Glacier National Park Area - Parts of Glacier and Flathead Counties, Montana
The most common soil here is Risingwolf, on about 15% of the land: a very gravelly medial silt loam, smooth, like flour. Garlet and Nooney family come next.
About 84% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 5% of it.
USDA rates 85% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 71% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 19% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Glacier National Park Area - Parts of Glacier and Flathead Counties, Montana, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% 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 85% 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.