Uncompahgre National Forest Area, Colorado, Parts of Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Uncompahgre National Forest Area, Colorado, Parts of Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kubler-Delson-Cerro families complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chilson-Delson, moderately deep-Beenom families complex, 1 to 20 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Borolls-Boralfs-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 150 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamphier-Hapgood families complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ustorthents-Ustochrepts-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 150 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ula-Agneston-Pendergrass families complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hapgood-Lamphier families complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delson-Kubler-Showalter families complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delson, moderately deep-Sharrott families complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoosan-Lamphier-Leaps families complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mirand-Callan families-Chilson variant complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gralic-Grenadier families complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trampas-Delson, moderately deep families complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Supervisor-Cebone families complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Overgaard-Olathe families complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belain-Falcon families complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Calicott-Brussett complex, moist, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony | 13K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Zyme-Bodot-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Durango-Arabrab families complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Jodero-Empedrado families complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.