Larimer 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 Larimer County Area, Colorado.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wetmore-Boyle-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 60 percent slopes | 116K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haploborolls-Rock outcrop complex, steep | 75K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Redfeather sandy loam, 5 to 50 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop | 29K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kirtley-Robertsranch complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ratake-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 55 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Farnuf-Boyle-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emigrant, bouldery-Redmountain, bouldery-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wetmore-Boyle-Moen complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Schofield-Redfeather-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunn clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fort Collins loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Robertsranch-Rock outcrop-Kirtley complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Altvan loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Boyle gravelly sandy loam, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyle gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nunn clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Trag-Moen complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Baller, bouldery-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 73% 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 83% 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.