Rio Blanco County Area, Colorado
The most common soil here is Rentsac, on about 22% of the land: a channery loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Moyerson and Torriorthents come next.
About 95% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 89% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 76% 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 Rio Blanco County Area, Colorado, 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 D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Rio Blanco County Area, Colorado. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rentsac-Moyerson-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 65 percent slopes | 275K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rentsac channery loam, 5 to 50 percent slopes | 222K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 90 percent slopes | 135K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blazon, moist-Rentsac complex, 8 to 65 percent slopes | 62K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Castner channery loam, 5 to 50 percent slopes | 59K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moyerson stony clay loam, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Redcreek-Rentsac complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irigul-Parachute complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jerry-Thornburgh-Rhone complex, 8 to 65 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glendive fine sandy loam | 35K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rock outcrop | 30K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Owen Creek-Jerry-Burnette loams, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rentsac-Piceance complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Irigul channery loam, 5 to 50 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parachute loam, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Veatch channery loam, 12 to 50 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tampico-Miracle complex, 8 to 50 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yamacall loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Piceance fine sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Havre loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat 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 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.