Judith Basin Area, Montana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Judith Basin Area, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danvers-Judith clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Winifred-Utica complex | 40K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Judith gravelly clay loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cheadle stony loam | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Judith gravelly clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Winifred clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gallatin, Judell and Lamoure soils, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Darret-Cheadle complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maiden-Tyzak, family, complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maginnis-Absarokee channery clay loams | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Promise clay, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Danvers clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fergus silty clay loam, shale substratum, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Darret-Cheadle complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Teton-Adel stony loams | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skaggs-Raynesford loams, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Absarokee clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Danvers-Judith clay loams, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Judith clay loam, low terrace | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wyola silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 55% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.