Georgetown Area, Colorado, Parts of Clear Creek, Gilpin, and Park Counties

Survey Area CO653• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Georgetown Area, Colorado, Parts of Clear Creek, Gilpin, and Park 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
Tahana-Legault-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ohman-Legault very gravelly sandy loams, 30 to 60 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Legault-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cathedral-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Resort-Cathedral-Rubble land complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mammoth-Ohman-Bendemeere complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bendemeere-Tolland complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Mammoth-Ohman-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Cathedral-Resort complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes	4K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Legault very gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Legault very gravelly sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rogert, very stony-Herbman-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Rubble land-Cathedral complex, 40 to 100 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mammoth-Ohman-Bendemeere complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Resort very gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent south slopes	2K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tolland-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Raleigh-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 70 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Resort-Cathedral complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	2K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Redfeather-Legault complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kataka-Resort-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited

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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

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

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 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.