Lake County Area, Montana
The most common soil here is Bigarm, on about 5% of the land: a very gravelly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Post and Finleypoint come next.
About 82% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 2% of it.
USDA rates 75% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 43% 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 8% 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 Lake County 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 B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 75% 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.