Idaho County Area, Idaho, Western Part

Survey Area ID617• Idaho

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Idaho County Area, 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

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

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.