Uncompahgre National Forest Area, Colorado, Parts of Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel Counties

Survey Area CO676• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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. 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
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

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.

Mollisols

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

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

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

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.