Wood River Area, Idaho, Gooding County and Parts of Blaine, Lincoln, and Minidoka Counties
The most common soil here is Starbuck, on about 7% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. McPan and Sidlake come next.
About 96% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 82% 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 81% 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 Wood River Area, Idaho, Gooding County and Parts of Blaine, Lincoln, and Minidoka Counties, 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 D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Wood River Area, Idaho, Gooding County and Parts of Blaine, Lincoln, and Minidoka Counties. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starbuck-McPan-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 86K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vining-Kecko-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 74K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paulville-McPan-Starbuck complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starbuck-Sidlake-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCarey-Beartrap complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cox-Rehfield-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lava flows-Lithic Torriorthents complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 38K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Sidlake-Rock outcrop-Starbuck complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deerhorn-Rehfield-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tschamman-Hobby-Bray complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCarey-Molyneux-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sidlake-Rock outcrop-Hoosegow complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ackelton-Jestrick-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Jestrick-Kecko-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCarey-Beartrap-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starbuck-Lava flows complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chilcott-Catchell-Power complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paulville-McPan complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Snowmore-Minveno-Hoosegow complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Schooler-Duguesclin-Willho complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | 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 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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.