Grand County, Utah - Central Part
The most common soil here is Chipeta, on about 8% of the land: a silty clay loam, smooth and slightly sticky. Thedalund family and Dast family come next.
About 85% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 71% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 69% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 79% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Grand County, Utah - Central Part, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Grand County, Utah - Central Part. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reva-Falcon families-Rock outcrop complex | 99K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chipeta complex | 95K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rizno-Rock outcrop complex | 80K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toddler-Ravola-Glenton families association | 78K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dast family, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 78K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thedalund family, moist | 63K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hanksville family-Badland complex | 56K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Sula-Razorba families complex | 55K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moenkopie-Rock outcrop complex | 49K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myton family-Rock outcrop complex | 45K | B | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Shalako sandy loam, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Arches-Mido complex | 44K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thedalund family, stony | 37K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Killpack-Chipeta complex | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Begay-Sazi complex | 32K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Chipeta-Badland complex | 30K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mesa-Chipeta-Thedalund family complex | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop | 28K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Rock outcrop-Moenkopie association | 24K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Killpack-Blueflat complex | 22K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% 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 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.