Deer Lodge National Forest Area, Montana

Survey Area MT635• Montana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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. 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

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

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.