Alamosa Area, Colorado

Survey Area CO632• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Alamosa Area, Colorado. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Gunbarrel loamy sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes	45K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hooper loamy sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes	34K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Mosca loamy sand	28K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Space City loamy fine sand, alkali substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes	21K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Corlett-Hooper complex, undulating	21K	Moderately well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
San Luis sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cotopaxi sand, hilly	18K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hooper clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
McGinty sandy loam	11K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
San Arcacio sandy loam	11K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Laney loam	11K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Mount Home-Saguache cobbly sandy loams, 4 to 12 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Uracca very cobbly loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gunbarrel loamy sand, saline	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hapney loam	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Alamosa loam	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Space City-Hooper complex, hilly	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Costilla loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Space City loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Vastine loam	7K	Poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 96% 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

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.