St. Louis County, Minnesota, Virginia Part
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). 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 St. Louis County, Minnesota, Virginia Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenwood-Greenwood, ponded, complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 41K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keewatin-Nashwauk complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, stony | 37K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alango-Indus complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rifle soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 30K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Indus-Indus, frequently ponded-Alango complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hibbing-Buhl complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tailings basin | 21K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Water | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| McQuade-Buhl complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rifle-Rifle, ponded, complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dumps, iron mine | 18K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Alango-Taylor complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eveleth-Eagelsnest-Conic complex, bouldery, 6 to 18 percent slopes, very rocky | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pits, iron mine | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Udorthents, loamy (cut and fill land) | 14K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Babbitt, bouldery-Aquepts, rubbly, complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bowstring and Fluvaquents, loamy, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greatscott-Nashwauk-Balkan, depressional, complex, 0 to 18 percent slopes, stony | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Greenwood soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keewatin-Balkan complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, stony | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.