Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gladel-Evpark families-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 32 percent slopes, stony | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aridic Haplustepts-Rock outcrop complex, 14 to 69 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkelei-Todest family complex, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wayneco family-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes, stony | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Ustic Torriorthents complex, 10 to 57 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 5K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Moano family complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Atrac family-Bowdish complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lykorly family, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bebeevar fine sandy loam, high precipitation, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 1K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkelei-Gullied land complex, 4 to 23 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Claysprings-Badland-Farb family complex, 2 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 1K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yaggy family, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 1K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Begay family-Gullied land complex, 4 to 18 percent slopes | 786 | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zia family, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 596 | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Plumasano family, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 520 | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Bayfield family, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 519 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Querencia family, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 335 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Yaggy family, 1 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded, stony | 265 | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bebeevar fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 222 | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riverwash-Bebeevar complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 186 | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% 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 83% 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.