Routt National Forest Area, Colorado, Parts of Grand, Jackson, Moffat, and Routt Counties

Survey Area CO647• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 National Forest Area, Colorado, Parts of Grand, Jackson, Moffat, 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
Leighcan-Bobtail complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes, very stony	44K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Legault-Agneston families, association, 10 to 40 percent slopes, extremely stony	40K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Leighcan very stony sandy loam, 10 to 40 percent slopes, very stony	39K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Redyon, extremely stony complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes	37K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Agneston-Legault families, association, 10 to 40 percent slopes, extremely stony	35K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Finn and Tepete families, 0 to 15 percent slopes	35K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Leaps-Rhone families, complex, 10 to 35 percent slopes, landslides	31K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Leighcan-Lake Janee family-Bigtimber family complex, 1 to 30 percent slopes, very stony	29K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Frisco family, very stony-Finn family, very stony-Water complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Northwater loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Broad Canyon very gravelly loam, 10 to 40 percent slopes, very stony	21K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Leighcan, extremely stony-Water complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bupas, extremely stony-Endlich, extremely stony-Tepete family complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Grenadier taxadjunct, very bouldery-Rock outcrop-Tepete family complex, 0 to 50% slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gateview family gravelly sandy loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes, very stony	16K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Ovando very stony loamy sand, 15 to 40 percent slopes, very stony	16K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Waybe family-Gothic association, 20 to 50 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Como-Agneston family-Legault family association, 30 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony	16K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Grenadier taxadjunct cobbly loam, 10 to 40 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Horsethief-Uinta families, complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes, very stony	14K	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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 92% 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.