Grand County Area, Colorado
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 Grand County Area, Colorado.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frisco-Peeler gravelly sandy loams, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cumulic Cryaquolls, nearly level | 31K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leighcan bouldery sandy loam, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quander stony loam, 15 to 55 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harsha loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes, eroded | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Cryoborolls complex, extremely steep | 19K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Harsha loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cimarron loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Scout cobbly sandy loam, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upson stony sandy loam, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cryorthents-Rock outcrop complex, extremely steep | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowdrey loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leavitt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Youga loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leighcan gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cimarron loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uinta sandy loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowdrey loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Youga loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Anvik loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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.