Santa Fe National Forest Area, New Mexico, Parts of Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel and Santa Fe Counties
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Santa Fe National Forest Area, New Mexico, Parts of Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel and Santa Fe Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadmoor family-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 120 percent slopes, extremely stony | 69K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fallriver family, dry, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vitrandic Udorthents-Rock outcrop complex, frigid, 25 to 120 percent slopes, very bouldery | 40K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluebirdmesa family, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Etown, moderately deep-Derecho families-Rock outcrop association, 15 to 120 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Haplustalfs-Rock outcrop complex, frigid-mesic, uplands, 25 to 120 percent slopes, very stony | 31K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ligocki family, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vitrandic Ustorthents, moderately deep-Rock outcrop complex, frigid, 40 to 120 percent slopes, very stony | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Broadmoor family, moderately deep, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udic Haplustalfs-Rock outcrop complex, frigid, dry, 40 to 120 percent slopes, stony | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jaroso family, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Derecho family, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Herrada family, zootic, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Litag family, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Presa family, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ligocki family, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Sheek family complex, 25 to 120 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 16K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Typic Haplustalfs-Typic Ustorthents-Rock outcrop association, mesic, dry, 25 to 120 percent slopes, extremely stony | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Litag family, moderately deep, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jaroso family, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.