Teton National Forest, Wyoming, Parts of Teton, Fremont, Park, Sublette, and Lincoln Counties
The most common soil here is Nooney family, on about 14% of the land. Ericson family and Stringam family come next.
About 94% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 88% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 44% 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 biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Teton National Forest, Wyoming, Parts of Teton, Fremont, Park, Sublette, and Lincoln Counties. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nooney family-Larkspur family-Rock outcrop association, 15 to 75 percent slopes, Broadly Defined | 190K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nooney family-Stringam deep family-Rock outcrop association, 15 to 60 percent slopes, Broadly Defined | 166K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ericson-Nooney-Bigcoulee families, association, 8 to 35 percent slopes, Broadly Defined | 93K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ericson-Nooney families, association, 15 to 60 percent slopes, Broadly Defined | 89K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Midfork-Boatman-Larkspur families, association, 15 to 60 percent slopes, Broadly Defined | 89K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Larkspur family-Rock outcrop-Elkpeak family, association, 15 to 75 percent slopes, Broadly Defined | 68K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ericson-Currycreek-Nooney families, association, 8 to 60 percent slopes, Broadly Defined | 65K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ericson-Midfork-Nooney families, association, 15 to 70 percent slopes, Broadly Defined | 46K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Limber-Watsondraw-Kegsprings families, complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stringam-Mikesell families, complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jumpstart-Stringam-Mikesell families, complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 31K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cimarron-Mikesell-Paulson families, association 5 to 30 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ericson-Bigcoulee families, association, 8 to 35 percent slopes, Broadly Defined | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Limber-Mine-Watsondraw families, complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beaveridge-Limber-Grade families, association, 5 to 50 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beaveridge-Cimarron-Bavdark families, complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kegsprings-Kaina-Limber families, complex, 12 to 45 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stringam-Broad Canyon-Starman families, association, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coldfeet-Kegsprings-Beaveridge families, complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Beaveridge-Bavdark-Cimarron families, complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 21K | 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 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.