Wetland Classification and Mapping of Seward, Alaska     Map Unit Descriptions   Ecosystem: Kettle   Map Component: K1   Seward Area Extent:  20 wetland polygons; 515.3 acres

Bear Lake, a 420 acre K1, the second largest polygon mapped in the Seward area.

Wetland Indicators Type: Pond or lake Average depth to water table: above the surface Organic layer thickness: n/a Average depth to redoximorphic features: n/a Common Soils: open water, Typic Cryosaprists at margin Common Plant communities: Water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatle) NWI: L1UB1 or PEM2H if shallow HGM: Terrene Basin groundwater-dominated Throughflow (headwater)

K1 is the Kettle Ecosystem wetland component with open surface water.  K1 also includes areas of floating and emergent vegetation.  Open water is not specifically a "wetland" as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, because it is not vegetated.  It is considered a Deep Water Habitat (if greater than 6.6 feet deep or does not support "rooted-emergent plant species") or a Vegetated Shallow (if less than 6.6 feet deep, and supports only submergent aquatic plants).  All of these habitats are regulated under section 404, as "Waters of the United States" (Environmental Laboratory, 1987). 

Kettle Ecosystem wetlands are hydrologically connected at or near the surface to streams and eventually Resurrection Bay.  Seward area Kettles are primarily encountered on the large rock drumlin northeast of town.  They also occur in low spots on other ice-scoured bedrock knobs, especially above the South Fork of the Snow River.  K1 Kettle components are most often found by themselves as steep-sided lakes or ponds, but occasionally they support broad peaty fringes dominated by sedges and/or shrubs.  K1c refers to kettles created by human activity.