Custer 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 Custer County Area, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambeth-Cabbart-Yawdim complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 256K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabbart-Rock outcrop-Yawdim complex, warm, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 225K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sonnett-Sonnett, thin surface, complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 103K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cambeth, noncalcareous-Megonot complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Badland | 61K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cambeth-Cabbart-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 45 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Area not surveyed, access denied | 56K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Yamacall-Havre, occasionally flooded, loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabbart-Rock outcrop-Delpoint complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonna-Cambeth-Cabbart silt loams, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lonna-Cambeth-Cabbart silt loams, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cambert-Cabba-Widen complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delpoint-Cabbart-Yawdim complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delpoint-Yamacall-Cabbart loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonna-Cambeth silt loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cabbart-Havre loams, 0 to 35 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tinsley gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 31K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamedeer-Cabba-Ringling complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cambeth, noncalcareous-Megonot complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sonnett-Sonnett, thin surface, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 91% 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.