Idaho County Area, Idaho, Western Part
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 Idaho County Area, Idaho, Western Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nez Perce silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 68K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ferdinand-Bluesprin very cobbly loam complex | 45K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluesprin-Rock outcrop complex | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ferdinand-Flybow-Riggins complex | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluesprin-Klickson association | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klickson-Bluesprin complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tannahill-Lickskillet complex | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klickson-Suloaf complex | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Bluesprin complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 20K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Ferdinand-Riggins complex | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brower very gravelly loam, 40 to 90 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nez Perce silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Tannahill complex, 40 to 75 percent slopes | 15K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Shebang silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tannahill-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 75 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Suloaf cobbly silt loam, 7 to 40 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nazaton-Naz complex | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klickson-Rock outcrop complex | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop | 10K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Lawyer-Bluesprin association | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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 94% 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.