Valley County, Montana

Survey Area MT105• 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 Valley County, 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
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

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.

Entisols

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

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Alfisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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.