Pike National Forest, Eastern Part, Colorado, Parts of Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, and Teller Counties

Survey Area CO640• Colorado

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 Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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. 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
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

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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.