Cibola Area, New Mexico, Parts of Cibola, McKinley, and Valencia Counties
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 Cibola Area, New Mexico, Parts of Cibola, McKinley, and Valencia Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop-Vessilla-Mion complex, 3 to 55 percent slopes | 149K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabezon-Montecito-Rock outcrop association, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 128K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flugle-Teco association, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 117K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Teco-Atarque association, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 112K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Viuda-Penistaja-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 111K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lava flows | 103K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Rock outcrop-Mion complex, 15 to 65 percent slopes | 92K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Penistaja fine sandy loam, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 82K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Sparank-San Mateo complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 79K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nogal-Galestina sandy loams, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 73K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hagerman-Bond association, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 67K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catman-Silkie association, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Flugle-Goesling loamy fine sands, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cabezon-Cantina complex, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinitos-Ribera sandy loams, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 60K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Laporte-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 60K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mespun-Palma association, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hickman-Catman complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Navajo-Suwanee complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Celacy-Atarque complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very 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 83% 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.