Gunnison Area, Colorado, Parts of Gunnison, Hinsdale, and Saguache 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 Gunnison Area, Colorado, Parts of Gunnison, Hinsdale, and Saguache Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky-Beenom, exposed complex, 5 to 45 percent slopes | 114K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kezar-Beenom,exposed complex, 5 to 45 percent slopes | 91K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shule and Sapinero loams, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duffson-Beenom, exposed complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vulcan gravelly sandy loam, 10 to 35 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Hopkins, extremely stony-Beenom, exposed complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 41K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Youman-Passar loams, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parlin-Hopkins channery loams, 5 to 45 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Posant very rocky loam, 10 to 60 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wetterhorn stony loam, 10 to 55 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kezar-Cathedral gravelly sandy loams, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bead fine sandy loam, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nutras stony loam, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodhall extremely rocky loam, 5 to 50 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menbar and Venable soils, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Redcloud channery loam, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uinta and tolvar soils, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kubler loam, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duffson-Hazton, extremely stony-Beenom, exposed complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irim loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | 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, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. 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.