Challis National Forest, Eastern Part, Idaho
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.