Carbon Area, Utah, Parts of Carbon and Emery Counties

Survey Area UT616• Utah

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Carbon Area, Utah, Parts of Carbon and Emery Counties. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Travessilla-Rock outcrop-Gerst complex	44K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Midfork family-Comodore complex	42K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cabba family-Guben-Rock outcrop complex	36K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Beje-Trag complex	33K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Strych very stony loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Podo-Cabba family complex	31K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Guben-Rock outcrop complex	25K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Pathead-Curecanti family association	24K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gerst-Badland-Stormitt complex	21K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Podo-Rock outcrop complex	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Persayo-Chipeta complex	20K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Uinta-Toze families complex	19K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Strych very stony loam, dry, 3 to 30 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Rottulee family-Trag complex	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Beje complex	16K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pathead extremely bouldery fine sandy loam, 40 to 70 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Senchert loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Senchert loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Rubbleland-Travessilla complex	12K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Ravola loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Not limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Aridisols

Dry-climate soils with low organic matter. Often have caliche layers that make excavation difficult. Low shrink-swell is good for foundations.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 94% 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 94% 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.