Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
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 Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop-Nalcase complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 34K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Daklos-Moclom complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 12K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Arches complex, 4 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Catahoula-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes | 10K | B | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Reef-Retsabal-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Remorris, strongly alkaline-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Remorris-Milok-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Daklos-Reef-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reef-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosced family-Quezcan, sodic complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nizhoni-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Simel-Simel, steep-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Daklos-Rizno-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goblin fine sandy loam, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Santrick-Nalcase complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Mezzo family-Strell family complex, 2 to 45 percent slopes | 5K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Tesihim-Rizno, steep-Rock outcrop-Badland complex, 6 to 75 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reef-Rizno-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kydestea-Vessilla-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reef-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | D | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 53% 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 53% 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.