Custer-Lemhi Area, Idaho, Parts of Blaine, Custer, and Lemhi Counties

Survey Area ID752• Idaho

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Custer-Lemhi Area, Idaho, Parts of Blaine, Custer, and Lemhi Counties. 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
Calcids-Rubble land-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 80 percent slopes	62K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Dacont-Zeebar association, 20 to 50 percent slopes	48K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Venum-Cronks complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes	45K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dawtonia-Dacont association, 20 to 50 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cryolls-Rubble land-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 80 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dawtonia-Custco association, 20 to 50 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Whitecloud-Simeroi complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	30K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Ringle gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	28K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Pahsimeroi gravelly loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	27K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cronks-Challis association, 20 to 50 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cryepts-Rubble land-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 80 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Howcan-Hagenbarth-Hutchley complex, 5 to 60 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Chamberlain gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Klug-Povey complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Dawtonia-Frailton complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sparmo-Zer complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Arbus gravelly loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes	20K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Parkalley family-Zeebar-Primeaux association, 12 to 50 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Whiteknob gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Povey-Klug, cool complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes	18K	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.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 71% 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 96% 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.