Taos County and Parts of Rio Arriba and Mora Counties, New Mexico
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 Taos County and Parts of Rio Arriba and Mora Counties, New Mexico.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luhon-Travelers, extremely stony complex, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 78K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Stunner-Travelers, extremely stony-Luhon association, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fernando-Hernandez association, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Jaroso-Angostura-Mascarenas complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marosa-Nambe association, moderately steep | 45K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orthents-Haplocalcids association, 10 to 80 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nambe cobbly loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Raton, very stony complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 44K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Marosa-Rock outcrop complex, very steep | 43K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Servilleta-Prieta, very stony complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Ustorthents complex, very steep | 34K | Well drained | Not rated | Very limited | |
| Amalia-Manzano association, 3 to 50 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nambe-Rock outcrop complex, very steep | 29K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maes-Etoe complex, very steep | 29K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montecito loam, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Paleboralfs-Cryochrepts-Rock outcrop association, very steep | 28K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jaroso-Angostura-Mascarenas complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tenorio loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Hernandez-Petaca, very stony association, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chimayo-Rock outcrop complex, very steep | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 55% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 90% 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.