Park County Area, Montana

Survey Area MT669• 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 Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Park 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
Cabba-Bacbuster-Gnojek complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bacbuster-Bigbear-Vershal complex, 4 to 35 percent slopes	28K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bacbuster-Wilsall-Tolbert complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabba-Bacbuster-Doney complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bigbear-Roy loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tamaneen cobbly clay loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Cabba-Vershal-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Area not surveyed, access denied	14K			Not rated	Not rated
Tamaneen cobbly clay loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Bacbuster-Cabba complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bacbuster-Whitlash-Vershal complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bacbuster-Vershal complex, 4 to 25 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabba-Doney-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Soapcreek-Clunton complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bacbuster-Wilsall complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Reedpoint-Tanna-Ethridge complex, 4 to 35 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Copenhaver-Mollet-Tophat complex, 4 to 60% slopes	8K	Well drained		Very limited	Very limited
Cabba-Absarokee-Adel complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabba-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wineglass-Woodhall-Spanpeak complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes	8K	Well drained		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.

Mollisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 75% 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 94% 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.