Chaffee-Lake Area, Colorado, Parts of Chaffee and Lake Counties
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 Chaffee-Lake Area, Colorado, Parts of Chaffee and Lake Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troutville gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 35 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockland, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 22K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Dominson gravelly sandy loam, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop | 20K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Rough broken land | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leadville sandy loam, 3 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tigiwon-Turret cobbly sandy loams, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pierian soils, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dominson gravelly sandy loam, 9 to 45 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| San Isabel stony sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Badland | 5K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Cotopaxi loamy sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Granile gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 35 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pierian gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Newfork gravelly sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bross gravelly sandy loam, 9 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| St. Elmo gravelly sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pando gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marsh | 3K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.