331Ac Clearwater Canyon Breaks

Landscape Characteristics:

Stream breaks and steep mountain slopes formed in basalt. Erosion and mass wasting are the dominant geomorphic processes. Elevations range from 900 to 3000 feet. Drainage density is high.

Climate:

Mean annual precipitation ranges from 15 to 25 inches, with only a minor amount falling as snow. The soil temperature and moisture regimes are frigid and typic xeric.

Potential Vegetation:

Wheatgrass-bluegrass with Western ponderosa forest on low terraces or north aspects.

Relationships of Dominant Map Unit Components:

Landform Geology Soil Taxa
Breaks Basalt Argixerolls
Canyon floors Alluvium/loess Argixerolls/Haploxerolls/Xerofluvents

Disturbance and Land Use:

The primary natural disturbance is fire and mass wasting. Land use is predominantly livestock grazing.