Glacier National Park Area - Parts of Glacier and Flathead Counties, Montana

Survey Area MT663• Montana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Glacier National Park Area - Parts of Glacier and Flathead Counties, 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
Nooney family, very bouldery-Rubble land-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 80 percent slopes	119K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Risingwolf, very stony, moist-Garlet family, extremely stony-Kaina family, complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes	67K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Garlet, extremely stony-Kaina, very stony-Risingwolf, bouldery families, complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes	66K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Risingwolf family, very bouldery-Rubble land-Cuberant, very stony complex, 60 to 80 percent slopes	43K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Risingwolf, very stony, dry-Worock family-Broad Canyon family, complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Mohaggin family, moist-Risingwolf, stony, moist-Pippin family, complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes	40K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cuberant-Bridgefore families, complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Risingwolf, very stony, dry-Kegsprings family-Sherlock family, complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes	37K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Garlet family, extremely stony-Risingwolf, dry-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Worock family, stony-Vulture family-Risingwolf, very stony, dry complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	28K			Not rated	Not rated
Risingwolf, very stony, dry-Kegsprings family-Worock family, complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Coerock, bouldery-Bordengulch families-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Garlet-Kegsprings-Muddycreek families, complex, 35 to 60 slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Mohaggin, stony,dry-Worock-Kegsprings, stony families, complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Rubble land association, 60 to 80 percent slopes	23K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Nooney, extremely stony-Rubble land-Cowood family, bouldery complex, 60 to 80 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Risingwolf, very stony, dry-Sherlock family, complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Cowood family, very bouldery-Rubble land complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	17K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Garlet, extremely stony-Nataga, very stony-Risingwolf families, complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	16K	Well 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.

Entisols

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

Alfisols

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

Mollisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 78% 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 90% 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.