Rio Blanco County Area, Colorado
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 Rio Blanco County Area, Colorado.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% 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 94% 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.