Fort Apache Indian Reservation, Arizona, Parts of Apache, Gila, 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 Fort Apache Indian Reservation, Arizona, Parts of Apache, Gila, and Navajo Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haplustolls-Ustorthents | 350K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Showlow gravelly clay loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thunderbird cobbly clay loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 60K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thunderbird cobbly clay loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gordo cobbly loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elledge-Overgaard-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chevelon cobbly clay loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 38K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baldy cobbly fine sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ess cobbly loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Overgaard gravelly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gordo cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sponseller cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ess cobbly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cryorthents-Cryoborolls complex | 28K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Tortugas-Roundtop-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sponseller cobbly loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Roundtop-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cibeque gravelly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Overgaard gravelly fine sandy loam, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tortugas-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 61% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 63% 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.