Nez Perce National Forest, Idaho

Survey Area ID609• Idaho

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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. 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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 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.