Clearwater County, Minnesota
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 Clearwater County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cathro muck, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 29K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mooselake and Lupton soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nebish loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Naytahwaush loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 20K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Naytahwaush loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sol fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sol-Sugarbush complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sugarbush loamy sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Snellman sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cathro muck, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville-Seelyeville, ponded, complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nary fine sandy loam | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beltrami loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahkonce loam | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chilgren fine sandy loam, des moines, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sol-Sugarbush complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waukon loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lengby fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Haslie, Seelyeville, and Cathro soils, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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.