Clearwater National Forest, 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 National Forest, Idaho.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typic Udivitrands complex, dissected stream breaklands | 52K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Humicryepts-Andic Haplocryepts complex, glacial trough bottoms | 48K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Andic Haplocryepts complex, glacial cirques | 46K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Andic Humicryepts, dense till substratum-Andic Haplocryepts complex, glaciated mountain ridges | 45K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vitrandic Dystrudepts-Andic Dystrudepts-Rock outcrop complex, dissected stream breaklands | 45K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Haplocryepts, undissected mountain slopes, south aspects | 44K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Haplocryepts, mountain ridges, south aspects | 39K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Vitricryands, mountain slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Dystrudepts complex, dissected stream breaklands | 37K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Vitricryands-Typic Haplocryands complex, glaciated mountain ridges | 35K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Haplocryands complex, mountain slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vitrandic Xerorthents-Rock outcrop complex, dissected stream breaklands | 32K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Dystrudepts complex, dissected mountain slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Vitricryands, undissected mountain slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Vitrandepts, Typic Dystrochrepts, and Eutric Glossoboralfs, landslide deposits | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Haplocryepts, glacial trough walls | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Haplocryepts, mountain ridges | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Cryumbrepts-Andic Cryochrepts complex, avalanche paths | 28K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Haplocryands-Typic Vitricryands complex, nivational hollows | 23K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Udivitrands complex, undissected stream breaklands | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% 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 93% 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.