Valley 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 Valley County, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phillips-Kevin complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 289K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lisam-Dilts clays, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 278K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Phillips-Elloam complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 184K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sunburst-Neldore complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 147K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lisam-Dilts-Rock outcrop complex, 9 to 35 percent slopes | 145K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scobey-Kevin clay loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 131K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hillon-Cabbart loams, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 110K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Phillips loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 101K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Thoeny-Phillips complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 97K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sunburst clay loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 94K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ustic Torrifluvents, gently sloping | 90K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bascovy-Neldore clays, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 85K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elloam gravelly clay, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 85K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vaeda silty clay | 84K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sunburst-Kevin clay loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 81K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elloam-Absher complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 77K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Not limited |
| Telstad-Joplin loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 70K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Williams loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 67K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Reeder-Cambert-Doney complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Reeder-Doney-Cambert complex, 9 to 35 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 46% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.