Routt Area, Colorado, Parts of Rio Blanco and Routt Counties
The most common soil here is Foidel, on about 11% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Lintim and Routt come next.
About 91% of the land drains well, and 6% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 5% of it.
USDA rates 98% 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: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 17% 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 Routt Area, Colorado, Parts of Rio Blanco and Routt Counties, 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 C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Routt Area, Colorado, Parts of Rio Blanco and Routt Counties. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.