Chinle Area, Parts of Apache and Navajo Counties, Arizona, and San Juan County, New Mexico
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 Chinle Area, Parts of Apache and Navajo Counties, Arizona, and San Juan County, New Mexico.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabrab-Vessilla-Lindrith complex, 1 to 45 percent slopes | 254K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reef-Mido-Zukan complex, 2 to 35 percent slopes | 137K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aquima-Rizno-Begay complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 104K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Monue-Sheppard-Nakai complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 96K | Excessively drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nakai-Somorent family complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 72K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kachina-Evpark family-Gladel family complex, 2 to 35 percent slopes | 70K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ustic Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 65 percent slopes | 69K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Haplustepts-Jacks family-Pachic Haplustolls complex, 4 to 40 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tsosie-Councelor-Campanile complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Claysprings-Lithic Torriorthents-Typic Torriorthents complex, badlands, 1 to 60 percent slopes | 60K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chromic Haplotorrerts-Gotho complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 59K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aquima-Ustic Haplocambids complex, moist, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Monue-Redhouse-Sheppard complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 52K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Sojourn-Aridic Ustorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 45K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marcou-Claysprings complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 45K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Begay-Querencia-Rizno complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 42K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tsosie-Councelor-Riverwash complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Councelor-Moclom-Hawaikuh complex, 1 to 60 percent slopes | 40K | Excessively drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Ustic Torriorthents-Begay complex, rocky 1 to 30 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jocity-Tezinie-Nazlini complex, sodic, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 60% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 82% 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.