Flat Tops Area, Colorado, Parts of Eagle, Garfield, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt Counties
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 Flat Tops Area, Colorado, Parts of Eagle, Garfield, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamphier-Tampico, cool-Kamack loams, 5 to 60 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubble land-Cryorthents complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 39K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Heterwa-Targhee-Sapphire loams, 3 to 35 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pineisle-Nimerick-Clinetop loams, 1 to 25 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leighcan-Duchesne-Heterwa complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubble land-Rock outcrop complex | 29K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dateman, cool-Sapphire-Secondset loams, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Angostura-Peeler-Mulgon complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Farlow-Dateman-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scout-Pineisle, warm-Mulgon complex, 5 to 65 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Causewa-Domo-Leighcan complex, 3 to 35 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cochetopa-Adel-Hapgood loams, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Cryorthents complex, 15 to 90 percent slopes | 16K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Farlow-Starley-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop | 15K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Mulgon-Leighcan-Angostura complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hapgood-Adel-Clayburn loams, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gateview loam, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nimerick-Clinetop-Rock outcrop, 1 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peeler-Anvik, warm complex, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% 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 100% 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.