Kooskia Area, Idaho County, Idaho
The most common soil here is Jughandle, on about 9% of the land: a ashy loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Suttler and Klicker come next.
About 87% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 96% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 27% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Kooskia Area, Idaho County, Idaho, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 96% 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 99% 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.