White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, Parts of Dona Ana, Lincoln, Otero, Sierra and Socorro 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 White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, Parts of Dona Ana, Lincoln, Otero, Sierra and Socorro Counties.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mimbres-Chutum-Ybar complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 134K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deama-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 90 percent slopes | 114K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nasa-Yesum complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 113K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 90 percent slopes | 100K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitlock-Pajarito-Nations complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 99K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Talos-Copia-Mcnew complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 73K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deama-Penagua-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 90 percent slopes | 73K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Queencreek-Agustin-Stagecoach complex, 0 to 14 percent slopes | 67K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Marconi-Prelo-Fluventic Haplocambids complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 62K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aerobee-Slickcity complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pantak-Rock outcrop-Lithic Ustic Torriorthents complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yesum gypsiferous sandy loam, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Not limited |
| Delnorte-Stagecoach-Turney complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Stagecoach-Delnorte-Riverwash association, 0 to 35 percent slopes complex | 42K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lava flows-Lithic Haplocambids complex, 0 to 45 percent slopes | 42K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Llano-Ratscat complex, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 41K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Campana-Yesum complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes association | 41K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Copia-Wink-Tonuco complex, 0 to 18 percent slopes | 38K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mallet-Kimrose-Stronghold complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 38K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Mcnew-Copia complex, 1 to 15 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 71% 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.