Sanders and Parts of Lincoln and Flathead Counties, Montana

Survey Area MT651• Montana

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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. 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

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

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.