Vegetation Environmental

This shrub community has an overstory dominated by Salix alaxensis (height of 2 meters, 15% cover). The major species of the shrub understory are Salix glauca (height 1.5 meters, 10% cover) and Betula nana (height 1 meter, 10% cover). Frequent associates with the shrub layer are Shepherdia canadensis (3% cover) and other Salix species. The major species of the herbaceous layer are Festuca altaica (10% cover), Salix reticulata (10% cover), Parnassia kotzebui (6% cover), Hedysarum alpinum (8% cover), Dryas integrifolia (10% cover), Arctostaphylos rubra (10% cover), Pedicularis capitata (10% cover) and Solidago multiradiata (10% cover). The nonvascular layer is composed of Hylocomium splendens (3% cover), Polytrichium species (2% cover), and Stereocaulon species (2% cover). Occasional associates in the nonvascular layer are Thamnolia vermicularis, Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidium rugosum, Cetraria cucullata, Cetraria richardsonii, Cetraria islandica, and Distichium species.

This type is found at an average altitude of 951 meters with an average slope of 5%, and an average aspect of 275 degrees. The range in elevation is 762 to 1,082 meters, the range in slope is 0% to 22% and the range in aspect is 146 to 356 degrees. The bedrock geology is 67% sedimentary/metasedimentary, 22% basalt/gabbroic and 11% volcanic. The surficial geology is 100% alluvial deposits. This is a gravel bar community, and the ground surface is 5% to 10% unvegetated.