Paonia Area, Colorado, Parts of Delta, Gunnison, and Montrose Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Paonia Area, Colorado, Parts of Delta, Gunnison, and Montrose Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torriorthents-Rock outcrop, sandstone, complex | 54K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saraton-Agua Fria complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badland | 35K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Rock outcrop | 26K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Utaline-Torriorthents complex | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delson very stony loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kech-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chinatown, extremely stony-Beenom, very stony-Detra complex,5 to 20 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delson stony loam, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cochetopa stony loam, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kech-Progresso loams, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents-Rock outcrop, shale, complex | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lazear-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beenom, very stony-Duffson-Detra complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Agua Fria stony loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Agua Fria clay loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fughes-Fughes, cool-Fughes, very stony, cool complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cortyzack-Redtail complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chipeta silty clay, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Midway-Gaynor silty clay loams, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.