Cortez Area, Colorado, Parts of Dolores and Montezuma Counties
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 Cortez Area, Colorado, Parts of Dolores and Montezuma Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wetherill loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 95K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Romberg, extremely stony-Crosscan, very bouldery-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladel-Pulpit complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 59K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Romberg-Crosscan complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 46K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wauquie-Dolcan-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cahona-Sharps-Wetherill complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Typic Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 80 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharps-Pulpit complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sheek-Archuleta-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wetherill loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sharps-Cahona complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wetherill loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rizno-Gapmesa complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sheek-Archuleta-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes, north aspect | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Granath loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Claysprings very stony clay loam, 12 to 65 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sideshow silty clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wauquie, Stony-Dolcan complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cahona-Pulpit complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zigzag-Sideshow complex, 10 to 55 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 60% 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 81% 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.