McCone County, Montana

Survey Area MT055• Montana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 McCone 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
Vida-Zahill loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes	108K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Cambert loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	90K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cambert-Dast-Cabba complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bryant-Cambert complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	53K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Cambert-Cabba loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes	46K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cabbart-Badland complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	46K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cherry silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Badland	38K			Not rated	Not rated
Cambeth-Twilight-Cabbart complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Shambo-Cambert loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Bryant silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Busby-Yamac-Fleak complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Yawdim-Badland-Cabbart association	30K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Williams-Vida loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Zahill loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cambeth silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Busby-Fleak complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	26K			Not rated	Not rated
Floweree-Cambeth silt loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Zahill-Vida loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 77% 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.