Caribou County Area, Idaho
The most common soil here is Rexburg, on about 8% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Ririe and Foundem come next.
About 87% of the land drains well, and 7% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 7% of it.
USDA rates 62% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 53% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 28% 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 Caribou 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 Caribou 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rexburg-Ririe complex, very deep, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lostine-Foundem complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ireland-Cedarhill-Buist complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes, MLRA 13 | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Foundem-Rexburg, very deep, complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ririe-Rexburg complex, deep, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ririe, very deep-Lostine complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mayhill-Dranyon complex, 10 to 35 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ricafied-Ireland-Cedarhill complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Foundem-Kackley complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bancroft silt loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dranyon-Hades-Hagenbarth complex, 10 to 35 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rexburg, very deep-Kucera complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Foundem-Ririe, very deep, complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Buist-Ricrest-Cedarhill complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurryback-Pearlwise-Alexander complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calpac-Ricrest-Ireland, extremely bouldery surface, complex, 12 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rexburg-Ririe complex, very deep, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cedarhill-Ricrest complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bear Lake-Chesbrook-La Roco complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very 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 53% 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 62% 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.