Pend Oreille County Area, Washington
The most common soil here is Newbell, on about 11% of the land: a ashy silt loam, smooth, like flour. Manley and Moscow come next.
About 84% of the land drains well, and 5% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 5% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 79% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 41% 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 Pend Oreille County Area, Washington, 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% 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 94% 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.