Garfield County, Montana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Garfield County, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 229K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lonna-Cambeth silt loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 149K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cambeth-Cabbart-Yawdim complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 127K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Area not surveyed, access denied | 120K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cambeth, noncalcareous-Megonot complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 119K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lonna-Cambeth-Cabbart silt loams, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 112K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cabbart, moist-Blacksheep-Delpoint, calcareous complex, 6 to 60 percent slopes | 87K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ralph-Brushton silt loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 82K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Yamacall-Rock outcrop, soft-Kobase association, 8 to 70 percent slopes | 82K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cambeth-Rock outcrop, soft-Yawdim association, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 78K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabbart-Havre loams, 0 to 35 percent slopes | 77K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yamacall-Delpoint-Cabbart loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 74K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cambeth, noncalcareous-Megonot complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 73K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Busby-Twilight-Blacksheep fine sandy loams, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badland-Cambeth association, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 62K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ethridge silty clay loam, warm, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brushton silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 59K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cambeth-Cabbart-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 45 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cambeth-Twilight-Cabbart complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Neldore-Cabbart-Blacksheep association, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 31% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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.