Sandoval County Area, New Mexico, Parts of Los Alamos, Sandoval, and Rio Arriba 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 Sandoval County Area, New Mexico, Parts of Los Alamos, Sandoval, and Rio Arriba Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zia-Skyvillage-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 40 percent slopes | 65K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blancot-Councelor-Tsosie association, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 60K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Not limited |
| Sandoval fine sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 57K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zia-Clovis association, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harvey-Cascajo association, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pinavetes-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 32K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop | 31K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Vessilla-Menefee-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vessilla-Menefee-Orlie association, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Zia complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Clovis fine sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sandoval-Poley complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinavetes loamy sand, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 24K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Grieta-Sheppard loamy fine sands, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Sheppard loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Orlie-Sparham association, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montecito complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Querencia loam, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grieta fine sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Querencia-Zia complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 44% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 41% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.