Teton Area, Idaho and Wyoming
The most common soil here is Alpine, on about 13% of the land: a gravelly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Kucera and Ririe come next.
About 85% of the land drains well, and 15% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 15% of it.
USDA rates 87% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 39% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 14% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 9% 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 Teton Area, Idaho and Wyoming, 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 Teton Area, Idaho and Wyoming. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kucera-Ririe complex, 0 to 4 percent slope | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Alpine-St. Anthony complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Iphil-Lostine-Ririe complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kucera-Lostine complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Altaby-Alpine complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ririe-Lostine-Kucera complex, 4 to 20 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Alpine gravelly loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kucera-Ririe-Lostine complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Furniss-Boquet complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clementsville-Ard complex, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alpine gravelly silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Iphil-Lostine-Tetonia complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Badgerton-Arimo complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Snyderville-Driggs complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Foxcreek mucky peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zohner-Zohner, frequently flooded complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bustle silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Redfish-Foxcreek complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jedediah-Liza complex, 10 to 20 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Alpine-Driggs complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not 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 39% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 87% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.