Kooskia Area, Idaho County, Idaho

Survey Area ID618• Idaho

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Kooskia Area, Idaho County, Idaho. 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
Suttler loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Jughandle sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes	27K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Klicker silt loam, 40 to 65 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gwin-Mehlhorn stony loams, 45 to 65 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lochsa sandy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Dystroxerepts-Typic Udivitrands complex, dissected stream breaklands	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kooskia silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gwin-Mehlhorn stony loams, 12 to 45 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Andic Dystrochrepts, dissected mountain slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kooskia silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Dystroxerepts-Typic Udivitrands complex, dissected mountain slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Klickson-Bluesprin complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Caribel silt loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Klicker silt loam, 12 to 40 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Brody cobbly silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Udivitrands, high relief rolling uplands	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Dystroxerepts, dissected stream breaklands	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lochsa-Yakus complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Molly loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Vitrandepts, low relief rolling uplands	5K	Well drained	B	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 100% 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 100% 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.