Golden Area, Colorado, Parts of Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, and Park Counties

Survey Area CO641• 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 Golden Area, Colorado, Parts of Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, 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
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

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.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.