Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Area, Parts of Kane and Garfield Counties, 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 Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Area, Parts of Kane and Garfield Counties, Utah.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop, Navajo Sandstone | 75K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Pinepoint-Rock outcrop, Navajo Sandstone-Parkwash complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 54K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badland and Rock outcrop, Straight Cliffs and Wahweap Formations-Kydestea family complex, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 52K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Daklos-Hideout-Rock outcrop, Straight Cliffs Formation, complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tsaya, saline-Rock outcrop, Straight Cliffs Formation-Lithic Torriorthents complex, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenzo, steep-Rock outcrop (Kayenta Formation) complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinepoint-Parkwash complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 46K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Daklos family-Rock outcrop, Wahweap Formation, complex, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skyvillage-Mikim-Badland, Kaiparowits Formation, complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parkelei-Plumasano, moist-Pinepoint complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Colskel-Arabrab-Vessilla complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, Straight Cliffs Formation-Atchee family, steep-Chilton family complex, 50 to 80 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, Navajo Sandstone-Nalcase complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 38K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Colskel-Menefee complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Daklos, steep-Rock outcrop, Straight Cliffs Formation, complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, Navajo Sandstone-Mespun-Nalcase complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 34K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Arabrab-Vessilla-Colskel complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catahoula-Clapper, dry complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tsaya-Rock outcrop, Straight Cliffs Formation, complex, 10 to 60 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Daklos, saline-Skyvillage, saline-Cannonville complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 89% 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 100% 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.