Clearwater Area, 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 Clearwater Area, Idaho.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dullaxe-Vassar complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grangemont-Kauder complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brodeer-Mushel complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riswold-Grangemont complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dullaxe-Brodeer complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Township-Rettig complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brodeer, dry-Mushel complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 18K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Elkridge-Riswold complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aldermand ashy loam, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reggear-Kauder complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brequito-Lado complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rettig-Grandad complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mushel-Dullaxe complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brodeer-Flewsie complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kauder ashy silt loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norwidge-Threebear complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rettig-Township complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elkridge-Riswold complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poorman-Grandad complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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.