Upper Flathead Valley Area, Montana

Survey Area MT617• Montana

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.

Mollisols

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

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 74% 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.