Gem County Area, Idaho
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Gem County Area, Idaho.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haw loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gem and Bakeoven soils, 30 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Payette coarse sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chilcott-Vickery complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gem and Bakeoven soils, 0 to 30 percent slopes, extremely stony | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gem very stony clay loam, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Power and Purdam soils, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Demasters stony loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bakeoven-Rock outcrop-Lickskillet complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lolalita coarse sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwin very stony loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwin very stony loam, 0 to 30 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lanktree and Chilcott loams, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gross cobbly loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes, stony | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rainey sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bakeoven-Lickskillet-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwin very stony loam, 60 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mehlhorn-Gwin very stony loams, 30 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Van Dusen loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brownlee and Ola soils, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% 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 95% 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.