Broadwater 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 Broadwater County Area, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musselshell-Crago channery loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 33K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Amesha loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tropal-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rencot channery loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nielsen channery loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cheadle stony loam, 9 to 35 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Musselshell-Crago cobbly loams, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Thess silt loam | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Radersburg very cobbly loam | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tolman channery loam, 10 to 35 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabbart complex, 9 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brocko silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ess-Cheadle complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amesha loam, 4 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hilger extremely stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blaine-Cheadle cobbly loams, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toston silty clay loam | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gnojek-Duffson complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sappington clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 60% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 62% 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.