Big Horn County Area, Montana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Big Horn County Area, Montana.
| 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 |
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.