Powder River 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 Powder River Area, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midway-Bainville association, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 327K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabba association, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 239K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ringling-Cabba association, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 208K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Midway and Bainville rocky soils, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 188K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Midway-Thurlow association, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 92K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Remmit-Tullock, shallow, fine sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 81K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bainville silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ringling slaty loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 54K | Excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hesper silty clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Arvada-Bone complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 46K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Farland and Havrelon soils, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hesper silty clay loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cushman-Bainville silt loams, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ringling-Relan association, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haverson silt loam | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Terrace escarpments | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haverson soils, channeled | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bainville-Tullock association, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fort Collins silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vona-Remmit fine sandy loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.