Valley County, Montana
The most common soil here is Phillips, on about 12% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Kevin and Elloam come next.
About 92% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 90% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 47% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 31% of it.
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 Valley County, 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 90% 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.