Sheridan 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 Sheridan County, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 209K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Vida-Zahill loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 172K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Zahill loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 95K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Zahill loams, undulating | 88K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Zahill-Williams complex, hilly | 82K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lambert-Zahill complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 30K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Zahill-Vida loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dooley fine sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Manning coarse sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Havrelon silt loam | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blanchard fine sand, 4 to 20 percent slopes | 22K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Turner loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Williams-Vida loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lambert-Shale outcrop complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabek gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 35 percent slopes | 20K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Farnuf loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lihen loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dooley fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Farnuf loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 29% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.