Star Valley Area, Wyoming-Idaho
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Star Valley Area, Wyoming-Idaho.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paulson-Lail association | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greyback gravelly loam | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Osmund and Mundos gravelly loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Turson silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobacker gravelly loam | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Leavittville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cowdrey clay loam, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greyback-Rooset association, hilly | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greyback-Rooset association, steep | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paulson-Rockland complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cryaquolls and Cryaquepts | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Lail-Cowdrey association | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckskin-Decross association, hilly | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paulson silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Robana-Turnerville association, hilly | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckskin-Decross association, undulating | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Dipman-Narrows association | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Robana silt loam, 10 to 20 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greyback and Hobacker soils, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 56% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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.