HomeMy WebLinkAboutObservation of ExcavationKumar & Associates, Inc.® 5020 County Road 154
K Geotechnical and Materials Engineers Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
and Environmental Scientists phone: (970) 945-7988
email: kaglenwood@kumarusa.com
www.kumarusa.com
An Employee Owned Company
Office Locations: Denver (HQ), Parker, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Glenwood Springs, and Summit County, Colorado
February 2, 2026
Lindsey Holmbeck
P.O. Box 3825
Basalt, Colorado 81621
holmbeck(a)-comcast.net
Project No. 26-7-125
Subject: Observation of Excavation, Proposed Residence, Lot 40, Cerise Ranch,
404 Larkspur Drive, Garfield County, Colorado
Lindsey:
As requested, a representative of Kumar & Associates, Inc. observed the excavation at the
subject site on January 28, 2026 to evaluate the soils exposed for foundation support. The
findings of our observations and recommendations for the foundation design are presented in
this report. Hepworth-Pawlak Geotechnical (now Kumar & Associates) previously conducted a
subsoil study for design of foundations at the site and presented the findings in a report dated
June 8, 2006, Job No. 106 353. The current observation was performed in accordance with our
agreement for professional services with you dated January 26, 2026.
The proposed residence is generally the same as described in the previous report and has been
designed to be supported on spread footings sized for the recommended allowable bearing
pressure of 1,200 psf with a risk of settlement and distress.
At the time of our visit to the site, the foundation excavation had been cut in 4 levels from about
2 to 10 feet below the adjacent ground surface generally stepping down to the south and east
with the ground surface slope. The soils exposed in the bottom of the excavation consisted of
silty clayey sand with gravel and scattered cobbles. No free water was encountered in the
excavation and the soils were slightly moist and not frozen.
The soil conditions exposed in the excavation are consistent with those previously encountered
on the site and can be used for support of spread footings designed for the recommended
allowable bearing pressure of 1,200 psf with a risk of settlement and distress mainly if the
bearing soils are wetted. Loose disturbed soils should be removed in the footing areas and the
exposed soils moistened and compacted. The foundation drain should by lined with an
impervious membrane and foundation wall backfill should be well compacted to limit surface
water infiltration and keep the bearing soils dry. The bearing soils should be protected from
frost and concrete should not be placed on frozen soils. Other recommendations presented in
our previous report which are applicable, especially those for proper site grading and no
irrigation near the building should also be observed.
The recommendations submitted in this letter are based on our observation of the soils exposed
within the foundation excavation and the previous subsurface exploration at the site. Variations
in the subsurface conditions below the excavation could increase the risk of foundation
movement. We should be advised of any variations encountered in the excavation conditions
Lindsey Holmbeck
February 2, 2026
Project No. 26-7-125
Page 2
for possible changes to recommendations contained in this letter. Our services do not include
determining the presence, prevention or possibility of mold or other biological contaminants
(MOBC) developing in the future. If the client is concerned about MOBC, then a professional in
this special field of practice should be consulted.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our office.
Sincerely,
Kumar & Asso
Steven L. Pawl;
SLP/kac
Kumar & Associates, Inc