Alamosa Area, Colorado
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Alamosa Area, Colorado.
| 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 |
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.