Pike National Forest, Eastern Part, Colorado, Parts of Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, and Teller 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 National Forest, Eastern Part, Colorado, Parts of Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, and Teller Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sphinx-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 80 percent slopes | 82K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sphinx gravelly coarse sandy loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 61K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sphinx, warm-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 80 percent slopes | 50K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sphinx gravelly coarse sandy loam, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 41K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sphinx gravelly coarse sandy loam, warm, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ivywild-Catamount gravelly sandy loams, 5 to 70 percent slopes, very bouldery | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catamount-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 19K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sphinx gravelly coarse sandy loam, warm, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aquolls, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Legault-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cirque land, 15 to 75 percent slopes | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Legault very gravelly coarse sandy loam, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyett-Frenchcreek complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Sphinx, warm complex, 15 to 80 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Sphinx complex, 15 to 80 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Catamount complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 5K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Legault very gravelly coarse sandy loam, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tecolote very gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catamount gravelly sandy loam, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catamount gravelly sandy loam, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.