San Juan Area, Utah
The most common soil here is Northdale, on about 26% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Monticello and Montvale come next.
About 83% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 69% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 37% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 60% 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 San Juan Area, Utah, 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 37% 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.