Costilla County Area, Colorado
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Costilla County Area, Colorado.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGinty fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 66K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Fallriver-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 65 percent slopes | 62K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cososa loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Seitz-Tolvar complex, 10 to 65 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tolvar-Laveta-Rock outcrop complex, 9 to 65 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uracca-Culebra complex, 5 to 50 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tolvar gravelly sandy loam, 10 to 65 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Comodore-Uracca-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 65 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex, 45 to 90 percent slopes | 22K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Cososa loamy sand, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Trinchera fine sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Travelers-Rock outcrop complex, 9 to 50 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morval-Uracca complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kibin fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lambe-Woodhall complex, 5 to 65 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trinchera fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Vastine-Gerrard complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Potrio gravelly silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Travelers-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grayco sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not 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, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 66% 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.