Grand Mesa - West Elk Area, Colorado, Parts of Delta, Garfield, Gunnison, Mesa, and Montrose Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.