Lewis and Nez Perce Counties, Idaho
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Lewis and Nez Perce Counties, Idaho.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kettenbach-Gwin-Kettenbach, moist complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 60K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klickson-Hooverton association, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uhlorn-Nez Perce complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Southwick-Driscoll complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Taney-Setters complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Linville-Kettenbach association, 45 to 75 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Naff-Palouse complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Klickson ashy silt loam, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uhlorn-Vollmer complex, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cramont-Culdesac complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lickskillet-Alpowa-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 75 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hooverton gravelly loam, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Limekiln-Crowers association, 45 to 80 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shilla-Seddow complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nez Perce silty clay loam, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boles-Joel complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Johnson-Dragnot-Dragnot, dry, association, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southwick-Larkin complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mohler-Nez Perce-Uhlorn complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Larkin-Driscoll complex, 10 to 20 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 77% 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.