Soil survey area

Laramie County, Wyoming, Western Part

Survey Area WY721• Wyoming
The short version

The most common soil here is Evanston, on about 17% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Ascalon and Trimad come next.

About 94% of the land drains well, and 2% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 2% of it.

USDA rates 52% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 42% 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 31% 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 ground underfoot

The soils you're most likely standing on

The biggest named soils in Laramie County, Wyoming, Western Part, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.

Evanston
17% of the area
Loam topsoil · well drained
A balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. The gardener's ideal.
Mollisols
Ascalon
8% of the area
Fine sandy loam topsoil · well drained
Gritty and crumbly. Drains fast and warms early in spring.
Mollisols
Trimad
7% of the area
Cobbly loam topsoil · well drained
A balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. The gardener's ideal.
Mollisols
Ipson
7% of the area
Very cobbly loam topsoil · well drained
A balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. The gardener's ideal.
Mollisols
Poposhia
7% of the area
Loam topsoil · well drained
A balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. The gardener's ideal.
Entisols
Blazon
5% of the area
Clay loam topsoil · well drained
Firm and a little sticky. Holds water and nutrients well.
Entisols

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 B (moderate infiltration). 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 Laramie County, Wyoming, Western Part. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map UnitAcresDrainageHydro GroupDwellingsSeptic
Evanston loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes 124K Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Ipson-Evanston complex, 6 to 30 percent slopes 103K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Ascalon loam, cool, 0 to 6 percent slopes 91K Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Poposhia-Trimad complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes 53K Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Blazon-Trimad complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes 33K Well drainedDVery limitedVery limited
Weed loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes 32K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Treon-Aberone fine sandy loams, 6 to 30 percent slopes 27K Well drainedDVery limitedVery limited
Albinas loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes 25K Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Trimad-Weed-Blazon association, 0 to 15 percent slopes 20K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedVery limited
Trimad-Blazon, thin solum-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes 20K Well drainedDVery limitedVery limited
Altvan loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes 18K Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Altvan-Dix complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes 18K Well drainedCNot limitedVery limited
Rock outcrop-Cathedral complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes 18K DVery limitedVery limited
Boyle-Boyle, thin solum, gravelly loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes 18K Well drainedDVery limitedVery limited
Manter sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes 18K Well drainedBNot limitedNot limited
Evanston-Weed-Trimad loams, 3 to 15 percent slopes 17K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Trimad-Blazon complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes 16K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Poposhia silt loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes 16K Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Valent loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes 15K Excessively drainedANot limitedVery limited
Boyle-Lininger-Boyle, thin solum, complex, 3 to 45 percent slopes 14K Well drainedDVery limitedVery 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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 52% 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.

Look Up a Specific Address

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