Lake 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 Lake County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Digital Data Available | 249K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Eveleth, bouldery-Conic, bouldery-Aquepts, rubbly complex, 0 to 18 percent slopes, very rocky | 207K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 103K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Greenwood-Greenwood ponded complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, dense substratum | 90K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bowstring and Fluvaquents soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 58K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rifle-Rifle ponded complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, dense substratum | 52K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Normanna-Canosia-Hermantown complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 38K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quetico, very stony-Insula, very stony-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eveleth, bouldery-Conic, bouldery-Aquepts, rubbly complex, 0 to 30 percent slopes, very rocky | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eveleth, bouldery-Conic, bouldery-Rock outcrop complex, 18 to 30 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eveleth-Eagelsnest-Conic complex, bouldery, 6 to 18 percent slopes, very rocky | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ahmeek-Normanna-Mesaba, stony complex, 4 to 18 percent slopes, very rocky | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ahmeek-Normanna-Canosia complex, 0 to 18 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toimi-Nevens-Brimson complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 17K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toimi stony fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 17K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cuttre complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aldenlake-Ahmeek complex, 8 to 18 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aquepts, rubbly-Tacoosh-Rifle complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quetico, very stony-Insula, very stony-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conic, very bouldery-Insula, very bouldery-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 65% 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 65% 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.