Lewis and Nez Perce Counties, Idaho
The most common soil here is Klickson, on about 6% of the land: a cobbly ashy silt loam, smooth, like flour. Kettenbach and Uhlorn come next.
About 78% of the land drains well, and 2% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 24% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 72% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 39% 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 Lewis and Nez Perce Counties, 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 C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Lewis and Nez Perce Counties, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 72% 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 96% 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.