Saguache County Area, Colorado
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Saguache County Area, Colorado.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotopaxi sand, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 41K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| San Luis sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Laney loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bushvalley-Gelkie-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 65 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hooper clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Comodore-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seitz very stony loam, warm, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Travelers-Garita complex, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garita gravelly loam, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hagga loam, dry | 22K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hapney clay loam | 21K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tolman, dry-Rock outcrop complex, 9 to 65 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duneland | 20K | A | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Space City loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hooper loamy sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Travelers very stony loam, 3 to 35 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mount Home-Saguache complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kerber loamy sand | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mosca loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Luhon loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.