Niobrara County, Wyoming
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Niobrara County, Wyoming.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taluce-Rock outcrop-Shingle complex, 6 to 45 percent slopes | 111K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Theedle loam, 0 to 45 percent slopes, gullied | 109K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shingle-Badland-Samday complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 95K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Theedle-Kishona-Shingle loams, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 76K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jayem-Julesburg fine sandy loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Jayem-Phiferson-Trelona fine sandy loams, 3 to 10 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kishona-Cambria loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kishona-Cambria-Theedle loams, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Taluce-Turnercrest-Keeline fine sandy loams, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hilight-Savageton clays, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Phiferson-Tassel-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 30 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jayem-Julesburg fine sandy loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ustic Torriorthents, cool-Torriorthentic Haplustolls-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 60 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Forkwood-Cambria loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Terro-Vonalee-Taluce association, 6 to 30 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hilight-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 40 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forkwood-Cambria-Cushman loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Theedle-Kishona loams, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Recluse-Cedak loams, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clarkelen-Haverdad complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 65% 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.