Estes Park Area, Colorado, Parts of Boulder and Larimer Counties
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Estes Park Area, Colorado, Parts of Boulder and Larimer Counties.
| 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 |
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.