Deer Lodge National Forest Area, Montana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Deer Lodge National Forest Area, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garlet-Worock-Waldbillig families, complex, moderately steep young moraines, cool | 65K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Windyridge-Como-Hiore families, complex, low relief mountain slopes and ridges | 62K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evaro-Holloway-Elvick families, complex, high relief mountain slopes and ridges | 32K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holloway-Evaro-Bata families, complex, steep ridges and mountain slopes | 31K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kurrie-Goldflint-Warwood families, complex, low relief mountain slopes and ridges | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Como-Windyridge-Hiore families, complex, low relief mountain slopes and ridges | 28K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ovando-Littlesalmon-Bata families, complex, steep glaciated mountain slopes and ridges | 28K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldflint family-Rock outcrop-Ovando family, complex, low relief mountain slopes and ridges | 26K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Rubble land-Rock outcrop-Crawfish family, complex, cirque headwalls | 26K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Sig-Jeru families, complex, moderately steep trough bottoms | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waldbillig-Bata families-Rock outcrop complex, moderately steep trough bottoms | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Windyridge-Como-Caseypeak families, complex, low relief mountain slopes and ridges | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evaro family-Rubble land complex, high relief mountain slopes and ridges | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ambrant-Rochester families, complex, low relief mountain slopes and ridges | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ovando-Blackleed-Petty families, complex, moderately steep young moraines | 20K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klutch family-Rock outcrop-Sig family, complex, very steep trough walls | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ovando family-Rubble land-Leighcan family, complex, steep ridges and mountain slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garlet-Cowood families-Rock outcrop complex, very steep trough walls, moist | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garlet-Cowood-Elvick families, complex, steep glaciated mountain slopes and ridges | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klutch, noncalcareous-Waldbillig, noncalcareous families-Rubble land complex, steep ridges and mountain slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 95% 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 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.