La Plata County Area, Colorado
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 La Plata County Area, Colorado.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zyme-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 65 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Witt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Archuleta-Sanchez, stony, complex, 12 to 65 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arboles clay, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falfa clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dulce-Travessilla-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 50 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zyme clay loam, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ustic Torriorthents-Ustollic Haplargids complex, 12 to 60 | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lazear-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 65 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop | 19K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Bodot clay, 3 to 10 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Valto-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 65 percent slopes | 19K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Sili clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pulpit loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lazear stony loam, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Durango cobbly loam, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Witt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Horsethief very stony fine sandy loam, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hesperus loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fortwingate-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 77% 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 97% 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.