Ute Mountain Area, Colorado and New Mexico
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Ute Mountain Area, Colorado and New Mexico.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romberg, extremely stony-Crosscan, very bouldery-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vessilla-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wauquie-Dolcan-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Strych-Eagleye-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torriorthents-Badland complex, 25 to 100 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Romberg-Crosscan complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wetherill silt loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Farview-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Persayo silty clay loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wetoe-Nees-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chimrock very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Arabrab-Longburn complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| TenGallon sandy clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| TenGallon sandy clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Typic Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 80 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yogovuci-Taqoci complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gladel-Pulpit complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wetherill-Kucu complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bluechief-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Farview-Beclabito-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 81% 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 87% 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.