Sangre de Cristo Area, Colorado, Parts of Alamosa, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, and Saguache Counties

Survey Area CO634• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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. 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 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

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.

Inceptisols

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

Mollisols

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

Alfisols

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

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.