Grand Mesa - West Elk Area, Colorado, Parts of Delta, Garfield, Gunnison, Mesa, and Montrose Counties

Survey Area CO660• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Grand Mesa - West Elk Area, Colorado, Parts of Delta, Garfield, Gunnison, Mesa, and Montrose 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
Cryoboralfs, Cryochrepts, and Rubble land, 65 to 99 percent slopes	121K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wetopa-Wesdy complex, 5 to 65 percent slopes	91K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cryochrepts-Cryoborolls-Rubble land complex, 15 to 90 percent slopes	76K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wetopa-Hayrack complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes	56K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Needleton-Scout families complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes	55K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Broad Canyon-Scout family complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes	51K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cryoboralfs, Cryochrepts, and Rubble land, 5 to 65 percent slopes	44K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Taterheap-Papaspila complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes	39K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Herm-Fughes-Kolob family complex, 25 to 40 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hayrack-Muggins-Nutras complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tellura-Jerry complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rubble land	28K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Broad Canyon-Scout family complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Clayburn, warm-Booneville-Needleton family complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Woodhall-Bushvalley complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wesdy-Mudbuz complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Scout-Needleton families complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Haploborolls-Ustochrepts-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 99 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Haviland-Needleton families complex, 10 to 65 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fughes-Fughes, cool-Fughes, very stony, cool complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes	17K	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.

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.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% 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 100% 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.