Golden Valley County Area, Montana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Golden Valley County Area, Montana.
| 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 |
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.