Pend Oreille County Area, Washington
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.