Grand County Area, Colorado

Survey Area CO649• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Grand County Area, Colorado. 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
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

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Aridisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

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.