Choteau-Conrad Area; Parts of Teton and Pondera Counties, Montana

Survey Area MT657• Montana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Choteau-Conrad Area; Parts of Teton and Pondera Counties, 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
Scobey-Kevin clay loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes	205K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Scobey-Kevin clay loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes	148K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Rothiemay-Niart clay loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Niart-Crago gravelly loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Ethridge silty clay loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Niart gravelly loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Marias-Nunemaker complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Delpoint-Cabbart-Rootel loams, 2 to 15 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kevin-Hillon clay loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ethridge clay loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Beanlake-Winspect cobbly loams, 2 to 15 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Telstad-Joplin loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Windham gravelly loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Judith-Windham complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Cabbart-Delpoint loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hillon-Kevin clay loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Delpoint-Rothiemay clay loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	21K			Not rated	Not rated
Delpoint-Cabbart-Crago complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Haploborolls-Argiborolls complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes, rarely flooded	20K	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

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.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 86% 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.