Summit County Area, Colorado
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 Summit County Area, Colorado.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frisco-Peeler complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenadier gravelly loam, 15 to 55 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Cryoborolls complex | 10K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Frisco-Peeler complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Anvik loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quander cobbly loam, 15 to 55 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yovimpa clay loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cumulic Cryaquolls, frequently flooded, nearly level | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucklon loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Handran gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cimarron loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grenadier gravelly loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Muggins sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cimarron loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Youga loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Histic Cryaquolls, nearly level | 2K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leadville gravelly loam, 15 to 55 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Youga loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Quander cobbly loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% 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 83% 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.