Grand County Area, Colorado
The most common soil here is Harsha, on about 8% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Leighcan and Quander come next.
About 88% of the land drains well, and 6% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 75% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 22% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Grand County Area, Colorado, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% 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.