Mesa 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 Mesa County Area, Colorado.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gladel-Bond-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Killpack-Badland-Persayo complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Biedsaw complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 53K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Sedgran complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 50K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Killpack-Persayo complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop | 41K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Badland-Deaver-Chipeta complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Veatch-Rock outcrop-Bookcliff complex, 25 to 75 percent slopes, extremely stony | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zyme-Bodot-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hagerman-Mellenthin, very stony-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jemez, dry-Maudlin complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clayburn-Jerry, moist-Bachus complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zyme, very stony-Rock outcrop-Gladel complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sagers silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Arches-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Calicott-Brussett complex, moist, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony | 18K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Monogram very fine sandy loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mathis-Badland-Gravier complex, 12 to 50 percent slopes, extremely stony | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berto-Roygorge, extremely stony-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Progresso-Mellenthin, stony complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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 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.