Boundary County Area, Idaho
The most common soil here is Pend Oreille, on about 12% of the land: a ashy silt loam, smooth, like flour. Rubson and Idamont come next.
About 73% of the land drains well, and 16% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 9% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 71% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 9% 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 Boundary 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% 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 95% 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.