Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties

Survey Area CO682• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Douglas-Plateau Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa 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
Torriorthents, cool-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes	101K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Parachute-Irigul-Rhone association, 25 to 50 percent slopes MLRA 48A	91K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tosca channery loam, 25 to 80 percent slopes MLRA 48A	76K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hesperus-Empedrado, moist-Pagoda complex 5 to 35 percent slopes	55K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Echemoor-Irigul complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes	53K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Biedsaw-Sunup gravelly loams, 10 to 40 percent slopes	42K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Torriorthents, warm-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Travessilla-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 35 percent slopes	41K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Torriorthents complex, 15 to 90 percent slopes	35K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Happle-Rock outcrop association, 25 to 65 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Utso-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 90 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Northwater-Adel complex, 5 to 50 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wrayha-Veatch-Rabbitex complex, 12 to 45 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Badland	21K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Caballo very channery loam, 40 to 80 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cathedral-Veatch complex, 25 to 85 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cryorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 90 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wrayha-Rabbitex-Veatch complex, 45 to 65 percent slopes, very stony	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Peninsula loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Barx loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat 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.

Entisols

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

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 96% 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 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.