Pike and San Isabel NF, Colorado, Northern Part, Parts of Chaffee, Clear Creek, Fremont, Jefferson, Lake, Park, and Saguache Counties
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Pike and San Isabel NF, Colorado, Northern Part, Parts of Chaffee, Clear Creek, Fremont, Jefferson, Lake, Park, and Saguache Counties.
| 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 | 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 | 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 |
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 91% 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.