Fremont County, Idaho, Western Part

Survey Area ID762• Idaho

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.

Mollisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

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

Aridisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 53% 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 82% 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.