Sanders and Parts of Lincoln and Flathead Counties, Montana
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Sanders and Parts of Lincoln and Flathead Counties, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitten gravelly ashy silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 32K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winkler gravelly sandy loam, cool, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mitten gravelly ashy silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bigarm gravelly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 20K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Winkler gravelly sandy loam, cool, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holloway gravelly ashy silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Courville gravelly ashy silt loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bigarm cobbly loam, cool, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bigarm cobbly loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minesinger gravelly loam, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bigarm-Hogsby-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tevis gravelly loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bigarm gravelly loam, cool, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winkler, cool-Rubble land complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mitten-Tevis complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winkler, cool-Sharrott, cool-Rubble land complex, 40 to 85 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glaciercreek gravelly ashy silt loam, cool, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex | 10K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Winfall gravelly loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 90% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.