Carlsbad Caverns National Park, 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 Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lechuguilla-Rock outcrop-Kimrose complex, 10 to 70 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Queen-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kimrose-Bascal complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rock outcrop-Biduya-Sacahuista complex, 30 to 120 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sacahuista-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Queen-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dunaway-Riverwash-Bascal complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ustic Haplocalcids, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 433 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mudgetts very fine sandy loam, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 216 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elcor gravelly loam, 3 to 10 percent slopes | 113 | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hodgins-Fluventic Aquicambids complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, flooded | 42 | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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 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.