**SOIL CHARACTERIZATION WORK PLAN**

[Identification:]{.underline}

State: ***Idaho***

Date: ***April, 2008***

Investigation project name: ***Coeur d'Alene River Corridor Update***

County (Counties**): *Kootenai, ID. (055)***

MLRA: ***E44/43A***

Plan prepared by: Name ***Allyson Young***

In-state contact(s): Name ***Allyson Young, Bruce Knapp and David
Hoover***

Actively cooperating agencies: ***Kootenai-Shoshone Soil Conservation
District***

[Reason for Investigations Project]{.underline}:

Underscore the number for the primary reason(s) for the project.

[1.]{.underline} Needs of current project soil survey: **respond to
customer request for soils data**

[2.]{.underline} Survey update or modernization: **no or limited
existing data to support interpretations of soil components previously
mapped as "slickens"**

3\. Interpretations problem: **determine affect of mine tailings on
use/management of soils**

[4.]{.underline} Regional re-correlation or redefinition of series:
**support classification and correlation**

5\. Study of genetic factors, processes, relationships: **affect of mine
tailings on weathering, carbon distribution, pH and nutrient
availability**

6\. Support of other activity (such as an agronomic study):

7\. Other (specify): **support conservation planning and technical
assistance**

[Intended Use of Project Information]{.underline}:

Underscore the number for the primary uses.

[1.]{.underline} Characterize series or phase: **verify use of phases
impacted by mine tailings**

2\. Document experimental or study site(s)

[3.]{.underline} Determine classification: **verify classification of
native vs. "impacted" soils**

[4.]{.underline} Support correlation: **support correlation of
components influenced by mine tailings to new series or to existing
series with "impacted" phases**

5\. Test Soil Taxonomy

[6.]{.underline} Study soil relationships: **determine relationship of
mine tailings to soil chemical properties and of particle size
distribution to available water capacity of soils influenced by mine
tailings**

7\. Included in the published soil survey report: **selected soil
properties**

[8.]{.underline} Other (specify): **respond to customer requests for
soil properties (i.e., soil pH, AWC) of map unit components influenced
by mine tailings, previously mapped as "slickens."**

For items 4, 5, 6, or 7, list questions to be answered.

[Assistance Requested:]{.underline}

Which year(s): ***2008***

Lab analyses from: SSL Only ***X*** SSL and:

If data needed in less than one year, when needed? ***January, 2009***

Consultation before sampling? yes ***[no]{.underline}***

Field study before sampling? yes ***[no]{.underline}***

Reference samples to guide site selection? ***[yes]{.underline}*** no

Help with sampling? ***[yes]{.underline}*** no

Sampling equipment from SSL? ***[yes]{.underline}*** no

Number of pedons: ***6-8***

Approximate number of samples: ***50-60***

Ship to:

***Allyson Young***

***USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service***

***7830 Meadowlark Way, Suite C-1***

***Coeur d'Alene, ID. 83815***

Proposed date for sampling: ***June 9 -- 13, 2008***

Alternative date(s): July 7 -- 10, 2008

[Status of Site Selection:]{.underline}

1\. Sample sites have been identified

a\. specific pedons? *yes* ***[no]{.underline}***

b\. specific area (within 500 feet)? ***[yes]{.underline}*** *no*

c\. general area (within a mile or two)? ***[yes]{.underline}*** *no*

2\. Transect information available ***[yes]{.underline}*** *no*

3\. If 1a is no, when will pedons be selected? ***Some specific sites
are precisely located from pedons selected during previous water table
studies and are marked for excavation. The remaining sample sites will
be selected by the third week of May, 2008.***

[Persons or Agencies Responsible:]{.underline}

Site selection: ***Allyson Young, Coeur d'Alene Soil Survey Office and
Bruce Knapp, MLRA Management Office 43B***

Excavation of pits: ***Allyson Young and Bruce Knapp***

Tools, equipment, materials: ***NSSL needs to furnish sampling equipment
and materials. Local soil survey staff will provide excavation equipment
(shovels, augers, etc.) and pump (if needed)***

Descriptions and classification: ***Allyson Young and Bruce Knapp***

Sample shipment: ***Allyson Young***

Analyses, other than SSL: ***none***

Other: ***request*** ***bulk density by core method (in those soils in
which clods are not attainable)***

[Other Pertinent Information:]{.underline}

(Official series descriptions and a site map are attached at the end of
this work plan)

Complete Table 1 for all projects; list alternatives if purpose is to
check classification. Complete other tables insofar as information is
readily available.

[Table 1 Classification of Pedons to be Sampled]{.underline}

Pedon

[Number Series Classification to Family]{.underline}

*1(07AY01) Aquandic Humaquepts \*Bellslake (Slickens)*

*coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, nonacid, frigid*

*2(07AY02) Vitrandic Dystrudepts, \*Miesen (Slickens)*

*coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, frigid*

*3(07AY12) Aquandic Endoaquepts Ramsdell*

*coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, nonacid, frigid*

*4 Aquandic Endoaquepts, \*Ramsdell (Slickens)*

*coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, nonacid, frigid*

*5 Fluvaquentic Endoaquolls Cougarbay*

[*clayey/sandy or sandy-skeletal, smectitic/mixed, frigid*]{.underline}

\**Pedons to be sampled may not be representative of the named series
but may become new series.*

[Table 2. Genetic Factors of Soils]{.underline}

Pedon Parent Landscape Drainage Vegetation[\
Number Material Position Class]{.underline}

*1 Alluvium Floodplain VP Pasture/Native grass\
2 Alluvium Floodplain SP-P Pasture/Native grass\
3 Alluvium Floodplain P-VP Pasture/Native grass\
4 Alluvium Floodplain P-VP Pasture/Native grass*

*[5 Alluvium Floodplain P-VP Pasture/Native grass]{.underline}*

> **SOIL SURVEY INVESTIGATIONS WORK PLAN FOR THE COEUR D'ALENE RIVER
> CORRIDOR UPDATE SOIL SURVEY, KOOTENAI COUNTY, IDAHO**
>
> [Purpose of Study]{.underline}

The purpose of this study is to gather information on soils formed in
alluvium influenced by mine waste materials. Additions of varying
amounts of fine-grained mine tailings produce soils with a wide variety
of classification and interpretation possibilities. Soils influenced by
mine tailings were previously mapped as "slickens," which is a
miscellaneous land type and, therefore, has no or very limited soil
properties or interpretations available to soil survey users.

> [Site Overview]{.underline}

The temperature regimes of the soils to be sampled are frigid.
Precipitation ranges from 25 to 30 inches in xeric and udic moisture
regimes. Elevations range from 2,100 to 2,200 feet. Slopes are level to
nearly level on low terraces, floodplains and marshes within the main
stem of the Coeur d'Alene River valley.

> Silver mining and ore processing activities (including smelter
> operations) occurred from the late 1800's to the early 1980's within
> the Silver Valley of the Coeur d'Alene River Basin. Historically, the
> Silver Valley was the most prolific silver producing area in the world
> and, as a result, the Coeur d'Alene River corridor has been
> contaminated from mine waste discharged into the South Fork and Main
> Stem of the river. Major contaminants within the floodplain include
> lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and zinc. Lead concentrations in
> floodplain and river bank sediments range from 25 to 6000 ppm. The
> depth of contaminated sediments along the floodplains varies widely,
> but it is greater than 20 feet in some areas. Flooding continues to
> add contaminated sediments to the surface.

The epicenter of contamination is the Bunker Hill Superfund Site at
Kellogg. This site is located in the upper part of the Coeur d'Alene
River basin and upstream from the update soil survey project area (which
is located in the lower part of the river basin). Mine waste dumps in
the upper basin were previously mapped as "slickens," a miscellaneous
land type that meets the following NSSH definition: "...accumulations of
fine-textured material, such as that separated in placer mine and ore
mill operations. Slickens from ore mills consist largely of freshly
ground rock that commonly has undergone chemical treatment during the
milling process. Slickens are usually confined in specially constructed
basins."

Referrring to these areas as "slickens" is a misnomer as the
heterogeneous sediments composing these soils do not meet the definition
of a miscellaneous land type and, subsequently, will be re-correlated to
new series or to "impacted" phases of existing series during the update
soil survey.

> [Reasons for Sampling]{.underline}

Most of the area within the Coeur d'Alene River Corridor Update Soil
Survey is wildlife habitat under federal and state management as well as
hay and pasture land under private ownership. The soil survey area is
located in Kootenai County, which is developing rapidly from its
suburban center. "Slickens" nomenclature neither addresses soil
classification information nor is it accompanied by a full suite of soil
properties and interpretations. These areas are under continuous
production and development pressures, and it has become increasingly
important for conservation planners, landowners, county planners, and
various stakeholders to be able to have available and access current
information on soil properties and relevant interpretations.

> Soils formed in alluvium mixed with mine tailings contain an abundance
> of fine and very fine sands. Particle size distribution affects soil
> properties including available water capacity, a property important
> for plant productivity and designing irrigation systems. Particle size
> distribution also affects piping and erosion, which has important
> implications for buildings and roads. Questions about soil properties
> affecting crop and pasture productivity along with interpretations for
> buildings, roads, and equipment limitations can be addressed with
> adequate laboratory data and correct soil classifications.
>
> Also, numerous questions have arisen regarding the chemical
> differences between soils affected by mine tailings and their
> non-impacted counterparts in relation to soil properties such as soil
> pH, cation exchange capacity, and nutrient availability. These
> differences affect hay and pasture productivity as well as choice of
> plants to grow for wildlife habitat and erosion control. The need for
> both soil physical and chemical data has become increasingly important
> for bank stabilization efforts along the Coeur d'Alene River and its
> tributaries.

LOCATION BELLSLAKE ID

Established Series\
Rev. CJW-SHB-EMM\
07/2006

**BELLSLAKE SERIES**

The Bellslake series consists of very deep, very poorly drained soils on
flood plains. They formed in material weathered from alluvium and
organic material. Permeability is moderate. Slope ranges from 0 to 1
percent. The average annual air temperature is about 45 degrees F and
the average annual precipitation is about 30 inches.

**TAXONOMIC CLASS:** Coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, nonacid, frigid
Aquandic Humaquepts

**TYPICAL PEDON:** Bellslake ashy silt loam, pasture; on a concave slope
of 0.5 percent at 2,130 feet elevation. When described on October 14,
1982, the soil was saturated throughout. (Colors are for dry soil unless
otherwise stated).

**Ag1**\--0 to 5 inches; grayish brown (2.5Y 5/2) ashy silt loam, very
dark grayish brown (2.5Y 3/2) moist; common fine and medium distinct and
prominent dark gray (5Y 4/1) moist redox depletions and dark yellowish
brown (10YR 3/4) moist redox concentrations; moderate very fine and fine
granular structure; slightly hard, friable, slightly sticky and slightly
plastic; many very fine, fine, and medium roots; many very fine and fine
tubular pores; common very fine and fine mica flakes; moderately acid
(pH 6.0); abrupt wavy boundary.

**Ag2**\--5 to 9 inches; grayish brown (2.5Y 5/2) ashy silt loam, very
dark grayish brown (2.5Y 3/2) moist; common fine and medium distinct and
prominent dark gray (5Y 4/1) moist redox depletions and dark yellowish
brown (10YR 3/4) moist redox concentrations; weak very fine and fine
granular structure; slightly hard, friable, slightly sticky and slightly
plastic; common very fine, fine and medium roots; common very fine and
fine tubular pores; common very fine and fine mica flakes; moderately
acid (pH 6.0); abrupt wavy boundary. (combined thickness of the Ag
horizon is 7 to 15 inches)

**Agb**\--9 to 12 inches; mixed grayish brown (10YR 5/2) and dark
grayish brown (10YR 4/2) mucky silt loam, very dark grayish brown (10YR
3/2) and very dark brown (10YR 2/2) moist; few fine and medium distinct
dark olive gray (5Y 3/2) moist redox depletions and dark yellowish brown
(10YR 3/4) moist redox concentrations; moderate fine and medium
subangular blocky structure parting to weak very fine and fine granular;
soft, very friable, nonsticky and slightly plastic; common very fine,
fine and medium roots; common very fine and fine tubular pores; common
very fine and fine mica flakes; 20 percent organic matter; moderately
acid (pH 6.0); abrupt wavy boundary. (3 to 12 inches thick)

**Bgb**\--12 to 27 inches; mixed light gray (2.5Y 7/2) and light
brownish gray (2.5Y 6/2) silt loam, grayish brown (2.5Y 5/2) and dark
grayish brown (2.5Y 4/2) moist; common fine and medium faint very dark
grayish brown (2.5Y 3/2) moist redox depletions and few fine prominent
dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4) moist redox concentrations; weak fine
and medium subangular blocky structure; hard, firm, slightly sticky and
slightly plastic; few very fine and fine roots; few very fine tubular
pores; many large black (N 2.5/) moist organic stains; common very fine
and fine mica flakes; moderately acid (pH 6.0); clear wavy boundary. (12
to 16 inches thick)

**Agb\'**\--27 to 38 inches; brown (10YR 5/3) silt loam, dark brown
(10YR 3/3) moist; common fine and medium distinct dark grayish brown
(2.5Y 4/2) moist redox depletions; weak fine and medium subangular
blocky structure; hard, firm, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few
very fine roots; few very fine tubular pores; common fine and medium
black (N 2.5/) moist organic stains; common very fine and fine mica
flakes; moderately acid (pH 6.0); abrupt wavy boundary. (0 to 12 inches
thick)

**Oa**\--38 to 42 inches; muck (sapric material) that is very dark brown
(10YR 2/2) on broken face and when rubbed; common fine faint very dark
grayish brown (10YR 3/2) moist redox depletions and dark brown (10YR
3/3) moist redox concentrations; about 50 percent primarily herbaceous
fibers, about 5 percent after rubbing; massive; slightly plastic; about
40 percent mineral material; moderately acid (pH 6.0); abrupt wavy
boundary. (4 to 15 inches thick)

**Oe**\--42 to 60 inches; mucky peat (hemic material) that is dark gray
(10YR 4/1) on broken face and when rubbed; about 80 percent primarily
herbaceous fibers, about 50 percent after rubbing; massive; about 10
percent mineral material; moderately acid (pH 6.0).

**TYPE LOCATION:** Benewah County, Idaho; about 3 miles northeast of St.
Maries, about 2300 feet west and 1000 feet south of the northeast corner
of section 18, T.46 N., R.1 W. Latitude - 47 degrees, 20 minutes, 21
seconds N, Longitude - 116 degrees, 30 minutes, 37 seconds W; NAD 83;
USGS St. Maries quadrangle.

**RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS:**\
Depth to seasonal high water table - +12 to 18 inches - October to
August 0 to 48 inches (January to December) drained\
Umbric epipedon thickness - 10 to 20 inches\
Depth to bedrock - \>60 inches\
Solum thickness - 30 to 48 inches\
Volcanic glass content in the 0.02 to 2 mm fraction - 5 to 20 percent
(estimated)\
Acid-oxalate extractable Al + 1/2 Fe - 0.4 to 1.0 percent (estimated)\
Moist bulk density - 1.0 to 1.2 g/cc (estimated)\
Moisture control section - moist or saturated most of the time\
Average annual soil temperature - 42 to 46 degrees F\
Average summer soil temperature - 55 to 57 degrees F without an O
horizon and saturated

Ag horizon and Ap horizon when present\
Hue - 5Y, 2.5Y, 10YR\
Value - 5 or 6 dry and 2 to 4 moist\
Chroma - 0 to 2 dry or moist\
Redox features - faint to prominent, hue 5Y, 2.5Y, 10YR, or 7.5YR,value
2 to 4 moist, chroma 0 to 6 moist\
Textures - Ashy silt loam or mucky silt loam\
Clay content - 8 to 12 percent\
Thin discontinuous layers of fine sandy loam - present in some pedons\
Base saturation - 35 to 50 percent\
Reaction - strongly acid or moderately acid

Agb horizon\
Value - 4 to 6 dry and 2 to 4 moist\
Chroma - 1 or 2 dry or moist\
Redox features - faint to prominent, hue 5Y, 2.5Y, 10YR, 7.5YR,\
value - 3 to 5 moist, chroma - 0 to 6 moist\
Texture - silt loam or mucky silt loam\
Clay content - 8 to 18 percent\
Base saturation - 35 to 50 percent\
Reaction - strongly acid or moderately acid

Bgb horizon\
Hue - 5Y, 2.5Y, or 10YR\
Value - 6 or 7 dry and 3 to 5 moist\
Chroma - 1 or 2 dry or moist\
Clay content - 8 to 18 percent\
Redox features - faint to prominent, hue 2.5Y, 10YR, or 7.5YR,\
Value - 2 to 4 moist\
Chroma - 0 to 6 moist\
Reaction - strongly acid or moderately acid

Oa and Oe horizons\
Hue - 7.5YR or 10YR\
Value - 2 or 3 rubbed\
Chroma - 1 or 2 broken face and rubbed\
Texture - muck or mucky peat\
Reaction - strongly acid to slightly acid

Oa/Agb horizons are present in some pedons.

**COMPETING SERIES:** There are no competing series.

**GEOGRAPHIC SETTING:** Bellslake soils are in basins on flood plains.
Slopes range from 0 to 1 percent. These soils formed in material
weathered from alluvium and organic material. Elevations range from
2,120 to 2,140 feet. The average annual air temperature ranges from 43
to 46 degrees F, average annual precipitation is 28 to 32 inches, and
the frost-free season is from 90 to 120 days.

**GEOGRAPHICALLY ASSOCIATED SOILS:** These are the
[[Miesen]{.underline}](http://www2.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/M/MIESEN.html)
and
[[Ramsdell]{.underline}](http://www2.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/R/RAMSDELL.html)
soils. Miesen soils are on higher positions of flood plains, and are
somewhat poorly drained and lack organic layers. Ramsdell soils are on
adjacent positions of flood plains and lack organic layers.

**DRAINAGE AND PERMEABILITY:** very poorly drained; ponded (no runoff);
moderate permeability.

**USE AND VEGETATION:** These soils are used for hay and pasture,
wetland wildlife habitat, and recreation. Potential natural vegetation
is mainly sedges, rush, cattails, quackgrass, reed canarygrass, iris,
Douglas hawthorn, thinleaf alder, and Pacific willow.

**DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT:** Northern Idaho; MLRA 44. This soil is not
extensive.

**MLRA OFFICE RESPONSIBLE:** Bozeman, Montana

**SERIES ESTABLISHED:** St. Joe Area, Shoshone County, Idaho, 1993.

**REMARKS:** Diagnostic horizons and features recognized in this pedon
are:\
Umbric epipedon - the zone from the surface to 12 inches (Ag1, Ag2, and
Agb horizons)\
Cambic horizon - the zone from 12 to 27 inches (Bgb horizon)\
Particle-size control section - the zone from 10 to 40 inches (part of
Agb1, Bgb, Agb2, and part of Oa horizon)

LOCATION MIESEN ID+MT

Established Series\
Rev. CJW/RJE/JAL\
03/2002

**MIESEN SERIES**

The Miesen series consists of very deep, somewhat poorly drained soils
on low stream terraces, natural levees, and floodplains. They formed in
alluvium derived from mixed sources. Permeability is moderate. Slope
ranges from 0 to 4 percent. The average annual precipitation is about 30
inches and the average annual air temperature is about 45 degrees F.

**TAXONOMIC CLASS:** Coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, frigid Vitrandic
Dystrudepts

**TYPICAL PEDON:** Miesen silt loam, pasture; on a 2 percent slope at
2,140 feet elevation. When described on May 28, 1981, the soil was moist
to 50 inches and saturated below. (Colors are for dry soil unless
otherwise noted.)

**A1**\--0 to 8 inches; grayish brown (10YR 5/2) silt loam, very dark
brown (10YR 2/2) moist; weak fine and medium subangular blocky structure
parting to moderate fine and medium granular; slightly hard, friable,
slightly sticky and slightly plastic; many very fine, fine, and common
medium roots; many very fine, fine, and few medium tubular and irregular
pores; strongly acid (pH 5.3); clear wavy boundary. (8 to 10 inches
thick)

**A2**\--8 to 26 inches; grayish brown (10YR 5/2) silt loam, very dark
brown (10YR 2/2) moist; moderate fine and medium subangular blocky
structure; slightly hard, friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic;
many very fine, and common fine and medium roots; many very fine, and
common fine and medium tubular and irregular pores; strongly acid (pH
5.3); clear wavy boundary. (11 to 18 inches thick)

**A3**\--26 to 32 inches; grayish brown (10YR 5/2) silt loam, very dark
grayish brown (10YR 3/2) moist; moderate medium and coarse subangular
blocky structure; slightly hard, friable, slightly sticky and slightly
plastic; common very fine, fine, and few medium roots; common very fine
and few fine tubular and irregular pores; strongly acid (pH 5.4);
gradual wavy boundary. (6 to 10 inches thick)

**Bw1**\--32 to 45 inches; brown (10YR 5/3) silt loam, dark brown (10YR
3/3) moist; common fine faint mottles that are dark grayish brown (10YR
4/2) and few fine faint mottles that are dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4)
when moist; moderate medium and coarse subangular blocky structure;
slightly hard, friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few very
fine roots; few very fine and fine tubular pores; common very fine mica
flakes; strongly acid (pH 5.5); clear wavy boundary. (10 to 13 inches
thick)

**Bw2**\--45 to 55 inches; pale brown (10YR 6/3) silt loam, dark brown
(10YR 3/3) moist; common fine and medium faint mottles that are dark
yellowish brown (10YR 4/4), dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2), and very dark
grayish brown (10YR 3/2) when moist; moderate medium and coarse
subangular blocky structure; slightly hard, friable, slightly sticky and
slightly plastic; few very fine roots; few very fine tubular pores;
common very fine mica flakes; moderately acid (pH 5.6); clear wavy
boundary. (0 to 14 inches thick)

**Bw3**\--55 to 60 inches; pale brown (10YR 6/3) silt loam, brown (10YR
4/3) moist; common fine and medium faint and distinct mottles that are
dark brown (10YR 3/3), very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2), and dark
yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) and dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) moist;
weak coarse subangular blocky structure; slightly hard, friable,
slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few very fine roots; few very fine
and fine tubular pores; common very fine mica flakes; moderately acid
(pH 5.7).

**TYPE LOCATION:** Benewah County, Idaho; about 3 miles west of St. Joe
community; about 200 feet north and 100 feet east of the southwest
corner of sec. 13, T. 46 N., R. 1 W.

**RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS:**

Depth to seasonal high water table - 24 to 42 inches February to June;
July to January - greater than 42 inches\
Average annual soil temperature - 44 to 46 degrees F\
Average summer soil temperature - 55 to 58 F degrees without an O
horizon\
Solum thickness - 40 to greater than 60 inches\
Umbric epipedon thickness - 20 to 48 inches\
Buried horizons in some pedons - old A and B horizons, thin organic
layers, thin coarse textured layers, thin volcanic ash layers\
Reaction - strongly acid to slightly acid\
Volcanic glass content in the 0.02 to 2.0 mm fraction - 5 to 20 percent
Acid-oxalate extractable Al plus 1/2 Fe - 0.4 to 1.0 percent Phosphate
retention - 30 to 40 percent\
Moist bulk density - 1.0 to 1.2 g/cc

A horizon\
Value - 4 or 5 dry\
Chroma - 2 or 3 dry or moist\
Texture - SIL, VFSL, some pedons stratified with thin layers of FSL Base
saturation - 25 to 40 percent in the upper 30 inches

Bw horizon\
Value - 5 through 7 dry, 3 through 5 moist\
Chroma - 3 or 4 dry or moist\
Texture - SIL, VFSL, some pedons stratified with thin layers of FSL
Mottles - faint to prominent and hue of 10YR or 7.5YR

2C horizon (present in some pedons)\
Hue - 10YR or 2.5Y\
Value - 6 or 7 dry, 4 or 5 moist\
Chroma - 2 through 4 dry or moist\
\*Redoximorphic features - faint to prominent and hue of 10YR or 7.5YR
Texture - stratified SIL, VFSL, FSL, LFS, some pedons are gravelly

**COMPETING SERIES:** There are no other series listed in the same
family. The closely related
[[Pokey]{.underline}](http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/P/POKEY.html)
soils have an umbric epipedon 10 to 15 inches thick and are coarse-loamy
over sandy or sandy-skeletal.

**GEOGRAPHIC SETTING:** Miesen soils are on low stream terraces, natural
levees, and floodplains. Slopes range from 0 to 4 percent. The soils
formed in alluvium derived from mixed sources. Elevation ranges from
2,120 to 2,240 feet. The average annual air temperature ranges from 43
to 46 degrees F and the average annual precipitation is 26 to 32 inches.
The frost-free period is from 90 to 120 days.

**GEOGRAPHICALLY ASSOCIATED SOILS:** These are the
[[Devoignes]{.underline}](http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/D/DEVOIGNES.html),
[[Pywell]{.underline}](http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/P/PYWELL.html),
and
[[Ramsdell]{.underline}](http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/R/RAMSDELL.html)
soils. Devoignes soils are on lower depressions on floodplains and have
a histic epipedon. Pywell soils are in wet basins on floodplains and are
organic throughout. Ramsdell soils are on floodplains and terrace
depressions and have an ochric epipedon.

**DRAINAGE AND PERMEABILITY:** Somewhat poorly drained; slow runoff;
moderate permeability. These soils are occasionally flooded for brief
periods from February to May. Some areas are artificially drained and
protected from flooding.

**USE AND VEGETATION:** These soils are used for nonirrigated wheat,
oats, barley, and grass seed production. They are also used for hay and
pasture, recreation, and wildlife habitat. Potential natural vegetation
is mainly black cottonwood, quaking aspen, willow, western river alder,
black hawthorn, and western redcedar with an understory of pyramid
spirea, sedge, creambush oceanspray, mallow ninebark, Rocky Mountain
iris, and grasses.

**DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT:** Northern Idaho and Western Montana. This
series is not extensive.

**MLRA OFFICE RESPONSIBLE:** Bozeman, Montana

**SERIES ESTABLISHED:** Benewah County, Idaho, 1975.

**REMARKS:** Diagnostic horizons and features recognized in this pedon
are:

Umbric epipedon - the zone from the soil surface to 32 inches (A
horizon)

Cambic horizon - the zone from 32 to 60 inches (Bw1, Bw2 and Bw3
horizons)

Particle-size control section - the zone from 10 to 40 inches (part of
the A2, the A3, and part of the Bw1 horizon)

LOCATION RAMSDELL ID+MT

Established Series\
Rev. CJW/SHB/JAL\
11/2002

**RAMSDELL SERIES**

The Ramsdell series consists of very deep, very poorly drained soils on
level or nearly level low stream terraces and depressions on floodplains
and valley floors. They formed in silty alluvium. Permeability is
moderate. Slope ranges from 0 to 2 percent. The average annual
precipitation is about 28 inches and the average annual air temperature
is about 45 degrees F.

**TAXONOMIC CLASS:** Coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, nonacid, frigid
Aquandic Endoaquepts

**TYPICAL PEDON:** Ramsdell ashy silt loam, pasture; on a 1 percent
slope at 2,140 feet elevation. When described on November 4, 1971, the
soil was moist throughout. (Colors are for dry soil unless otherwise
stated.)

**Ap**\--0 to 8 inches; light gray (2.5Y 7/2) ashy silt loam, grayish
brown (2.5Y 5/2) moist; moderate fine granular structure; slightly hard,
friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; many very fine, fine and
medium roots; common very fine tubular pores; moderately acid (pH 6.0);
abrupt wavy boundary. (8 to 10 inches thick)

**Bg1**\--8 to 15 inches; light gray (2.5Y 7/2) very fine sandy loam,
grayish brown (2.5Y 5/2) moist; many medium prominent brown (7.5YR 5/4)
moist redox concentrations; weak coarse subangular blocky structure;
slightly hard, friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; common
very fine and fine roots; common very fine and few medium tubular pores;
slightly acid (pH 6.4); abrupt wavy boundary. (7 to 16 inches thick)

**Bg2**\--15 to 26 inches; light gray (10YR 7/1) silt loam, grayish
brown (10YR 5/2) moist; many medium prominent strong brown (7.5YR 5/6)
moist redox concentrations; weak medium subangular blocky structure;
slightly hard, friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; common
very fine and fine roots; many fine and common medium tubular pores;
moderately acid (pH 6.0); abrupt wavy boundary. (6 to 11 inches thick)

**Bg3**\--26 to 35 inches; light gray (10YR 7/1) silt loam, grayish
brown (10YR 5/2) moist; many medium prominent reddish yellow (7.5YR 6/6)
moist redox concentrations; moderate coarse subangular blocky structure;
slightly hard, friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few very
fine and fine roots; many very fine, fine, and common medium tubular
pores; moderately acid (pH 5.8); abrupt wavy boundary. (9 to 13 inches
thick)

**Cg**\--35 to 60 inches; light gray (10YR 7/1) silt loam, grayish brown
(10YR 5/2) moist; many medium and large prominent reddish yellow (7.5YR
6/6) moist redox concentrations; massive; slightly hard, friable,
slightly sticky and slightly plastic; many very fine and fine, and few
medium tubular pores; moderately acid (pH 6.0).

**TYPE LOCATION:** Benewah County, Idaho; about 1.5 miles west of St.
Maries; about 2,100 feet west and 700 feet south of the northeast corner
of sec. 20, T. 46 N., R. 2 W.

**RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS:**

Average annual soil temperature - 44 to 46 degrees F\
Average summer soil temperature - 56 to 58 degrees F without an O
horizon\
Solum thickness - 28 to 50 inches\
Depth to seasonal high water table - 0 to 24 inches February to June;
July to January 24 to 60 inches

Volcanic glass content - 5 to 20 percent (estimated)\
Acid-oxalate extractable Al + 1/2 Fe - 0.4 to 1.0 percent (estimated)\
Moist bulk density - 1.0 to 1.2 g/cc (estimated)

Thin buried layers - present in some pedons\
Texture - LFS, FSL, or VFSL

A horizon\
Hue - 2.5Y or 10YR\
Value - 6 or 7 dry, 3 through 5 moist\
Chroma - 1 or 2, dry or moist\
Redox features - present in some pedons, faint to prominent, hue of 10YR
or 7.5YR, chroma of 2 through 6, dry or moist\
Reaction - moderately acid to neutral

Bg horizon\
Hue - 10YR, 2.5Y, or 5Y\
Value - 6 or 7 dry, 4 or 5 moist\
Redox features - faint to prominent, chroma of 1 through 6, dry or moist
Reaction - moderately acid to neutral

Cg horizon\
Hue - 10YR, 2.5Y, or 5Y\
Value - 6 through 8 dry, 4 through 6 moist\
Chroma - 1 or 2, dry or moist\
Redox features - faint to prominent, chroma of 1 through 8, dry or
moist\
Texture - stratified SIL or VFSL\
Reaction - strongly acid to slightly acid

**COMPETING SERIES:** There are no competing series. The closely related
[[Bellslake]{.underline}](http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/B/BELLSLAKE.html)
soils have sapric and hemic substrata.

**GEOGRAPHIC SETTING:** Ramsdell soils are on level or nearly level low
stream terraces and depressions on flood plains and valley floors.
Slopes range from 0 to 2 percent. Elevations range from 2,100 to 2,800
feet. The soils formed in stratified silty alluvium. Average annual
precipitation ranges from 26 to 32 inches and average annual air
temperature is 43 to 46 degrees F. The frost-free period is 90 to 130
days.

**GEOGRAPHICALLY ASSOCIATED SOILS:** These are the
[[DeVoignes]{.underline}](http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/D/DEVOIGNES.html),
[[Miesen]{.underline}](http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/M/MIESEN.html),
and
[[Pywell]{.underline}](http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/P/PYWELL.html)
soils. DeVoignes and Pywell soils are on low basins and have a histic
epipedon. Miesen soils have an umbric epipedon and are on natural levees
and higher stream terraces.

**DRAINAGE AND PERMEABILITY:** Very poorly drained; very slow runoff;
moderate permeability. These soils are frequently flooded for brief to
long periods from February to June. Some areas are artificially drained
and protected by levees.

**USE AND VEGETATION:** Used mostly for nonirrigated oats, pasture, hay,
and grass seed production. Natural vegetation is Pacific willow, black
cottonwood, western river alder, and western redcedar, with an
understory of grass, and sedge, and forbs.

**DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT:** Northern Idaho. This soil is not extensive.

**MLRA OFFICE RESPONSIBLE:** Bozeman, Montana

**SERIES ESTABLISHED:** Benewah County, Idaho, 1975.

**REMARKS:** Diagnostic horizons and features recognized in this pedon
are:

Ochric epipedon - the zone from the soil surface to 8 inches (A horizon)

Cambic horizon - the zone from 8 to 35 inches (Bg1, Bg2, and Bg3
horizons)

Particle-size control section - the zone from 10 to 40 inches (part of
the Bg1, Bg2, Bg3, and part of the Cg horizon)

LOCATION COUGARBAY ID

Established Series\
Rev. BJT/PNP/JAL\
10/2001

**COUGARBAY SERIES**

The Cougarbay series consists of very deep, very poorly drained soils
that formed in recent lake laid sediments. Cougarbay soils are on
low-lying bottomland areas adjacent to lakes and have slopes of 0 to 2
percent. The mean annual precipitation is about 24 inches and the mean
annual air temperature is about 44 degrees F.

**TAXONOMIC CLASS:** Clayey over sandy or sandy-skeletal, smectitic over
mixed, frigid Fluvaquentic Endoaquolls

**TYPICAL PEDON:** Cougarbay silt loam, cultivated. (Colors are for
moist soil unless otherwise noted.)

**Ap**\--0 to 10 inches; very dark gray (10YR 3/1) silt loam, gray (10YR
5/1) dry; few fine faint reddish brown (2.5YR 4/4) redox concentrations;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; hard, firm, moderately
sticky and moderately plastic; common very fine, fine, and medium roots;
common fine tubular pores; slightly acid (pH 6.4); abrupt smooth
boundary. (10 to 12 inches thick)

**2Cg1**\--10 to 14 inches; dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) silty clay,
light brownish gray (10YR 6/2) dry; common fine prominent red (2.5YR
4/6) redox concentrations; moderate medium prismatic structure that
parts to moderate medium angular blocky; hard, firm, moderately sticky
and very plastic; common very fine and fine roots; many fine tubular
pores; thin patchy black coatings on surfaces of peds; neutral (pH 6.6);
abrupt smooth boundary. (4 to 7 inches thick)

**2Cg2**\--14 to 30 inches; grayish brown (2.5Y 5/2) silty clay, light
gray (2.5Y 7/2) dry; many medium prominent red (2.5YR 4/6) redox
concentrations; moderate medium prismatic structure that parts to
moderate fine and medium angular blocky; very hard, very firm,
moderately sticky and very plastic; few very fine and fine roots; common
fine tubular pores; thin (1/2 to 1 inch thick) mottled sand lenses;
neutral (pH 6.6); abrupt smooth boundary. (14 to 16 inches thick)

**3Cg3**\--30 to 50 inches; dark grayish brown (2.5Y 4/2) stratified
coarse sand and loamy coarse sand, light brownish gray (2.5Y 6/2) dry;
common fine prominent red (2.5YR 4/6) redox concentrations; single
grain; loose; micaceous; slightly acid (pH 6.4); abrupt smooth boundary.
(10 to 25 inches thick)

**4Cg4**\--50 to 60 inches; dark grayish brown (2.5Y 4/2) silty clay,
light brownish gray (2.5Y 6/2) dry; many medium prominent red (2.5YR
4/6) redox concentrations; moderate medium prismatic structure that
parts to moderate medium angular blocky; very hard, very firm,
moderately sticky and very plastic; neutral (pH 6.6).

**TYPE LOCATION:** Kootenai County, Idaho; Cougar Gulch; 2,740 feet east
and 560 feet north of the southwest corner of section 21, T.50N., R.4W.
Nearly level bottomland at about 2,150 feet elevation.

**RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS:** The mean annual soil temperature is 44
degrees to 47 degrees F. The soils are saturated to the surface during
spring runoff. Depth to the stratified sandy material is 28 to 35 inches
but average 30 inches. Surface cracks are present upon drying in most
pedons.

The A horizon has value of 2 or 3 moist, 4 or 5 dry and chroma of 1 or
2.

The 2Cg horizon has hue of 10YR or 2.5Y, value of 5 through 7 dry, and
chroma of 1 or 2. It is silty clay or silty clay loam with more than 35
percent clay. Redox concentrations have hue of 2.5YR through 7.5YR,
value of 3 or 4 and chroma of 4 through 8. They are common or many and
distinct or prominent.

The 3Cg horizon has value of 4 or 5 moist, 6 or 7 dry. This horizon is
stratified coarse and or loamy coarse sand with very thin layers of
finer textured materials. Redox concentrations have hue of 2.5YR through
7.5YR, and chroma of 4 through 6. They are distinct to prominent.

The 4Cg horizon has hue of 10YR or 2.5Y, value of 3 through 5 moist, 5
through 7 dry. It is silty clay or silty clay loam. Redox concentrations
have hue of 2.5YR through 7.5YR, and chroma of 4 through 6. They are
common or many, distinct or prominent. This horizon is generally always
saturated.

**COMPETING SERIES:** There are no competing series.

**GEOGRAPHIC SETTING:** Cougarbay soils occur in the low bottomland
areas adjacent to lakes. Slopes range from 0 to 2 percent. Elevations
range from 2,100 to 2,500. The soils formed in recent lake laid
sediments with lenses of sandy alluvium. The soils are in a climate with
cool, moist winters and warm, dry summers. The annual precipitation is
20 to 30 inches. Mean January temperature is about 25 percent F.; mean
July temperature is about 63 degrees F.; the average annual temperature
is 42 degrees to 45 degrees F. The frost-free season is 100 to 130 days.

**GEOGRAPHICALLY ASSOCIATED SOILS:** These are the
[[Blinn]{.underline}](http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/B/BLINN.html),
[[Kruse]{.underline}](http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/K/KRUSE.html),
[[Lenz]{.underline}](http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/L/LENZ.html),
[[Ramsdell]{.underline}](http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/R/RAMSDELL.html),
and
[[Ulricher]{.underline}](http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/dat/U/ULRICHER.html)
soils. Blinn, Kruse, Lenz, and Ulricher soils are well drained soils on
uplands. Ramsdell soils have ochric epipedons.

**DRAINAGE AND PERMEABILITY:** Very poorly drained; slow runoff; very
slow permeability. The high water table ranges from the surface to a
depth of 18 inches. The soils are saturated during the spring runoff.
There is occasional to frequent flooding.

**USE AND VEGETATION:** The main uses for pasture and hay with some
small acreages used for production of corn silage and small grains.
Native vegetation is mainly black cottonwood, Pacific willows, birch,
black hawthorne, cattails, sedges, timothy, canary grass and other
grasses and forbs.

**DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT:** Low-lying areas near the lakes of northern
Idaho. The series is inextensive.

**MLRA OFFICE RESPONSIBLE:** Bozeman, Montana

**SERIES ESTABLISHED:** Kootenai County, Idaho, 1976.

National Cooperative Soil Survey\
U.S.A.

Main Stem of the Coeur d'Alene River from Cataldo to Killarney Lake

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="5.881944444444445in"
height="3.651388888888889in"}

Main Stem of the Coeur d'Alene River from Killarney Lake to Lake Coeur
d'Alene at Harrison

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="6.1194444444444445in"
height="3.904861111111111in"}