Wood River Area, Idaho, Gooding County and Parts of Blaine, Lincoln, and Minidoka Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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 96% 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.