Archuleta County Area, Colorado
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 Archuleta County Area, Colorado.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carracas clay loam, 3 to 35 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Payan-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 65 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valto, very stony-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldbug family, loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Herm family, clay loam, cool, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldbug family, very stony loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Camado-Ishkoten-Nutrita complex, 5 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lobat family-Abreu complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ishkoten-Lajuita complex, cool, 15 to 60 percent slopes, stony | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldbug family, very stony loam, 12 to 30 percent slopes, extremely stony | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ishkoten, stony-Lajuita, stony-Escrito complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conejos-Mulgon association, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Payan cobbly sandy clay loam, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valto very stony fine sandy loam, 3 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fortlewis fine sandy loam, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conejos-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conejos-Mulgon association, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Echolake clay loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Herm family, clay loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Abeyta-Carracas complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% 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 100% 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.