Colfax County, 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 Colfax County, New Mexico.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuera-Dargol-Vamer association, steep | 317K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Midnight-Rombo-Rock outcrop complex | 154K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colmor loam, interfluve summits - MLRA70A.1 | 144K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Aridic Argiustolls-Rock outcrop association, steep | 123K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colmor-Onava complex, fan remnants - MLRA70A.1 | 99K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Philmont silt loam, plateau interfluves, gently sloping - MLRA 70A.1 | 76K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Capulin-Torreon association, moderately sloping | 71K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Philmont silt loam, plateau interfluves, nearly level - MLRA 70A.1 | 71K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dargol-Stout-Vamer association, sloping | 69K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Litle-Mion complex, breaks - MLRA 70A.1 | 64K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Angostura-Tolby association, steep | 57K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deacon-La Brier-Manzano association, sloping | 54K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beaubien-Seelez complex, sand sheets - MLRA 70A.1 | 50K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ponil-Vamer association, hilly | 46K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bundo association, steep | 42K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raton-Barela complex | 41K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Apache-Ayon complex, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burnac-Hillery association, sloping | 38K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gruver loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cypher-Bundo association, steep | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 62% 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 92% 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.