Golden Valley County Area, Montana

Survey Area MT666• Montana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Golden Valley County 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
Cabbart-Delpoint loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Megonot-Yawdim silty clay loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Crago-Musselshell cobbly loams, 1 to 4 percent slopes, fan	25K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Rentsac-Cabbart complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabbart-Yawdim-Badland complex, 4 to 35 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Crago-Musselshell complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes, fan	23K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Crago cobbly loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Blacksheep, dry-Cabbart, dry-Rock outcrop, complex, 8 to 60 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yawdim-Crago complex, 4 to 35 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rentsac fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Crago-Musselshell-Attewan complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes, fan	16K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Yawdim-Abor complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabbart-Delpoint, calcareous-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 45 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Delpoint-Cabbart-Yamacall loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kobase silty clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kobase-Zatoville silty clay loams, 1 to 8 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Twilight-Blacksheep sandy loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Yamacall-Delpoint loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cabbart-Rentsac-Rock outcrop complex, 4 to 35 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Twilight-Blacksheep-Rock outcrop, complex, 4 to 25 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	D	Somewhat 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.

Mollisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 63% 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 72% 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.