Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site R043BY176WY
Very Shallow High Mountains
Accessed: 12/22/2024
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
Figure 1. Mapped extent
Areas shown in blue indicate the maximum mapped extent of this ecological site. Other ecological sites likely occur within the highlighted areas. It is also possible for this ecological site to occur outside of highlighted areas if detailed soil survey has not been completed or recently updated.
Associated sites
| R043BY162WY |
Shallow Loamy High Mountains Shallow Loamy |
|---|---|
| R043BY172WY |
Stony High Mountains Stony |
Similar sites
| R043BY172WY |
Stony High Mountains Stony (St) 20+M has a high volume of coarse fragments. |
|---|---|
| R043BY276WY |
Very Shallow Foothills and Mountains West Very Shallow (VS) 15-19W has lower production. |
Table 1. Dominant plant species
| Tree |
Not specified |
|---|---|
| Shrub |
Not specified |
| Herbaceous |
Not specified |
Physiographic features
This site occurs in an upland position with steep slopes. It is prevalent on wind-swept ridges.
Table 2. Representative physiographic features
| Landforms |
(1)
Hill
(2) Ridge (3) Escarpment |
|---|---|
| Flooding frequency | None |
| Ponding frequency | None |
| Elevation | 6,500 – 12,000 ft |
| Slope | 1 – 70% |
| Ponding depth |
Not specified |
Climatic features
Annual precipitation is fairly evenly distributed through the year and averages over 20 inches. Snows are heavy and usually remain in place during the winter. Annual snowfall averages 150 to 200 inches per year. Wide fluctuations may occur in yearly precipitation and result in more dry years than those with more than normal precipitation. Temperatures show a wide range between summer and winter and between daily maximums and minimums. This is predominantly due to the high elevation and dry air, which permits rapid incoming and outgoing radiation. Cold air outbreaks in winter move rapidly from northwest to southeast and account for extreme minimum temperatures.
Prevailing winds are from the southwest, and strong winds are less frequent than over other areas of Wyoming. Occasional storms, however, can bring brief periods of high winds with gusts exceeding 50 mph.
Growth of native cool season plants begins about June 1 at lower elevations, as late as July 15 at higher elevations, and continues until the beginning of September.
The following information is from the “Moran 5 WNW” climate station:
Minimum Maximum 5 yrs. out of 10 between
Frost-free period (days): 31 78 June 30 – August 24
Freeze-free period (days): 65 118 June 5 – September 9
Annual Precipitation (inches): <20.78 >29.35 (2 years in 10)
Mean annual precipitation: 25.23 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 36.5?F (22.1?F Avg. Min. to 50.9?F Avg. Max.)
For detailed information visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service National Water and Climate Center at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/cgibin/state.pl?state=wy website. Other climate station representative of this precipitation zone include ”Alta 1 NW”, “Lake Yellowstone”, “Moose”, “Old Faithful”, and “Snake River” in Teton County; “Bedford 3 SE” in Lincoln County; and “Bondurant” in Sublette County.
Table 3. Representative climatic features
| Frost-free period (average) | 78 days |
|---|---|
| Freeze-free period (average) | 118 days |
| Precipitation total (average) | 29 in |
Influencing water features
Soil features
Soils of this site are generally less than 10 inches deep, but will include areas of exposed bedrock and pockets of deep soil. Bedrock, of all types except igneous and soft clay shale, may be fractured which allows shrub species to grow. Soils are well-drained, and infiltration is good above bedrock. Runoff commonly occurs from these sites due to shallow soils and limited water storage capacity.
Table 4. Representative soil features
| Surface texture |
(1) Gravelly sandy loam (2) Channery fine sandy loam (3) Flaggy loam |
|---|---|
| Family particle size |
(1) Loamy |
| Drainage class | Well drained to somewhat excessively drained |
| Permeability class | Moderately slow to rapid |
| Soil depth | 1 – 10 in |
| Surface fragment cover <=3" | 10 – 40% |
| Surface fragment cover >3" | 30% |
| Available water capacity (0-40in) |
0.7 – 1.5 in |
| Calcium carbonate equivalent (0-40in) |
15% |
| Electrical conductivity (0-40in) |
4 mmhos/cm |
| Sodium adsorption ratio (0-40in) |
5 |
| Soil reaction (1:1 water) (0-40in) |
6.6 – 8.4 |
| Subsurface fragment volume <=3" (Depth not specified) |
10 – 40% |
| Subsurface fragment volume >3" (Depth not specified) |
10 – 30% |
Ecological dynamics
As this site deteriorates, species such as rhizomatous wheatgrass, snowberry, green rabbitbrush, and mountain muhly will increase. Cool season bunchgrasses such as bluebunch wheatgrass, Idaho fescue, and spike fescue will decrease in frequency and production. This site has relatively low productivity potential, and is not well suited to grazing improvement practices unless treated as part of a larger unit containing more productive areas.
The Historic Climax Plant Community (description follows the plant community diagram) has been determined by study of rangeland relic areas, or areas protected from excessive disturbance. Trends in plant communities going from heavily grazed areas to lightly grazed areas, seasonal use pastures, and historical accounts have also been used.
The following is a State and Transition Model Diagram that illustrates the common plant communities (states) that can occur on the site and the transitions between these communities. The ecological processes will be discussed in more detail in the plant community narratives following the diagram.
State and transition model
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State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 2 submodel, plant communities
State 1
Bluebunch Wheatgrass Plant Community (HCPC)
Community 1.1
Bluebunch Wheatgrass Plant Community (HCPC)
The interpretive plant community for this site is the Historic Climax Plant Community. Potential vegetation is estimated at 65% grasses or grass-like plants, 10% forbs, and 25% woody plants. The major grasses include bluebunch wheatgrass, Idaho fescue, spike fescue, and thickspike wheatgrass. Other grasses include Canby, big, and mutton bluegrass, prairie junegrass, Letterman and Columbia needlegrass, California and timber oatgrass, mountain brome, mountain muhly, oniongrass, bentgrass, slender wheatgrass, and spike trisetum. Bitterbrush is the dominant woody plant. Other woody plants may include mountain big sagebrush, chokecherry, serviceberry, snowberry, limber pine, and Rocky Mountain juniper. A typical plant composition for this state consists of bluebunch wheatgrass 35-45%, Idaho fescue 5-10%, spike fescue 5-10%, thickspike wheatgrass 5-10%, other grasses and grass-like plants 10-20%, perennial forbs 5-10%, bitterbrush 5-10% and 5-15% other woody plants. Ground cover, by ocular estimate, varies from 15-25%. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 800 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 600 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 1000 lbs./acre in above average years. The following is the growth curve of this plant community expected during a normal year: Growth curve number: WY0101 Growth curve name: 20+M, UPLAND SITES Growth curve description: ALL UPLAND SITES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 0 0 0 0 5 30 40 20 5 0 0 0 (Monthly percentages of total annual growth) The state is stable and well adapted to the Central Rocky Mountains climatic conditions. The diversity in plant species allows for high drought resistance. This is a sustainable plant community (site/soil stability, watershed function, and biologic integrity Transitions or pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Continuous Season-long Grazing and No Fire will convert the plant community to the Mixed Grass/Conifer State.
Figure 2. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Figure 3. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0101, 20+ upland sites.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 5 | 30 | 40 | 20 | 5 |
State 2
Mixed Grass/Conifer Plant Community
Community 2.1
Mixed Grass/Conifer Plant Community
This plant community is a result of long-term continuous grazing and lack of fire. Conifers have encroached along ridges and near fractures in bedrock and pockets of deep soil. This state is commonly found on exposed, windswept ridges that are subject to harsh climatic conditions as well as severe winter use due to their exposed nature. The total annual production (air-dry weight) of this state is about 400 pounds per acre, but it can range from about 200 lbs./acre in unfavorable years to about 600 lbs./acre in above average years. The following is the growth curve of this plant community expected during a normal year: Growth curve number: WY0101 Growth curve name: 20+M, UPLAND SITES Growth curve description: ALL UPLAND SITES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 0 0 0 0 5 30 40 20 5 0 0 0 (Monthly percentages of total annual growth) The state is stable and protected from excessive erosion. The biotic integrity of this plant community is usually intact, however forage value will decrease and wildlife values will shift toward different species. The watershed is functioning. Transitional pathways leading to other plant communities are as follows: • Brush Management and Prescribed Grazing will eventually return this state to near Historic Climax Plant Community (Bluebunch Wheatgrass State).
Figure 4. Plant community growth curve (percent production by month). WY0101, 20+ upland sites.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| 5 | 30 | 40 | 20 | 5 |
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
| Group | Common name | Symbol | Scientific name | Annual production (lb/acre) | Foliar cover (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grass/Grasslike
|
||||||
| 1 | 280–360 | |||||
| bluebunch wheatgrass | PSSP6 | Pseudoroegneria spicata | 280–360 | – | ||
| 2 | 40–80 | |||||
| Idaho fescue | FEID | Festuca idahoensis | 40–80 | – | ||
| 3 | 40–80 | |||||
| spike fescue | LEKI2 | Leucopoa kingii | 40–80 | – | ||
| 4 | 40–80 | |||||
| thickspike wheatgrass | ELLAL | Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus | 40–80 | – | ||
| 5 | 80–160 | |||||
| Grass, perennial | 2GP | Grass, perennial | 0–40 | – | ||
| Letterman's needlegrass | ACLE9 | Achnatherum lettermanii | 0–40 | – | ||
| Columbia needlegrass | ACNE9 | Achnatherum nelsonii | 0–40 | – | ||
| bentgrass | AGROS2 | Agrostis | 0–40 | – | ||
| mountain brome | BRMA4 | Bromus marginatus | 0–40 | – | ||
| California oatgrass | DACA3 | Danthonia californica | 0–40 | – | ||
| timber oatgrass | DAIN | Danthonia intermedia | 0–40 | – | ||
| slender wheatgrass | ELTR7 | Elymus trachycaulus | 0–40 | – | ||
| prairie Junegrass | KOMA | Koeleria macrantha | 0–40 | – | ||
| oniongrass | MEBU | Melica bulbosa | 0–40 | – | ||
| mountain muhly | MUMO | Muhlenbergia montana | 0–40 | – | ||
| muttongrass | POFE | Poa fendleriana | 0–40 | – | ||
| spike trisetum | TRSP2 | Trisetum spicatum | 0–40 | – | ||
|
Forb
|
||||||
| 6 | 40–80 | |||||
| Forb, perennial | 2FP | Forb, perennial | 0–40 | – | ||
| common yarrow | ACMI2 | Achillea millefolium | 0–40 | – | ||
| pussytoes | ANTEN | Antennaria | 0–40 | – | ||
| sandwort | ARENA | Arenaria | 0–40 | – | ||
| milkvetch | ASTRA | Astragalus | 0–40 | – | ||
| balsamroot | BALSA | Balsamorhiza | 0–40 | – | ||
| hawksbeard | CREPI | Crepis | 0–40 | – | ||
| draba | DRABA | Draba | 0–40 | – | ||
| fleabane | ERIGE2 | Erigeron | 0–40 | – | ||
| buckwheat | ERIOG | Eriogonum | 0–40 | – | ||
| elkweed | FRSP | Frasera speciosa | 0–40 | – | ||
| sunflower | HELIA3 | Helianthus | 0–40 | – | ||
| flax | LINUM | Linum | 0–40 | – | ||
| stoneseed | LITHO3 | Lithospermum | 0–40 | – | ||
| desertparsley | LOMAT | Lomatium | 0–40 | – | ||
| creeping barberry | MARE11 | Mahonia repens | 0–40 | – | ||
| bluebells | MERTE | Mertensia | 0–40 | – | ||
| ragwort | PACKE | Packera | 0–40 | – | ||
| phlox | PHLOX | Phlox | 0–40 | – | ||
| stonecrop | SEDUM | Sedum | 0–40 | – | ||
| ragwort | SENEC | Senecio | 0–40 | – | ||
| aster | SYMPH4 | Symphyotrichum | 0–40 | – | ||
| clover | TRIFO | Trifolium | 0–40 | – | ||
| American vetch | VIAM | Vicia americana | 0–40 | – | ||
|
Shrub/Vine
|
||||||
| 7 | 40–80 | |||||
| antelope bitterbrush | PUTR2 | Purshia tridentata | 40–80 | – | ||
| 8 | 40–120 | |||||
| Shrub, deciduous | 2SD | Shrub, deciduous | 0–40 | – | ||
| Shrub, evergreen | 2SE | Shrub, evergreen | 0–40 | – | ||
| Tree, deciduous | 2TD | Tree, deciduous | 0–40 | – | ||
| Tree, evergreen | 2TE | Tree, evergreen | 0–40 | – | ||
| Saskatoon serviceberry | AMAL2 | Amelanchier alnifolia | 0–40 | – | ||
| mountain big sagebrush | ARTRV | Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana | 0–40 | – | ||
| yellow rabbitbrush | CHVI8 | Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus | 0–40 | – | ||
| Rocky Mountain juniper | JUSC2 | Juniperus scopulorum | 0–40 | – | ||
| limber pine | PIFL2 | Pinus flexilis | 0–40 | – | ||
| chokecherry | PRVI | Prunus virginiana | 0–40 | – | ||
| snowberry | SYMPH | Symphoricarpos | 0–40 | – | ||
Interpretations
Animal community
Animal Community – Wildlife Interpretations
Bluebunch Wheatgrass Plant Community (HCPC): When blown clear, this plant community provides winter and spring forage for large grazers when snow depth prevents foraging on other sites. Otherwise, it is mostly used by wildlife in transit to other habitats.
Mixed Grass/Conifer Plant Community: This plant community may be useful for the same wildlife that would use the Historic Climax Plant Community. However, the plant community composition is less diverse, and thus, less apt to meet the seasonal needs of these animals.
Animal Community – Grazing Interpretations
The following table lists suggested stocking rates for cattle under continuous season-long grazing under normal growing conditions. These are conservative estimates that should be used only as guidelines in the initial stages of the conservation planning process. Often, the current plant composition does not entirely match any particular plant community (as described in this ecological site description). Because of this, a field visit is recommended, in all cases, to document plant composition and production. More precise carrying capacity estimates should eventually be calculated using this information along with animal preference data, particularly when grazers other than cattle are involved. Under more intensive grazing management, improved harvest efficiencies can result in an increased carrying capacity. If distribution problems occur, stocking rates must be reduced to maintain plant health and vigor.
Plant Community Production Carrying Capacity*
(lb./ac) (AUM/ac)
Bluebunch Wheatgrass (HCPC) 600-1000 0.25
Mixed Grass/Conifer 200-600 0.1
* - Continuous, season-long grazing by cattle under average growing conditions.
Grazing by domestic livestock is one of the major income-producing industries in the area. Rangeland in this area may provide yearlong forage for cattle, sheep, or horses. During the dormant period, the forage for livestock use needs to be supplemented with protein because the quality does not meet minimum livestock requirements.
Hydrological functions
Water and soil depth are the principal factors limiting forage production on this site. This site is dominated by soils in hydrologic group C and D. Infiltration ranges from very slow to slow. Runoff potential for this site varies from moderate to high depending on soil hydrologic group, depth and fracturing of bedrock, slope, and ground cover (refer to Part 630, NRCS National Engineering Handbook for detailed hydrology information).
Rills and gullies may be present, but should be small. Water flow patterns should be barely distinguishable. Pedestals are only slightly present in association with bunchgrasses such as bluebunch wheatgrass. Litter typically falls in place, and signs of movement are not common. Chemical and physical crusts are rare to non-existent. Cryptogrammic crusts are present, but only cover 1-2% of the soil surface.
Recreational uses
This site provides hunting opportunities for upland game species. Wildflowers that bloom throughout the growing season have esthetic values that appeal to visitors.
Wood products
No appreciable wood products are present on the site.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
Inventory Data References (narrative)
Information presented here has been derived from NRCS clipping data and other inventory data. Field observations from range trained personnel were also used. Those involved in developing this site include: Bill Christensen, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; Karen Clause, Range Management Specialist, NRCS; and Everet Bainter, Range Management Specialist, NRCS. Other sources used as references include: USDA NRCS Water and Climate Center, USDA NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook, and USDA NRCS Soil Surveys from various counties.
Inventory Data References
Data Source Number of Records Sample Period State County
Contributors
K. Clause
Rangeland health reference sheet
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health is a qualitative assessment protocol used to determine ecosystem condition based on benchmark characteristics described in the Reference Sheet. A suite of 17 (or more) indicators are typically considered in an assessment. The ecological site(s) representative of an assessment location must be known prior to applying the protocol and must be verified based on soils and climate. Current plant community cannot be used to identify the ecological site.
| Author(s)/participant(s) | K. Clause, E. Bainter |
|---|---|
| Contact for lead author | karen.clause@wy.usda.gov or 307-367-2257 |
| Date | 03/16/2007 |
| Approved by | E. Bainter |
| Approval date | |
| Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on | Annual Production |
Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
Some rills to be expected on this site. -
Presence of water flow patterns:
Barely observable. -
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
Slight pedestalling evident. -
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
Bare ground can range from 15-45%. -
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
Active gullies, where present, should be rare. -
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
Rare to nonexistent. -
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
Herbaceous litter expected to move in moderate amounts. Large woody debris will show only slight movement down slope. -
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
Soil Stability Index ratings range from 1 (interspaces) to 6 (under plant canopy), but average values should be 3.0 or greater. -
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
Soil data is limited for this site. Soil Organic Matter of 4-6% is expected. -
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
Plant community consists of 65-80% grasses, 10% forbs, and 10-25% shrubs/trees. Sparse plant canopy (40-60%) and litter plus slow to moderate infiltration rates result in slight to moderate runoff. Basal cover is typically less than 10% and marginally affects runoff on this site. Surface rock outcrop of 10-30% provide stability to the site, but reduce infiltration. Runoff can be rapid on this site with a moderate to high erosion hazard associated with steep slopes on this site. -
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
None. -
Functional/Structural Groups (list in order of descending dominance by above-ground annual-production or live foliar cover using symbols: >>, >, = to indicate much greater than, greater than, and equal to):
Dominant:
Sub-dominant:
Other:
Additional:
Mid-size, cool season bunchgrasses>> perennial shrubs/trees=perennial forbs=cool season rhizomatous grasses>short, cool season bunchgrasses -
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
Minimal decadence, typically associated with shrub component. -
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
Litter ranges from 10-30% of total canopy measurement with total litter (including beneath the plant canopy) from 30-50% expected. Herbaceous litter depth typically ranges from 3-10 mm. Woody litter can be up to several inches (>6 cm). -
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
English: 600-1000 lb/ac (800 lb/ac average); Metric 672-1120 kg/ha (896 kg/ha average). -
Potential invasive (including noxious) species (native and non-native). List species which BOTH characterize degraded states and have the potential to become a dominant or co-dominant species on the ecological site if their future establishment and growth is not actively controlled by management interventions. Species that become dominant for only one to several years (e.g., short-term response to drought or wildfire) are not invasive plants. Note that unlike other indicators, we are describing what is NOT expected in the reference state for the ecological site:
Bare ground greater than 60% is the most common indicator of a threshold being crossed. Rabbitbrush, Sandberg bluegrass, buckwheat, yarrow, and phlox are common increasers. Annual weeds such as cheatgrass and mustards are common invasive species on disturbed sites. -
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
All species are capable of reproducing, except in extreme drought years.
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