Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming, Central and Western Parts

Survey Area WY632• Wyoming

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming, Central and Western Parts. 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
Ansel-Granile family complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes	87K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Cryaquolls-Aquic Cumulic Haplocryolls association, 0 to 15 percent slopes	45K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Granile-Taglake families, complex, 25 to 40 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Taglake family-Agneston complex, 10 to 25 percent slopes	35K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Taglake family-Granile family complex, 40 to 80 percent slopes	32K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Typic Cryaquolls-Euic Typic Cryohemists association, 0 to 8 percent slopes	28K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Taglake family-Agneston complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cowdrey family, gravelly silt loam, 0 to 10 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Taglake family-Agneston-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Taglake family-Agneston complex, 25 to 40 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ansel-Granile family complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Frisco-Taglake families, complex, 10 to 25 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Frisco-Taglake families, complex, 25 to 40 percent complex	19K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cochetopa-Trout Creek families, complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Endlich, very stony-Typic Cryaquepts association, 2 to 25 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Frisco family-Aquic Haplocryalfs complex, 10 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Chris-Jefflake families, complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Irigul family, very stony-Supervisor-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 65 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Angostura, very stony-Conical family complex, 10 to 25 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Frisco family very stony loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very 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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 96% 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.