Kootenai County Area, Idaho

Survey Area ID606• 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 Kootenai County Area, 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
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

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.

Andisols

Volcanic ash soils — light, porous, and fertile. Excellent drainage, but low density can complicate foundations.

Alfisols

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

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.