Sanders and Parts of Lincoln and Flathead Counties, Montana
The most common soil here is Bigarm, on about 10% of the land: a very gravelly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Winkler and Mitten come next.
About 92% of the land drains well, and 2% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 69% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 10% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Sanders and Parts of Lincoln and Flathead Counties, Montana, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% 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 91% 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.