Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming, Northern Part

Survey Area WY622• Wyoming

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming, Northern Part. 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
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

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.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.