San Juan Area, Utah
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 San Juan Area, Utah.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montvale very rocky very fine sandy loam, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 76K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northdale loam, low rainfall, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Monticello very fine sandy loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Northdale loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sandstone rockland, steep | 29K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Monticello very fine sandy loam, low rainfall, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lockerby and Hovenweep soils, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menefee clay loam, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ucolo silty clay loam, 2 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blanding very fine sandy loam, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Abajo loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mellenthin very rocky fine sandy loam, 4 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ackmen silt loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Abajo cobbly loam, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Scorup very fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Scorup cobbly very fine sandy loam, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hovenweep loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Menefee cobbly clay loam, 4 to 40 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Northdale loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Monticello-Hovenweep complex, low rainfall, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 36% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 69% 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.