Golden Area, Colorado, Parts of Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, and Park Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Golden Area, Colorado, Parts of Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, and Park Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogert, very stony-Herbman-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grimstone-Hiwan-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ratake-Cathedral-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Herbman-Sprucedale-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Legault-Tolvar-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 70 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ratake-Lininger stony sandy loams, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Legault-Hiwan stony loamy sands, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunn-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Raleigh very gravelly sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Resort-Sphinx very gravelly sandy loams, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunn-Urban land complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, igneous and metamorphic | 6K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Urban land-Ciancio-Englewood complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Standley-Nunn gravelly clay loams, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Troutdale-Sprucedale gravelly sandy loams, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Cathedral-Ratake complex, 50 to 100 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kittredge-Earcree complex, 9 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Denver-Urban land complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lininger-Ratake complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 82% 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 91% 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.