McKinley County Area, New Mexico, McKinley County and Parts of Cibola and San Juan 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 McKinley County Area, New Mexico, McKinley County and Parts of Cibola and San Juan Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toldohn-Vessilla-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes | 156K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penistaja-Tintero complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 130K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Norkiki-Kimnoli complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 121K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fajada-Huerfano-Benally complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 114K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Notal-Hamburn complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 103K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hospah-Skyvillage-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 35 percent slopes | 95K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Doak-Shiprock complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 92K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sparank-San Mateo-Zia complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 91K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eagleye-Atchee-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 35 percent slopes | 84K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Razito-Shiprock complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 79K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Westmion-Skyvillage complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes | 79K | Well drained | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Flugle-Fragua complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 77K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marianolake-Skyvillage complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 73K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Parkelei-Fraguni complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 70K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hagerwest-Bond fine sandy loams, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkelei-Evpark fine sandy loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Not limited |
| Farb-Chipeta-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 62K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vessilla-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 60K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evpark-Arabrab complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Celavar-Atarque complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% 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 74% 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.