Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming, Central and Western Parts
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.