Estes Park Area, Colorado, Parts of Boulder and Larimer Counties

Survey Area CO642• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Estes Park Area, Colorado, Parts of Boulder and Larimer 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
Cathedral-Ratake complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cypher-Wetmore-Ratake families complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Chasmfalls coarse sandy loam, 1 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cathedral-Ratake complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bullwark-Catamount families-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 150 percent slopes	1K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bullwark-Catamount complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rofork-Chasmfalls complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes	892	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Cathedral complex, 20 to 100 percent slopes	877	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Frisco-Catamount, moist families complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes	746	Well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Leighcan-Catamount, moist families-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 150 percent slopes	706	Somewhat excessively drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Legault very gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes	594	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Chaffee loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	582	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Catamount-Bullwark-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes	542	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Galuche-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 90 percent slopes	514	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Haplustolls-Cathedral family-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 150 percent slopes	474	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Catamount gravelly coarse sandy loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes	467	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lumpyridge-Rofork complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	361	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Kovich family, 0 to 5 percent slopes	354	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cypher family-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 150 percent slopes	273	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	216			Not rated	Not rated

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 83% 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, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.