Boundary County Area, Idaho

Survey Area ID601• 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 Boundary 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
Rubson ashy silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Pend Oreille ashy silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Idamont ashy silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Schnoorson silt loam, protected, drained, 0 to 2 percent slopes	11K	Poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Pend Oreille ashy silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Wishbone-Caboose complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Selle-Elmira complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Pend Oreille ashy silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Treble, very bouldery-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Porthill silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dufort ashy silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Farnhamton silt loam, protected, drained, 2 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Artnoc silt loam, 35 to 75 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
DeVoignes mucky silt loam, protected, drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rubson ashy silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	5K			Not rated	Not rated
Dufort ashy silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Crash silt loam, 35 to 75 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Treble gravelly ashy sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Selle ashy fine sandy loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	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.

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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 67% 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 92% 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.