Butte County Area, Idaho, Parts of Butte and Bingham Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Butte County Area, Idaho, Parts of Butte and Bingham 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee-Nargon-Atom complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 105K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| McCarey-Vickton-Lava flows complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lava flows-Pingree complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 43K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Nargon-Deuce complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pancheri-Polatis complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| McCarey-Beartrap complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nargon-Atom-Techicknot complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ike-Rock outcrop-Jimbee association, 10 to 80 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atom silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Malm-Bondfarm-Matheson complex, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Techick-Soelberg-Lesbut complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Splittop-Coffee complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Howcan-Zeebar-Hutchley association, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jimbee-Rock outcrop-Ike association, 10 to 90 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sparmo silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Simeroi-Sparmo complex, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Deuce, very stony surface-Nargon-Lava flows complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coffee-Nargon complex, 4 to 20 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Simeroi-Paint complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Darlington-Lesbut complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 14K | 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 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 60% 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.