Hettinger County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Wyola, on about 8% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Belfield and Amor come next.
About 76% of the land drains well, and 7% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 34% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 51% 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 Hettinger 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 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 Hettinger 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfield-Daglum complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 41K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Regent-Wyola silty clay loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belfield-Grail clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 35K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vebar-Parshall fine sandy loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wyola silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Amor-Cabba loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chama-Sen-Cabba silt loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Amor-Shambo loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Moreau-Barkof silty clays, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vebar-Cohagen fine sandy loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vebar-Flasher-Tally complex, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chama-Cabba-Sen silt loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Korchea-Fluvaquents complex, channeled, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amor-Cabba loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Belfield-Wyola-Daglum complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Daglum-Rhoades complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wyola-Grail silty clay loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Regent-Moreau-Cabba complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yegen-Parshall fine sandy loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Reeder-Farnuf loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | 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 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.