Aspen-Gypsum Area, Colorado, Parts of Eagle, Garfield, and Pitkin 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 Aspen-Gypsum Area, Colorado, Parts of Eagle, Garfield, and Pitkin Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torriorthents-Camborthids-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 65 percent | 59K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gypsum land-Gypsiorthids complex, 12 to 65 percent slopes | 37K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Earsman-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 65 percent slopes | 30K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Anvik-Skylick-Sligting association, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cushool-Rentsac complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cochetopa-Antrobus association, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tridell-Brownsto stony sandy loams, 12 to 50 percent slopes, extremely stony | 24K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jerry loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jerry-Millerlake loams, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dollard-Rock outcrop, shale complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anvik-Skylick-Sligting association, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 45 to 95 percent slopes | 15K | C | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Cochetopa-Antrobus association, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Showalter-Morval complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forsey cobbly loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jerry-Millerlake loams, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ansel-Anvik association, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forelle-Brownsto complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gothic loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Almy loam, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% 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 97% 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.