Holy Cross Area, Colorado, Parts of Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Pitkin, and Summit Counties

Survey Area CO654• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Holy Cross Area, Colorado, Parts of Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Pitkin, and Summit 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
Rock outcrop, cirque land	130K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Leighcan family, till substratum, 5 to 40 percent slopes	88K	Somewhat excessively drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Scout-Angostura families complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes	84K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gateview-Sawpit-Eyre families complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes	81K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Scout family, 40 to 65 percent slopes	54K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Leighcan family, till substratum-Cryaquolls, occasionally flooded complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes	52K	Somewhat excessively drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Moran family-Rock outcrop-Teewinot family, extremely stony complex, 40 to 75 percent slopes	51K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Leighcan family, till substratum-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 75 percent slopes	45K	Somewhat excessively drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wetopa-Doughspon-Echemoor families complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes	44K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Leighcan, till substratum-Hechtman families complex, 40 to 75 percent slopes	40K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Haplocryolls-Cryaquolls, frequently flooded complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Fughes-Godding families complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Subwell-Duffymont families complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Scout family, till substratum, 5 to 40 percent slopes	28K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Tampico, moist-Echemoor-Eyre families complex, 30 to 65 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Angostura family, till substratum, 5 to 40 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Leighcan family, till substratum-Rock outcrop-Cryaquolls complex, 0 to 40 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat excessively drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Scout family-Rock outcrop-Haplocryolls complex, low elevation, 40 to 75 percent slopes	24K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Seitz family-Tellura family, moist-Cryaquolls complex, 0 to 40 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sawpit-Eyre families complex, dry, 40 to 65 percent slopes	22K	Somewhat excessively 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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.