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