Wet Mountains and Spanish Peaks Area, Colorado, Parts of Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Pueblo Counties
The most common soil here is Hechtman family, on about 12% of the land. Needleton family and Leighcan family come next.
About 94% of the land drains well, and 2% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 98% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 67% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% 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 99% 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.