idaho, Parts of Bonner and Boundary 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 Bonner County Area, Idaho, Parts of Bonner and Boundary Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pend Oreille silt loam, 5 to 45 percent slopes | 84K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 48K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Vay-Ardtoo association, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex | 32K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Bonner silt loam, cool, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Prouty gravelly loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pend Oreille-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 45 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonner gravelly ashy silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Treble-Rock outcrop association, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Priestlake gravelly sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hun gravelly silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenz-Rock outcrop association, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mission silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jeru gravelly sandy loam, warm, 35 to 75 percent slopes, extremely stony | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mission silt loam, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dufort-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jeru gravelly loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vay gravelly silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kootenai gravelly ashy silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Vay silt loam, cool, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 84% 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.