Rio Arriba Area, New Mexico, Parts of Rio Arriba and Sandoval 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 Rio Arriba Area, New Mexico, Parts of Rio Arriba and Sandoval Counties.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% 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 100% 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.