Meagher County Area, Montana
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Meagher County Area, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mannixlee-Clunton, frequently flooded-Meadowcreek complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cheadle-Copenhaver-Sebud complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tolbert-Vershal-Absarook complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duckcreek-Houlihan-Nieman, stony complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maiden-Warneke-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Castner-Vershal complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Area not surveyed, access denied | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Maciver, stony-Skaggs complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bacbuster-Castner complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, mountains | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lap-Windham-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reedwest-Bacbuster-Cabba complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maiden-Lap-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Windham-Lap complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Absarook, stony-Gnojek, very stony complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitlash, rubbly-Blaincreek, very bouldery-Rock outcrop, complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reedwest-Bacbuster complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Redchief, very stony-Stubbs-Dailybasin, extremely stony complex, 4 to 35 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitlash-Sixteenmile complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bacbuster-Reedwest-Castner complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodhall-Woodhurst, very stony-Bavdark complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% 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 90% 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.