Rio Grande County Area, Colorado

Survey Area CO631• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Rio Grande 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
Norte gravelly sandy loam	29K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Travelers-Garita complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dunul cobbly sandy loam	17K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Luhon loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Garita cobbly loam, 3 to 25 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
San Arcacio sandy loam	10K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tolman-Empedrado complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Torrifluvents	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Quamon gravelly sandy loam	9K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Celeste-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Seitz very stoney loam, 20 to 65 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Luhon loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Gunbarrel loamy sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Travelers very stony sandy loam, 3 to 25 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Torsido clay loam	6K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Zinzer loam, saline	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Platoro loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Mosca loamy sand	5K	Poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Norte-Dunul complex	5K	Moderately well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Monte loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not 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.

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 38% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 76% 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.