Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
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 Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chilicotal-Chispa complex, 3 to 13 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bissett-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lostpeak-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 95 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Victorio-Lozen-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monahans-Pajarito complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Not limited |
| Victorio-Lozen-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 95 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Biduya-Desario-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 50 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinery, Choza, and Altuda soils, 5 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky | 6K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Corvus-Peligro complex, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonespring-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Copia loamy fine sand, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 2K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chispa-Tenneco complex, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lark-Peligro complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lazarus loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| McKittrick-Riverwash complex, flooded, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 521 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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.