Rifle Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties
The most common soil here is Torriorthents, on about 11% of the land. Potts and Jerry come next.
About 92% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 84% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 53% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Rifle Area, Colorado, Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 |
| Secondset loam, moist, 25 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 84% 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 95% 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.