Clearwater Area, Idaho

Survey Area ID612• Idaho

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Andisols — soils formed in volcanic ash, very light and porous. 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. 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
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

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.

Andisols

Volcanic ash soils — light, porous, and fertile. Excellent drainage, but low density can complicate foundations.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

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

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.