Boundary County Area, Idaho
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 Boundary County Area, Idaho.
| 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 |
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.