Nez Perce National Forest, Idaho
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Nez Perce National Forest, Idaho.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typic Haploxerepts-Rock outcrop-Ultic Haploxerolls association, grand fir and Douglas fir | 273K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vitrandic Haplocryepts, glaciated-Rock outcrop-Vitrandic Humicryepts, granitics association | 189K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Haplocryepts-Aquandic Cryaquepts, occasionally flooded-Aquandic Cryaquepts frequently ponded association, glaciated, subalpine fir | 123K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Dystroxerepts, dissected stream breaklands | 106K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ultic Haploxerolls-Rock outcrop complex, dissected stream breaklands | 94K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vitrandic Haplocryepts, granitics-Andic Haplocryepts, glaciated association | 69K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vitrandic Haplocryepts-Rock outcrop-Vitrandic Humicryepts association, high elevation | 68K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Haplocryepts, granitics-Typic Vitricryands, glaciated association, subalpine fir | 55K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Cryochrepts, mountain ridges | 53K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Dystroxerepts-Typic Udivitrands complex, dissected stream breaklands | 52K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Haplocryepts-Typic Vitricryands association, cool grand fir and subalpine fir | 52K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Ultic Haploxerolls-Rock outcrop complex, dissected stream breaklands | 51K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vitrandic Haplocryepts-Andic Haplocryepts association, cool grand fir and subalpine fir | 50K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Dystroxerepts-Andic Dystrudepts complex, dissected mountain slopes | 43K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Dystrudepts, low relief rolling uplands | 40K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Dystrochrepts-Typic Dystrochrepts complex, high relief rolling uplands | 40K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Cryochrepts, moderately steep mountain slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Dystrochrepts-Typic Dystrochrepts complex, dissected mountain slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Entic Cryandepts, moderately steep mountain slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cryochrepts-Rock outcrop complex, glacial cirques | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% 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.