Elbert County, Colorado, Western Part
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 Elbert County, Colorado, Western Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bresser sandy loam, cool, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 114K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bresser-Truckton sandy loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 69K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cushman-Ascalon complex, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cushman-Kutch complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nunn clay loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kutch clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bresser sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Wiley-Baca loams, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bresser-Stapleton sandy loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Weld loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Haplustolls, loamy, nearly level* | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peyton-Elbeth sandy loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bresser-Cushman complex, 4 to 20 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kutch-Louviers complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Renohill-Louviers complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Haplustolls, moderately coarse, nearly level* | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Truckton sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Baca-Wiley loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brussett loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ascalon sandy loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 36% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.