Power County Area, Idaho
The most common soil here is Newdale, on about 14% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Neeley and Portino come next.
About 92% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 62% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 59% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 37% 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 Power County Area, 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 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 Power 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newdale silt loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 69K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| McCarey-Rock outcrop complex, undulating | 41K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hymas, extremely stony surface-Ridgecrest, stony surface-Wahtigup complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ricrest-Ridgecrest, stony surface, complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Portino-Trevino-Rock outcrop complex, rolling | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neeley silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sheege-Pavohroo association, very steep | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moohoo-Pavohroo complex, very steep | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 21K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wheelerville silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rexburg silt loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Newdale silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Newdale silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quincy fine sand, rolling | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Portneuf silt loam, bedrock substratum, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wheeler silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wahtigup-Hondoho complex, 4 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Tenno complex, rolling | 11K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Wahtigup-Hondoho complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Trevino-Portino complex, rolling | 9K | D | 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 59% 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 62% 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.