Upper Flathead Valley Area, Montana
The most common soil here is Whitefish, on about 11% of the land: a gravelly silt loam, smooth, like flour. Kalispell and Blanchard come next.
About 71% of the land drains well, and 12% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates 77% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 37% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Upper Flathead Valley Area, 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Upper Flathead Valley Area, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Waits and Krause stony loams, 12 to 40 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alluvial land, poorly drained | 9K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swims silty clay loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Creston silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kalispell loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Half Moon silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mountainous land | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitefish stony silt loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Depew silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitefish cobbly silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Whitefish cobbly silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Muck and peat | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mires gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chamokane soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Half Moon very fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Somers silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Whitefish cobbly silt loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Waits stony silt loam, 7 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blanchard loamy fine sand, 3 to 7 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not 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 37% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 77% 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.