Big Horn County Area, Montana

Survey Area MT607• Montana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Big Horn County Area, Montana. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Midway-Thedalund complex, hilly	122K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Doney-Wayden complex, hilly	81K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Doney-Ringling complex, hilly	63K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Pierre-Lismas clays, hilly	55K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Thedalund-Rock outcrop complex, hilly	53K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Thedalund-Wibaux stony loams, hilly	47K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Thurlow-Midway silty clay loams	47K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Doney-Reeder loams, rolling	45K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lismas-Shale outcrop complex, steep	42K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Norbert-Eltsac clays, hilly	42K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Midway silty clay loam, hilly	40K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hanson-Babb association, very steep	39K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Thedalund-Midway complex, rolling	38K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Thedalund-Fort Collins complex, rolling	36K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Lismas gravelly clay, hilly	36K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Midway-Thedalund complex, rolling	35K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Windham complex, very steep	34K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Lismas-Shale outcrop complex, rolling	34K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lap-Armington association, rolling	32K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Korchea and Frazer soils, water table	30K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. 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.