Judith Basin Area, Montana
The most common soil here is Judith, on about 16% of the land: a gravelly clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Danvers and Cheadle come next.
About 94% of the land drains well, and 5% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 64% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 52% 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 Judith Basin Area, 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 C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Judith Basin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 64% 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 97% 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.