McCone County, 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 McCone County, Montana.
| 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 |
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.