|
Wetland Classification and Mapping of the Kenai Lowland, Alaska
Map Unit Descriptions
Ecosystem: Late Snow Map Unit: LSP
Extent: 25 wetland polygons; 1977.8 ha; 1.40% of wetland area; 0.15% of wetland polygons. |
|
 The hummocky willow-dominated Late Snow Plateau surrounding the summit of Bald Mountain (polygon 7217). A small peatland is in the middle distance.
A moose hunter drives across an LSP in the upper Anchor River watershed (polygon 10118). |
Wetland Indicators Type: Mineral Average depth to water table: 36.9 cm; n=14 Organic layer thickness: 7.8 cm; n=15 Average depth to redoximorphic features: 28.7 cm; n=9 Common Soils: SNOWDANCE Common Plant communities: Lutz spruce / Barclay's willow / Bluejoint Barclay's willow / Bluejoint - Field horsetail
NWI: PSS1Bn HGM: Terrene Slope Outflow headwater
Lutz spruce (Picea X lutzii) invades a willow-dominated Late Snow Plateau in the upper Anchor River watershed (polygon 10363). |
| Accuracy assessment: 3 polygons interpreted as LSP on aerial photographs were field checked. 2 remained LSP; 1 was revised to upland. | |
LSP wetlands are the only component of the Late Snow Ecosystem. They occur in the Caribou Hills, above 500 meters elevation on the thin, flat discontinuous glacial till of older, probably Illinoisan-aged, 'Eklutna' surfaces. They are not numerous, but are extensive, and can be extremely hummocky dense willow thickets. Late-lying snow combined with poorly sorted heavy glacial till supports a water table near the surface throughout the growing season. Small peatlands develop in depressions on Late Snow Plateaus, and at their edges small Headwater Fens are often found heading steeper, riffle-dominated RB or RA streams.
