Wheatland County Area, 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 Wheatland County Area, Montana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yaple-Ashuelot-Whitecow complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Crago-Musselshell complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes, fan | 33K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Martinsdale gravelly loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Whitecow-Yaple complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Area not surveyed, access denied | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Judith-Ashuelot-Windham complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Whitecow gravelly loam, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitecow gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Shawmut gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Delpoint-Cabbart-Yamacall loams, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cabba-Rock outcrop complex, cool, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Niart-Rothiemay loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes, fan | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Judith gravelly loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Musselshell-Crago gravelly loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Delpoint-Cabbart loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Doney-Cabba complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Varney gravelly loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, fan | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Judith-Kiev loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Crago gravelly loam, 8 to 35 percent slopes, fan | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rentsac-Cabbart complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 70% 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.