Rio Grande County Area, Colorado
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.