Rio Arriba Area, New Mexico, Parts of Rio Arriba and Sandoval Counties
The most common soil here is Orlie, on about 8% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Vessilla and Menefee come next.
About 95% of the land drains well, and 2% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 70% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 42% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Rio Arriba Area, New Mexico, Parts of Rio Arriba and Sandoval Counties, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Rio Arriba Area, New Mexico, Parts of Rio Arriba and Sandoval Counties. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vessilla-Menefee-Orlie complex, 1 to 30 percent slopes | 169K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Vessilla-Menefee complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 104K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orlie fine sandy loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 99K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Florita-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 93K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tinaja-Rock outcrop complex, 45 to 75 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinitos-Menefee-Vessilla complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lobat-Abreu gravelly loams, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berryman-Ruson association, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nabor-Elbuck complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sparank-San Mateo silt loams, saline, sodic, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elpedro silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pinavetes-Florita complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rombo-Wiggler complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saragote-Ess complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menefee-Vessilla-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hogg-Mara loams, 2 to 12 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Angostura-Gromes complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orlie-Nalivag loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Parida-Palacid very gravelly sandy loams, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roques-Nusmag clay loams, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
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 94% 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.