Pike and San Isabel NF, Colorado, Northern Part, Parts of Chaffee, Clear Creek, Fremont, Jefferson, Lake, Park, and Saguache Counties
The most common soil here is Leighcan family, on about 16% of the land. Legault family and Moran family come next.
About 94% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 9% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 91% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 46% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Pike and San Isabel NF, Colorado, Northern Part, Parts of Chaffee, Clear Creek, Fremont, Jefferson, Lake, Park, and Saguache Counties. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop, cirques, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 88K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Leighcan family, till substratum, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 82K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moran family-Rock outcrop-Teewinot family complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 81K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leighcan-Endlich families complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 79K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scout-Angostura families complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 78K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Howardsville-Leighcan families complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 73K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scout family, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 49K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leighcan family, till substratum-Cryaquolls, occasionally flooded complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes | 48K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moran family-Rock outcrop-Teewinot family, extremely stony complex, 40 to 75 percent slopes | 47K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hechtman-Guffey families complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 45K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Legault family, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 43K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leighcan family, till substratum-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 75 percent slopes | 42K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sphinx family, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 41K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Leighcan, till substratum-Hechtman families complex, 40 to 75 percent slopes | 37K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Legault family-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 36K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Herbman family, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leighcan family, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guffey-Herbman families complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leighcan family-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frisco family, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 91% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.