Cold Cryic Xeric Mountain Slopes (Subalpine fir Cold Dry Shrub)

Description

This reference state is usually dominated by dense stands of lodgepole pine regenerated after stand replacing fires. Subalpine fir would take over the overstory in climax stands, however, this rarely occurs due to stand replacing fires within a 100-200 year period. Douglas-fir is the second most prominent tree in mid-seral stands. Western larch and Engelmann Spruce will occur on warmer areas of this site. Whitebark pine can occasionally be found. Subalpine is the major understory tree regenerating under the lodgepole pine canopy. Lodgepole pine regenerates quickly after stand replacing fires and grows into dense stands with some Douglas-fir and larch. Lodgepole pine stands 80-100 years old are susceptible to severe fire and the cycle repeats itself again.

Submodel