Jefferson County Area and Part of Silver Bow County, Montana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Jefferson County Area and Part of Silver Bow County, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rencot-Rencot, very stony-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brocko silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elmark, bouldery-Lumpgulch, very bouldery-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes, dry | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amesha loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bronec-Amesha complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sappington clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Baxton-Connieo, very bouldery-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, moist | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maiden, very stony-Rock outcrop-Lap, very stony, complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sappington-Amesha complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Warneke-Warneke, very stony-Rock outcrop association, 8 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bronec-Shoddy-Amesha complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bronec-Amesha complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dumps, mine | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rencot-Rock outcrop-Rencot, stony, complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Varney sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wetsand, Cardwell, and Clunton soils, 0 to 8 percent slopes, channeled | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bronec gravelly loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Maiden, very stony-Rock outcrop-Lap, very stony, complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amesha gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sappington-Amesha complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes, cobbly | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat 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 46% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 46% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.