Deer Lodge County Area, Montana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Deer Lodge County Area, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop and Rubble land | 13K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Conn loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elve gravelly loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waldbillig-Elve complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slickens | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Elve gravelly loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Libeg gravelly loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Redchief cobbly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Waldbillig gravelly ashy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Redchief cobbly loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clasoil-Crackerville complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Worock gravelly loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Comad-Elkner complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Whitore gravelly loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Libeg gravelly loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elve-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mooseflat loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evaro gravelly ashy loam, cold, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elve-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 62% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 67% 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.