San Juan Area, Utah

Survey Area UT639• Utah

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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. 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
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

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.

Mollisols

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

Entisols

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

Aridisols

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

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.