Kootenai County Area, Idaho
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Kootenai County Area, Idaho.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 35K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Vassar ashy silt loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Huckle-Ardenvoir association, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCrosket-Ardenvoir association, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kootenai gravelly silt loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Avonville fine gravelly silt loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| McGuire-Marble association, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Santa ashy silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCrosket-Tekoa association, 12 to 60 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garrison gravelly silt loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Taney silt loam, 7 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kootenai-Bonner complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Huckle ashy silt loam, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lacy-Bobbitt association, 5 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonner gravelly silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Blinn loam, 5 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonner ashy silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Vassar-Moscow association, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenz, very stony-Lenz complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kruse-Ulricher association, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 55% 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 88% 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.