Bonneville County Area, Idaho
The most common soil here is Pancheri, on about 18% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Ririe and Torriorthents come next.
About 88% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 45% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 36% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 30% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Bonneville County Area, Idaho, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Bonneville County Area, Idaho. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ririe silt loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 78K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pancheri silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lava flows | 65K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, very steep | 47K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bannock loam | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pancheri silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cryoborolls-Rock outcrop complex, very steep | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pancheri silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Paulson-Nielsen complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tetonia silt loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Paul silty clay loam | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ririe silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dranyon silt loam, 4 to 45 percent slope, extremely stony | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pancheri-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Paesl silty clay loam | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Polatis-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Potell silt loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rin silt loam, 12 to 45 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rin silt loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Packham gravelly loam | 8K | Well drained | B | Not 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 36% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 45% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.