Shiprock Area, Parts of San Juan County, New Mexico and Apache County, Arizona
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 Shiprock Area, Parts of San Juan County, New Mexico and Apache County, Arizona.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Littlehat-Persayo-Nataani complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 85K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Persayo-Fordbutte association, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 82K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sogzie-Aneth association, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 76K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Arches-Kitsili-Mido complex, 1 to 25 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Littlehat-Persayo-Badland complex, 3 to 45 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kimbeto loamy fine sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sogzie loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Ravola very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Rizno complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 40K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Farb-Rock outcrop-Badland complex, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Denazar-Farb fine sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 40K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Millett-Blanding-Strych association, 2 to 50 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Ligai-Pastorpeak-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 95 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sheppard loamy fine sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes, hummocky | 29K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kimbeto-Huerfano complex, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jeddito loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Camac-Kimbeto-Badland association, 0 to 50 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Needle complex, 2 to 20 percent slopes | 24K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Iwela-Nomrah-Vosburg complex, 1 to 40 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanding very fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 65% 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 73% 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.