Archuleta County Area, Colorado
The most common soil here is Carracas, on about 11% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Goldbug and Payan come next.
About 95% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 2% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 93% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 55% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Archuleta County Area, Colorado, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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 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
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.