Bridger National Forest, Wyoming, Eastern Part
The most common soil here is Afley, on about 3% of the land: a gravelly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Kegsprings and Jeru come next.
About 56% of the land drains well, and 7% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 24% of it.
USDA rates 60% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 53% 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 38% 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 Bridger National Forest, Wyoming, Eastern Part, 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 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 Bridger National Forest, Wyoming, Eastern Part. 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 | 75K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Subsummit Sideslopes, Rock Outcrop-Whitebark Pine-Subalpine Fir Complex | 31K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Subsummit Uplands, Subalpine Fir-Rock Outcrop Complex | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 26K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Subsummit Uplands, Spruce/Fir-Willow-Rock Outcrop Complex | 21K | C | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Subsummit Uplands, Tundra-Willow-Rock Outcrop Complex | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubble Land | 19K | A | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Glacial Trough Sideslopes, Subalpine Fir Complex | 18K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Subsummit Uplands, Rock Outcrop-Tundra-Willow Complex | 18K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Sedimentary Till-Mantled Sideslopes (North), Subalpine Fir Complex | 17K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Subsummit Uplands, Spruce/Fir-Rock Outcrop Complex | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Southeast Mountains Moraines, Subalpine Fir Complex | 15K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Alpine Ridges, Rubble Land-Tundra Complex | 14K | A | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Subsummit Sideslopes, Rock Outcrop-Whitebark Pine-Spruce/Fir Complex | 14K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Alpine Cirques, Rock Outcrop-Tundra-Willow Complex | 14K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Glacial Trough Sideslopes, Rock Outcrop-Douglas Fir Complex | 12K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Subsummit Moraines, Meadow-Grassland Complex | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Subsummit Ridges, Rubble Land-Tundra Complex | 11K | A | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Glacial Trough Sideslopes, Rock Outcrop-Rubble Land-Subalpine Fir Complex | 10K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Sedimentary Sideslopes, Subalpine Fir-Big Sagebrush-Aspen Complex | 10K | Well drained | A | 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 53% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 60% 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.