Caribou National Forest, Idaho and Wyoming
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 National Forest, Idaho and Wyoming.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valmar-Warshod family, extremely stony surface-Foxol, very stony surface, complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gralic, very stony surface-Kingmine-Sponsor families, complex, 25 to 55 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Primeaux-Goodski-Skutum families, complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starley, very stony surface-Karlan-Parkcity families, complex, 40 to 75 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Middlehill family, very stony surface-Dranburn-Parkcity family, complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spearhead family-Broad Canyon, very stony surface, complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes, MLRA 47 | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toponce-Mikesell-Beaverdam family, complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stringam-Wayan family, complex, 22 to 50 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spearhead family-Spearhead family, warm-Booneville complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bachus-Burnette family-Ticanot, very stony surface, complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Davtone-Sedgway-Woodhurst families, complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ireland, extremely stony surface-Drage family, complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Davtone-Ezbin families, complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beaverdam-Davtone-Faim families, complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sparky-Jedediah family, complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes, MLRA 13 | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Povey-Chokecherry complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hourglass family-Bischoff-Davtone family, complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cluff, bouldery surface-Groomer-Cluff, bouldery surface cold, families, complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Farlow family, very stony surface-Ireland, extremely stony surface, complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bischoff-Sessions families, complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.