Wet Mountains and Spanish Peaks Area, Colorado, Parts of Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Pueblo Counties

Survey Area CO636• Colorado

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Wet Mountains and Spanish Peaks Area, Colorado, Parts of Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Pueblo 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
Hechtman, dry-Guffey families complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	38K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cathedral family, moist-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 150 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Larkspur family-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 150 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Leighcan-Endlich families complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hechtman family, dry-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 150 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cathedral family-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 150 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Needleton family, 40 to 65 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Leighcan-Endlich families complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	12K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Needleton family, dry, 40 to 65 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Needleton-Ashcroft families complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hechtman, dry-Ashcroft, dry families complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Needleton-Rogert families-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes, south aspect	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cryolls, moist-Pachic Haplocryolls complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Leighcan family, till substratum, 5 to 40 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Cryolls-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 150 percent slopes, south aspect	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Silas family-Cryaquolls association, 0 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ring family, dry, 5 to 40 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cryaquolls, cold-Fluvaquentic Haplocryolls association, 0 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rogert family-Cryolls, dry complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Rubble land complex, 40 to 150 percent slopes	5K		D	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.

Alfisols

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

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.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% 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 100% 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.