St. Joe Area, Idaho, Parts of Benewah and Shoshone Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 St. Joe Area, Idaho, Parts of Benewah and Shoshone Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honeyjones-Ahrs association, very rocky, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 119K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bouldercreek-Marblecreek association, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Threebear-Sly complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 44K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bouldercreek ashy silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tigley-Hugus association, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ahrs-Pinecreek association, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Honeyjones ashy silt loam, very rocky, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobnail-Threebear complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobnail ashy silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reggear silt loam, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flewsie-Threebear silt loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latour-Rubble land association, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latour gravelly silt loam, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hugus silt loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nakarna complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nakarna ashy silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Honeyjones-Rock outcrop complex, 65 to 85 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lotuspoint, stony-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ahrs gravelly ashy silt loam, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flewsie silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include 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.