M331Ak West Yellowstone Valley

Landscape Characteristics:

Intermontane valley formed by the Madison River in valley fill, terrace deposits, and some glacial drift. Elevations range from 6500 to 7000 feet. Drainage density is moderate. Hebgen Lake is in this subsection.

Climate:

Mean annual precipitation ranges from 45 to 55 inches, about 45 percent falling as snow. The soil temperature and moisture regimes are cryic and typic ustic.

Potential Vegetation:

Douglas-fir forest

Relationships of Dominant Map Unit Components:

Landform Geology Soil Taxa
Valley/terraces/floodplains Alluvium Cryochrepts/Cryorthents

Disturbance and Land Use:

The primary natural disturbances are fire and flooding. Land use is predominantly recreational development with some mining, grazing, and timber harvest.