Huerfano County Area, Colorado
The most common soil here is Noden, on about 6% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Wilid and Travessilla come next.
About 98% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 72% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 46% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 42% 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 Huerfano 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 Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Huerfano 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilid silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Almagre-Villedry complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ustic Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Olney-Progresso sandy loams, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Farisita very gravelly sandy loam, 10 to 35 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manzanst silty clay loam, cool, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Castner very channery loam, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Travessilla sandy loam, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Noden-Bond sandy loams, 2 to 18 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Noden loam, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Olnest sandy loam, cool, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Baca silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, cool | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wiley-Kandrix complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes, cool | 16K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Louviers-Travessilla complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Noden sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Potts sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Noden sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Leadville fine sandy loam, 25 to 55 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Curecanti very cobbly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willowman gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not 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 46% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 72% 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.