San Miguel Area, Colorado, Parts of Dolores, Montrose, and San Miguel Counties
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 San Miguel Area, Colorado, Parts of Dolores, Montrose, and San Miguel Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop-Orthents complex, 40 to 90 percent slopes | 128K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Pinon-Bowdish-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 115K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladel-Bond-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 50 percent slopes | 72K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bodot, dry-Ustic Torriorthents complex, 5 to 50 percent slopes | 62K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop | 57K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Paradox fine sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Skein-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 65 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ryman loam, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Narraguinnep clay loam, moist, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Borolls-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 90 percent slopes | 27K | C | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Barx-Progresso complex, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pinon-Bowdish-Progresso loams, cool, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leaps-Hofly complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fivepine-Pino loams, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nortez-Fivepine loams, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barx fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Barx fine sandy loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Narraguinnep-Dapoin complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nortez-Acree loams, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pagoda-Coulterg-Cabba complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 65% 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 71% 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.