Carson National Forest, New Mexico, Part of Rio Arriba County
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Carson National Forest, New Mexico, Part of Rio Arriba County.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vibo-Arriba families complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Haplustalfs, Haplustepts, Ustorthents, and Rock outcrop soils, mesic, dry, 15 to 80 percent slopes, very stony | 46K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ligocki-Jemco families complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elbuck-Fortlewis families complex, warm, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Typic Calciustepts-Typic Haplustalfs complex, mesic, 15 to 80 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calaveras family gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Abreu-Lobat families complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elbuck family, warm, Udic Haplustepts, dry, low elev., and Typic Ustorthents soils, frigid, 15 to 80 percent slopes, bouldery | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elbuck family, warm, Fortlewis family, warm, and Lithic Ustorthents, frigid, dry soils, 0 to 40 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lobat family loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elbuck-Laventana families complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pachic Haplustolls, Calcic Udic Haplustepts, dry, and Aquic Haplustolls soils, frigid, 0 to 40 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Quintana family sandy loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tusas-Cisneros families complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Typic Haplustalfs-Udic Haplustepts, complex, frigid, dry, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vibo family-Arriba family, dry complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Loghouse family very gravelly sandy loam, dry, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elbuck-Fortlewis families gravelly loams, warm, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Derecho-Rocio families complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Owlcreek-Presa families association, eroded, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 52% 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 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.