Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming-Montana-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 Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming-Montana-Idaho.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanks family-Como, family, moderately deep-Typic Cryorthents, shallow, complex | 170K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Midfork-Arrowpeak families-Rock outcrop, complex | 115K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leighcan-Kangas families-Typic Cryaquepts, complex | 103K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 97K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Como-Como, moderately deep-McCort families, complex | 95K | Excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bottle-Granturk-Windyridge families, complex | 94K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Midfork-Storm families-Rock outcrop, complex | 91K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arrowpeak-Hobacker families-Rock outcrop, complex | 65K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Rubble land-Piegan family, complex | 63K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Tolby-Bottle families-Rock outcrop, complex | 62K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kegsprings family-Rock outcrop-Matcher family, complex | 61K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Midfork-Storm-Quazar families, complex | 56K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tolby-Sig families-Rock outcrop, complex | 50K | Excessively drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kegsprings-Targhee families-Rock outcrop, complex | 49K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Como-Waterpeak-Moran families, complex | 46K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gallatin, family, Typic Cryaquolls and Grayslake family, soils | 45K | Very poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kegsprings family-Rock outcrop-Targhee family, complex | 39K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Rubble land-Arrowpeak family, complex | 37K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Hobacker-Kegsprings families-Typic Cryaquolls, complex | 34K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Como-Ledgefork families-Typic Cryaquepts, complex | 31K | Excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
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 85% 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.