Cook County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Cook County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Digital Data Available | 251K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Eveleth, bouldery-Conic, bouldery-Aquepts, rubbly complex, 0 to 18 percent slopes, very rocky | 172K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 84K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Eveleth, bouldery-Conic, bouldery-Aquepts, rubbly complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes, very rocky | 69K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Area not surveyed, access denied | 50K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bowstring and Fluvaquents soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 35K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eveleth-Eagelsnest-Conic complex, bouldery, 6 to 18 percent slopes, very rocky | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conic, very bouldery-Insula, very bouldery-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quetico, stony-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quetico, stony-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aquepts, rubbly-Tacoosh-Rifle complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenwood soils, dense substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eveleth, bouldery-Conic, bouldery-Rock outcrop complex, 18 to 30 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Babbitt, bouldery-Wahlsten, bouldery-Aquepts, rubbly, complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Normanna-Greysolon complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes, very rocky | 13K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ahmeek-Normanna-Mesaba, stony complex, 4 to 18 percent slopes, very rocky | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aldenlake-Pequaywan complex, 0 to 18 percent slopes, pitted | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rifle soils, dense substratum, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mesaba, stony-Barto, stony-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Normanna, clayey substratum-Badriver, colluvial mantle complex, 3 to 18 percent slopes, very rocky | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 55% 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.