Chouteau County Area, Montana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Chouteau County Area, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telstad-Joplin loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 186K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Scobey-Kevin clay loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 178K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bearpaw-Vida clay loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 144K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Scobey-Kevin clay loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bearpaw-Vida clay loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 67K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Telstad-Joplin loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 67K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Evanston loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 60K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ethridge silty clay loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cabbart-Yawdim-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Phillips-Elloam complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Telstad loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hillon loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neldore-Bascovy-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bearpaw clay loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kevin-Hillon clay loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Belain-Whitlash-Hedoes complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sunburst-Neldore complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hillon-Kevin clay loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Joplin-Hillon loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ethridge-Kobase silty clay loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
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 95% 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.