Ecological site group DX035X01FESG05
Canyonlands - Outcrops and Slopes - mod. deep or deeper
Last updated: 10/12/2022
Accessed: 05/02/2024
Ecological site group description
Key Characteristics
- Canyonlands
- Outcrops and Slopes
- Soils are moderately deep or deeper
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.
Physiography
This site occurs on canyon sideslopes, talus slopes, escarpments, landslides, hillslopes, mountain slopes, structural benches, ledges, and steep alluvial fans. Runoff potential is medium to very high due steep slopes. Slopes typically range from 20-80%. Elevations generally range from 3700-8500 ft.
Climate
The climate is characterized by hot summers and cool winters which can be slightly modified by local topographic conditions such as aspect. Large fluctuations in daily temperatures are common. Mean annual air temperatures range from 46-59 degrees Fahrenheit. Average annual precipitation is 5 to 16 inches. Approximately 75 percent occurs as rain from March through October. On the average, February, June, and December are the driest months and May, August, September, and October are the wettest months. Precipitation is extremely variable from month to month and from year to year. Much of the summer precipitation occurs as convection thunderstorms.
Soil features
Soils typically are moderately deep to deep and well drained or somewhat excessively well drained. These sites sometimes occur on shallow soils. These soils formed in alluvium, colluvium and residuum deposits derived mainly from sandstone, shale and other sedimentary parent material. Surface rock fragments range from gravel to boulders and typically cover 50% or more of the soil surface. Rock fragments in the soil profile usually exceed 35% and vary in size. Soil textures range from loamy sands to clay loams. Available water holding capacity ranges from 1 to 5 inches in the upper 40 inches of soil. Soil temperature regime is mesic and soil moisture regime ranges from typic aridic to aridic ustic.
Vegetation dynamics
The ecological sites in this group are characterized by steep slopes. In the drier sites the dominant vegetative aspect is a sparse overstory of shrubs with a herbaceous understory dominated by perennial grasses. Moister sites at higher elevations have a overstory of Utah juniper and two-needle pinyon.
Currently there is no evidence to indicate that these sites historically maintained a short burn frequency. Climatic variation, including periodic drought, and insect damage appear to have been the main disturbances to these sites under historic conditions. These sites likely did not experience much disturbance from large native herbivores or domestic livestock due to steep slopes, stoniness, and broken terrain. However, due to modern disturbances such as brush treatments, invasive species, and OHV use, the resilience of the plant communities may be at risk. Disturbances that reduce the presence of perennial grasses result in an opportunity for invasive annuals to enter into the system.
Major Land Resource Area
MLRA 035X
Colorado Plateau
Subclasses
Correlated Map Unit Components
22480970, 22594376, 22594112, 22594117, 22594125, 22594837, 22601193, 22963844, 22963787, 22963652, 22963627, 22963732, 22963713, 22963674, 22963422, 22963423, 22963426, 22963427, 22963428, 22963401, 22963386, 22963388, 22963327, 22963328
Stage
Provisional
Contributors
Curtis Talbot
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Ecosystem states
T1A | - | D = Drought I = Insect Damage E = Establishment of non-native invasive species SD = Surface disturbances |
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State 1 submodel, plant communities
1.1a | - | D = Drought I = Insect Damage SD = Surface disturbances |
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1.2a | - | T = Time without disturbances W = Wet weather periods |
State 2 submodel, plant communities
2.1a | - | D = Drought I = Insect Damage SD = Surface disturbances |
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2.2a | - | T = Time without disturbances W = Wet weather periods |