Ridgway Area, Colorado, Parts of Delta, Gunnison, Montrose, and Ouray Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Ridgway Area, Colorado, Parts of Delta, Gunnison, Montrose, and Ouray Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabrab-Evpark-Parkelei complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barx-Lazear, very flaggy-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 35 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Montrose silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lazear, extremely flaggy-Rock outcrop-Wellsbasin, extremely stony complex, 20 to 75 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cerro, very stony-Curecanti, extremely stony complex, 3 to 35 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mesa clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cerro-Swansonlake complex, 1 to 45 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barboncito-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cerro-Curecanti, extremely stony complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beachcanyon, extremely bouldery-Gothic-Woodhall, rubbly complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsbasin, extremely stony-Signalhill, very stony complex, 3 to 65 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gothic loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Persayo loam, 4 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Not limited |
| Walknolls-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beje, extremely stony-Shermap-Moento complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cerro, extremely stony-Shermap-Curecanti complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Persayo-Fruita complex, 0 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Frisco, very stony-Rock outcrop-Silverjack complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barboncito, extremely flaggy-Samala-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsbasin-Xeribrush complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. 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.