Pend Oreille County Area, Washington

Survey Area WA651• Washington

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Pend Oreille County Area, Washington. 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
Manley ashy silt loam, 40 to 65 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Buhrig-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony	20K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Newbell cobbly ashy silt loam, 0 to 40 percent slopes, stony	20K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hartill-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Newbell ashy silt loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Newbell-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cusick silty clay loam	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Manley silt loam, 0 to 40 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Newbell-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	16K			Not rated	Not rated
Newbell ashy silt loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Orwig sandy loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hartill ashy silt loam, 40 to 65 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Newbell ashy silt loam, 40 to 65 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Moscow complex, 8 to 65 percent slopes	13K			Very limited	Very limited
Moscow-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Kaniksu sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Huckle-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 75 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Manley-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Huckleberry-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 75 percent slopes	12K	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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Andisols

Volcanic ash soils — light, porous, and fertile. Excellent drainage, but low density can complicate foundations.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 89% 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.