Cochetopa Area, Colorado, Parts of Gunnison, Hinsdale, and Saguache Counties

Survey Area CO663• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Cochetopa Area, Colorado, Parts of Gunnison, Hinsdale, and Saguache Counties. 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
Goosepeak, cool-Seitz complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes	88K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Goosepeak-Snowdon, dry-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes	67K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ohman-Perfecto complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes	31K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Tellura, moist-Quander complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Perfecto-Ohman-Legault complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes, very bouldery	23K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Leighcan gravelly sandy loam, 5 to 25 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop and Rubble land	17K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Moran, extremely stony-Telluride, extremely stony-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Quander, cool-Bushpark-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Seitz gravelly sandy clay loam, 15 to 65 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Storm family very cobbly sandy clay loam, 10 to 65 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Goosepeak, cool-Snowdon complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Leighcan-Rubble land complex, 25 to 120 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Cryolls-Cryaquolls association, 0 to 15 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tellura very gravelly clay loam, dry, 15 to 65 percent slopes, very bouldery	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Telluride association, 40 to 120 percent slopes, extremely stony	10K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Moran cobbly loam, moist, 5 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	10K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Seitz-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Goosepeak-Perfecto, warm complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Quander very gravelly loam, dry, 5 to 25 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. 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.