Musselshell County, Montana

Survey Area MT065• Montana

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Musselshell 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
Cabba-Barvon loams, 15 to 65 percent slopes	75K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabbart-Delpoint loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabba-Doney loams, 8 to 45 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabbart, moist-Delpoint, dry loams, 8 to 45 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabbart, moist-Delpoint, dry loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Neldore-Abor silty clays, 4 to 15 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabba-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 45 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabbart, calcareous-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 45 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Delpoint-Cabbart-Yamacall loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marvan-Vanda silty clays, 0 to 4 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yamacall-Delpoint loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cabbart-Delpoint, calcareous-Rock outcrop complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabbart-Delpoint loams, 15 to 65 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Abor-Neldore silty clays, 2 to 8 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Yawdim-Crago complex, 4 to 35 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Delpoint-Cabbart loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Gerdrum-Vanda-Creed complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Not limited
Cabba-Barvon loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabbart-Delpoint, calcareous-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 45 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Doney-Cabba-Macar loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes	17K	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.

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 84% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 92% 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.