Routt Area, Colorado, Parts of Rio Blanco and Routt Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Routt Area, Colorado, Parts of Rio Blanco and Routt Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foidel-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lintim loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evna, very stony-Lintim complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slater-Routt complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rabbitears loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Foidel loam, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Routt loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lintim loam, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Routt loam, 3 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Earsman-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winevada-Splitro complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fulvance very gravelly sandy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eckmanpark clay loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bulkley silty clay, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Impass-Gourley, extremely stony complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dunckley-Skyway complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lintim loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Impass silty clay loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rabbitears loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Foidel loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% 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 100% 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.