331Df Missouri River Breaks

Landscape Characteristics:

Steep, dissected river breaks formed in clay shale, sandstone, and siltstone. Erosion is the dominant geomorphic process. Elevations range from 1800 to 4400 feet. Drainage density is high. Fort Peck Reservoir occurs here.

Climate:

Mean annual precipitation ranges from 10 to 15 inches, about 20 to 30 percent falling as snow. The soil temperature and moisture regimes are frigid and aridic ustic.

Potential Vegetation:

Eastern ponderosa forest

Relationships of Dominant Map Unit Components:

Landform Geology Soil Taxa
River breaks Sedimentary Torriorthents

Disturbance and Land Use:

The primary natural disturbance is erosion. Land use is predominantly livestock grazing and wildlife habitat.