Cascade 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 Cascade County Area, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castner-Perma-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes | 67K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cheadle-Hilger complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bitton and Roy soils, 10 to 65 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monad and Libeg soils, steep | 47K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hilger very stony loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hilger-Castner complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gerber silty clay loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Absarokee clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Absarokee, Borky, and Blythe soils, 15 to 45 percent slo pes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Libeg stony loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Yawdim-Rentsac-Cabbart complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Castner-Sinnigam complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Absher-Nobe complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Abor-Yawdim clays, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tanna clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Borky-Sinnigam very stony loams, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hanson-Sheege complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cheadle-Loggert complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ipano-Ticell loams, 4 to 10 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eltsac-Lisam clays, 10 to 70 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. 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.