Albany County Area, Wyoming
The most common soil here is Forelle, on about 4% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Boyle and Rock River come next.
About 86% of the land drains well, and 5% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates 61% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 43% 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 57% 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 Albany County Area, Wyoming, 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 D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Albany County Area, Wyoming. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop-Cathedral complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 83K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hapjack-Rogert-Amesmont complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 81K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock River sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 72K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Tisworth-Gerdrum family complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 72K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Forelle-Diamondville association, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Boyle-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rogert-Rock outcrop-Amesmont complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 66K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poposhia-Forelle complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Diamondville-Cushool complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 62K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Boyle-Lininger association, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forelle loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bonjea-Rock outcrop-Chugcreek complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonjea-Chugcreek-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alcova-Borollic Camborthids complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Stunner sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rock outcrop-Bonjea complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 40K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Poposhia-Chaperton association, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pilotpeak-Canwall complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kezar-Carbol-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wycolo-Alcova complex, 3 to 10 percent slopes | 32K | 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 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 61% 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.