McIntosh County, North Dakota
The most common soil here is Williams, on about 14% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Zahl and Bearpaw come next.
About 81% of the land drains well, and 9% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 8% of it.
USDA rates 40% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 20% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 6% 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 McIntosh 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 B (moderate infiltration). 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 McIntosh 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zahl-Williams loams, 9 to 15 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zahl-Williams-Zahill complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bearpaw-Zeeland loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Zahl loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 30K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wabek-Lehr-Appam complex, 9 to 25 percent slopes | 30K | Excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabek-Lehr complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bowdle-Lehr loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bearpaw-Zeeland loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Parnell silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Missouri Coteau | 20K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zahl-Max-Bowbells loams, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lehr-Bowdle loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wabek-Appam complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bearpaw-Noonan loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bearpaw loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Makoti-Sakakawea complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Williams-Bowbells loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wabek-Appam complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Williams loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 40% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.