M332Ec Deerlodge Valley

Landscape Characteristics:

Intermontane valley that formed in Tertiary sedimentary rocks and recent stream deposits. Elevations range from 4400 to 6000 feet. Drainage density is moderate.

Climate:

Mean annual precipitation ranges from 11 to 16 inches, about 20 percent falling as snow. The soil temperature and moisture regimes are frigid and aridic ustic.

Potential Vegetation:

Sagebrush steppe/Foothills prairie

Relationships of Dominant Map Unit Components:

Landform Geology Soil Taxa
Floodplains Alluvium Haplaquolls/Argiborolls/Haploborolls
Terraces Alluvium Argiborolls/Calciborolls/Haploborolls
Alluvial fans/pediments Sedimentary rock Argiborolls/Haploborolls

Disturbance and Land Use:

The primary natural disturbances are flooding and mass wasting. Land use is predominantly agriculture, livestock grazing, and urban/suburban development.