Fremont County, Idaho, Western Part
The most common soil here is Vadnais, on about 6% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Juniperbute and Jipper come next.
About 82% of the land drains well, and 6% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 78% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 51% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 45% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Fremont County, Idaho, Western Part, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Fremont County, Idaho, Western Part. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Katseanes-Rock outcrop-Vadnais complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jipper-Nayrib-Stipe complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| St. Anthony gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Vadnais-Rock outcrop-Hagenbarth complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Vadnais complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 23K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Dune land | 21K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Water | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Juniperbute fine sand, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 14K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eginbench loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rexburg-Ririe silt loams, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nayrib-Stipe complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rexburg-Ririe silt loams, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Juniperbute-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Engett, bedrock substratum-Engett-Blacksan complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wolverine fine sand, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Snowshoe loamy fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fourme loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Grassyridge sand, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vadnais-Chickenridge-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rexburg-Ririe silt loams, bedrock substratums, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 78% 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.