Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming, Northern Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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, Northern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guffey family, stony-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent | 71K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rogert family, very stony-Rock outcrop-Bowen family complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 66K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bowen family-Herbman family-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cathedral, very stony-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyle family, moist- Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Argic Cryaquolls-Cumulic Haplocryolls, bouldery association, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 34K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fortlewis family, stony-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Security family, stony-Cathedral, very stony-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allens Park family, very stony-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Guffey family-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Evanston family, gravelly loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lolo family-Riverwash association, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sphinx family, very stony-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cathedral-Boyle family, moist-Argic Cryaquolls association, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guffey family, cobbly loam, 5 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ratake family, very stony-Rock outcrop-Cathedral, very stony complex, 5 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mayoworth family, gravelly silt loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wetmore family, stony-Boyle family, moist, complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Findon family, silt loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sphinx family-Rock outcrop complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.