Griggs County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Hamerly, on about 9% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Heimdal and Barnes come next.
About 40% of the land drains well, and 40% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 23% of it.
USDA rates 65% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 49% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 3% 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 Griggs County, North Dakota, 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 Somewhat poorly 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 Griggs County, North Dakota. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamerly-Wyard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 47K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heimdal-Emrick loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hamerly-Tonka complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Binford-Coe complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Divide loam, shaly, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Svea loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fram-Wyard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edgeley-Kloten-Buse loams, 9 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heimdal-Esmond-Sisseton loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vallers-Hamerly loams, saline, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnes-Buse loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Binford-Coe complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Southam silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vallers, saline-Parnell complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Walum sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamerly-Barnes-Tonka complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heimdal-Esmond-Sisseton loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Svea-Cresbard loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Maddock-Hecla loamy fine sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat 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 49% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 65% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.