Rifle Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Rifle Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties.
| 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 |
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.