Prairie 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 Prairie County, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lonna-Cambeth-Cabbart silt loams, 4 to 12 percent slopes | 123K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lonna-Cambeth-Cabbart silt loams, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 110K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonna-Cambeth silt loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 67K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lonna silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cabbart-Rock outcrop-Yawdim complex, warm, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badland | 32K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Degrand loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Neldore-Rock outcrop-Abor complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cambeth, calcareous-Cabbart-Yawdim complex, 4 to 25 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cambeth, calcareous-Cabbart-Lonna silt loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lonna silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Yamacall-Busby-Blacksheep complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lihill-Yetull complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cambeth, calcareous-Cabbart-Kirby complex, 8 to 45 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Borollic Camborthids-Ustic Torrifluvents, complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Delpoint-Yamacall-Cabbart loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Floweree silt loam, calcareous, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Delpoint-Cabbart-Yawdim complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kremlin loam, warm, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cabbart-Cambeth-Rock outcrop, soft complex, 8 to 70 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 44% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 87% 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.