Rifle Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties

Survey Area CO683• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Rifle Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa 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
Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, steep	59K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Torriorthents-Camborthids-Rock outcrop complex, steep	47K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Echemoor-Irigul complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Jerry loam, 12 to 50 percent slopes	29K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bucklon-Inchau complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Torriorthents complex, very steep	26K		D	Very limited	Very limited
Cushman-Lazear stony loams, 15 to 65 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lamphier loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cochetopa loam, 9 to 50 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Northwater loam, 15 to 65 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Potts loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Potts loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Morval-Tridell complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Irigul channery loam, 9 to 50 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cochetopa-Jerry complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Villa Grove-Zoltay loams, 15 to 30 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ildefonso stony loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Arle-Ansari-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 65 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Arvada loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dateman gravelly loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	10K	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.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Mollisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 89% 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 100% 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.