Elmore County Area, Idaho, Parts of Elmore and Owyhee Counties
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 Elmore County Area, Idaho, Parts of Elmore and Owyhee Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roanhide-Bauscher-Schoolhouse association, 10 to 60 percent slopes | 110K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purdam silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 102K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rainey-Schoolhouse-Oland association, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 87K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xeric Torriorthents and Xerollic Camborthids, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 74K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colthorp-Kunaton complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 62K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Owsel-Purdam complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Typic Torriorthents-Badland complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badge-Immiant-Rubble land complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chilcott-Elijah silt loams, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shano-Truesdale fine sandy loams, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Xeric Torriorthents-Xerollic Camborthids complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Colthorp-Minveno silt loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes, stony | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elijah-Purdam silt loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Typic Torriorthents, 4 to 20 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Broad Canyon-Grousecreek association, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purdam-Sebree-Owsel complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Rubble land association | 33K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Shano-Owsel complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Lanktree-Chilcott loams, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Royal fine sandy loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% 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 83% 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.