Catron County, New Mexico, Northern Part
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 Catron County, New Mexico, Northern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smilo-Adman complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 115K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flugle-Typic Ustorthents association, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 111K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ustic Torriorthents-Rock outcrop-Badland complex, 20 to 100 percent slopes | 101K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catman silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 87K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tolman-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 87K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catman-Hickman complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 86K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Telescope loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 78K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cabezon-Thunderbird-Celsosprings complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 75K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Datil-Loarc association, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Datil-Dioxice complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 59K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Jacee-Mion-Celacy association, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manzano clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loarc-Flugle-Manzano association, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Jacee-Celacy-Rock outcrop association, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Motoqua-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faraway-Motoqua-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goesling-Celacy complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rudd-Modyon complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Augustine fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Albinas-Datil complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% 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 81% 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.