Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lava flows | 256K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lava flows-Cinderhurst complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 195K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Starbuck-McPan-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deerhorn-Rehfield-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| McPan-Chijer complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCarey-Beartrap-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCarey-Beartrap complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deerhorn-Wildors-Rekima complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deerhorn-Wildors complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pagari-Rehfield complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCarey-Pedleford complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCarey-Molyneux complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCarey-Molyneux-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starbuck-Lava flows complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lava flows-Cinderhurst, extremely shallow complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cox-Rehfield-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McBiggam silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Taunton-Paulville complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bancroft silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Trevino, stony-Portino, stony-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 34% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.