Lake County Area, Montana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Lake County Area, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 98K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bigarm-Hogsby-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bigarm, cool-Hogsby-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Post silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Winkler very gravelly loam, cool, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jocko gravelly loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Round Butte silty clay loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Post silty clay loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Niarada gravelly loam, cool, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holloway gravelly silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hogsby-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mitten very gravelly silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Finleypoint gravelly loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Round Butte silty clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Finleypoint very gravelly loam, dry, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mitten very gravelly silt loam, dry, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irvine silty clay, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Repp, cool-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Round Butte silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wildgen very gravelly loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
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 68% 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.