Challis National Forest, Eastern Part, Idaho

Survey Area ID703• Idaho

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 Challis National Forest, Eastern Part, 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
Parkalley family-Zeebar-Primeaux association, 12 to 50 percent slopes	149K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rubble land-Rock outcrop association	128K		A	Not rated	Not rated
Bakerpeak, very stony surface-Kitchell family-Farlow, extremely bouldery surface, complex, 45 to 70 percent slopes	116K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rubble land-Rock outcrop-Typic Haplocryolls family association, 45 to 85 percent slopes	78K		A	Not rated	Not rated
Ireland, extremely stony surface-Middlehill family, very stony surface-Bakerpeak, extremely stony surface, association, 35 to 80 percent slopes	73K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ketchum, very stony surface-Enentah, extremely stony surface families, complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes	71K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Shakespeare family-Dehana family-Zeebar complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes	60K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Howcan-Hagenbarth-Hutchley complex, 5 to 60 percent slopes	50K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Shakespeare family, extremely stony surface-Primeaux complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes	49K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lionhead family-Parkalley family-Primeaux complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes	46K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Como family, very rubbly surface-Cuberant family, very rubbly surface-Rubble land complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Nielsen family, very stony surface-Parvis family, extremely stony surface-Povey, complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lag-Lag, high effective precipitation-Sweethollow families, complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ketchum-Sweethollow-Lag, very stony surface, families, complex, 45 to 70 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kitchell family-Skibo family-Bakerpeak complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes, very stony surface	29K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Broad Canyon, very bouldery surface-Enentah, extremely bouldery surface, families, complex, 12 to 60 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bezzant, stony surface-Monida-Zeebar complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Argora-McNinch family-Bailey, extremely bouldery surface, complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lag family-Ketchum family-Valmar, complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Firada family, extremely stony surface-Bakerpeak, very stony surface-Firada family, extremely stony surface, complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 81% 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 81% 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.