Sangre de Cristo Area, Colorado, Parts of Alamosa, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, and Saguache Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Sangre de Cristo Area, Colorado, Parts of Alamosa, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, and Saguache Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leighcan family, 40 to 80 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 37K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, cirqueland | 36K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Gromes family, extremely stony-Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex, 40 to 90 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leighcan-Leadville families association, 45 to 75 percent slopes, extremely stony | 26K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bross family, extremely stony-Rubble land complex, 40 to 90 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pergrin family, rubbly-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bross family, extremely bouldery-Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex, 35 to 99 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Comodore family-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pergrin family, 40 to 70 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubble land, 35 to 99 percent slopes | 8K | A | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Leighcan family, 15 to 40 percent slopes, extremely stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leadville family, 20 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pergrin family, 15 to 40 percent slopes, rubbly | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leadville family, dry, 40 to 70 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leadville family, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leighcan family, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bross, extremely bouldery-Teewinot, extremely bouldery families-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pergrin family, 20 to 40 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leadville-Leighcan families complex, 10 to 40 percent slopes, very bouldery | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ustollic Haplocryalfs-Lithic Haplocryalfs complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 82% 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 82% 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.