Las Animas County Area, Colorado, Parts of Huerfano and Las Animas Counties
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 Las Animas County Area, Colorado, Parts of Huerfano and Las Animas Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travessilla sandy loam, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 208K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Travessilla-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 203K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilid silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 135K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Plughat-Villegreen complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 124K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Almagre-Villedry complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 119K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dalerose-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 108K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saruche-Rombo-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 103K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lorencito-Rombo-Sarcillo complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 93K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fuera-Dargol-Vamer complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes | 82K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manzanola silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 76K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Minnequa-Wilid silt loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 66K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shingle-Penrose complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gulnare-Allens Park complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manzanst silty clay loam, cool, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baca silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Penrose channery loam, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wiley silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lorencito-Sarcillo-Trujillo complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penrose-Midway-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manvel silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 62% 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.