Bonner County Area, Idaho, Parts of Bonner and Boundary Counties

Survey Area ID604• Idaho

The dominant drainage class is 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 Bonner County Area, Idaho, Parts of Bonner and Boundary Counties. 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
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

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.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Alfisols

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

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.