Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Arizona, Parts of Apache, Coconino, Greenlee, and Navajo Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Arizona, Parts of Apache, Coconino, Greenlee, and Navajo Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithic Argiustolls, Typic Haplustolls, and Vitrandic Haplustolls; cool mesic ustic mountains | 473K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pachic Argiustolls, Typic Haplustalfs, and Lithic Haplustepts; cool mesic ustic mountains | 440K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Argiustolls, Typic Haplustolls, and Aridic Calciustolls; warm mesic ustic mountains | 422K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vertic Haplustalfs, Vertic Paleustalfs, and Typic Argiustolls; cool mesic ustic plateaus | 388K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vertic Haplustalfs, Aridic Haplustalfs, and Lithic Argiustolls; warm mesic aridic fan remnants and hills | 234K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Argiustolls, Cumulic Haplustolls, rarely flooded, and Typic Ustorthents; warm mesic ustic mountains | 53K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ustic Haplocalcids, Ustic Haplargids, and Typic Torriorthents; cool thermic aridic fan remnants and basins | 45K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ustic Haplocalcids, Ustic Haplocambids, rarely flooded, and Typic Torripsamments, rarely flooded; cool thermic aridic alluvial fans | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aridic Argiustolls, Cumulic Haplustolls, rarely flooded, and Aridic Ustifluvents, rarely flooded; cool mesic ustic hills and fans | 904 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% 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 100% 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.