Flathead County Area and Part of Lincoln County, 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 Flathead County Area and Part of Lincoln County, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 36K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pleasantvalley-Winfall, dry complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kingspoint-Rock outcrop-Sharrott complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Courville-Pleasantvalley complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockhill-Rock outcrop-Pleasantvalley complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockhill-Rock outcrop-Courville complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharrott-Rock outcrop-Winkler complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Half Moon, cool-Lynchlake complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rumblecreek-Courville complex, dry, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pleasantvalley-Winfall, dry-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mitten gravelly ashy silt loam, dry, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Combest gravelly ashy silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| McMannamy gravelly silt loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mitten gravelly ashy silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glaciercreek gravelly ashy silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Courville-Stevie-Winfall complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Foyslake gravelly silt loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wimper-Rock outcrop-Castner complex 15 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| McLangor-Barzee mucky peats, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Foyslake gravelly silt loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 68% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 79% 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.