Natural Resources
Conservation Service
-
Search
Major Land Resource Area or ecological site by name and/or ID.
PreviousSectionsNextGeneral 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.
Click to explore map
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.
MLRA notes
Major Land Resource Area (MLRA): 022B–Southern Cascade Mountains
Site Concept –
Riparian Complex: Hydrologically connected by shared water table and/or small E type stream channel.
Slopes: Generally between 0 to 3 percent.
Landform: Relict glacial lakes and lake terraces
Soils: Very deep, poorly to very poorly drained soils that formed in volcanic ash over glaciolacustrine deposits or in stream channel alluvium over glaciolacustrine deposits. There are stratified layers of fine and coarse sediments. Gleyed soil colors are present below the organic horizons.
Temp regime: Frigid.
MAAT: 41 to 44 degrees F (5.0 to 6.6 degrees C).
MAP: 37 to 65 inches (940 to 1,651 mm).
Soil texture: Herbaceous peat and herbaceous mucky slightly decomposed plant material.
Surface fragments: 0
Vegetation: Several graminoid meadow communities.Associated sites
F022BI102CA Frigid Bouldery Glacially Scoured Ridges Or Headlands
This open red fir forest site is found on the hillslopes nearby.
F022BI108CA Frigid Moist Sandy Lake Or Stream Terraces
This is a wet Sierra lodgepole pine site on stream and lake terraces adjacent to the meadows.
F022BI112CA Frigid Sandy Loam Moraines Or Lake Terraces
This dense red fir- white fir forest is found on deeper soils on the nearby hillslopes.
Similar sites
R022BI202CA Frigid Alluvial Flat
This meadow is associated with stream alluvium and has significant water inflow from springs.
R022BI206CA Cryic Lacustrine Flat
This site is also associated with relict glacial lakes but is cryic and has an E channel.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree Not specified
Shrub Not specified
Herbaceous (1) Carex nebrascensis
(2) Carex vesicariaPhysiographic features
This ecological site is found on wet meadows that formed on relict glacial lakes and lake terraces. The elevation range for this site is from 5,960and 6,760 feet. Slopes are between 0 and 3 percent.
This area is frequently flooded and/or ponded. The water table remains at or near the surface throughout the year in the wetter areas of the meadow. In topographically higher or drier areas of the meadow, the water table may drop to below 55 inches during October, November, and December.Table 2. Representative physiographic features
Landforms (1) Glacial lake (relict)
(2) Lake terrace
Flooding duration Brief (2 to 7 days) to long (7 to 30 days) Flooding frequency Rare to frequent Ponding duration Brief (2 to 7 days) to long (7 to 30 days) Ponding frequency Rare to frequent Elevation 5960 – 6760 ft Slope 0 – 3 % Ponding depth 1 – 6 in Water table depth 0 – 60 in Aspect Aspect is not a significant factor Climatic features
This ecological site receives most of its annual precipitation during winter months in the form of snow. The mean annual precipitation ranges from 37 to 65 inches (940 to 1,651 mm) and the mean annual temperature ranges from 41 to 44 degrees F (5.0 to 6.6 degrees C). The frost free (>32F) season is 60 to 85 days. The freeze free (>28F) season is 75 to 190 days.
Table 3 Representative climatic features
Frost-free period (average) 90 days Freeze-free period (average) 190 days Precipitation total (average) 70 in BarLineFigure 2. Monthly precipitation range
BarLineFigure 3. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperature
">Influencing water features
This site is associated with palustrine emergent wetlands that occasionally have an E or a C type stream channel, which enters or exits the lake basin. This site is also associated with upland areas that do not have wetland characteristics.
Soil features
This site is associated with the Histic Humaquepts, Lake Sediments and Histic Humaquepts, Frequently Flooded soil components. The Histic Humaquepts, Lake Sediments component consists of very deep, poorly drained soils that formed in volcanic ash over glaciolacustrine deposits. The Histic Humaquepts, Frequently Flooded component consists of very deep, very poorly drained soils that formed in stream channel alluvium over glaciolacustrine deposits. These soils have several organic horizons of herbaceous peat and herbaceous muck that ranges in total depth from 5 to 14 inches. There is fair amount of organic material but the soil pits do not meet the organic soil depth criteria of 16 inches (40 cm) to be considered a fen. These soils have stratified layers of fine and coarse sediments. Textures include ashy silt loams, ashy coarse sandy loams, and ashy loamy sand, among others. The AWC is moderate in the upper 60 inches of soil. There are gleyed colors below the organic horizons. Free water can occur in the coarse textured horizons, creating an artesian aquifer.
This ecological site has been correlated with the following map units and components within the CA789 Soil Survey Area:
DMU Component percent
105 Histic Humaquepts, Lake Sediments 1
130 Histic Humaquepts, Lake Sediments 55
130 Histic Humaquepts, Frequently Flooded 30
148 Histic Humaquepts, Lake Sediments 2
148 Histic Humaquepts, Frequently Flooded 1
Table 4. Representative soil features
Surface texture (1) Mucky
(2) Peaty
Family particle size (1) Loamy
Drainage class Poorly drained to very poorly drained Permeability class Moderately slow to moderate Soil depth 60 – 0 in Surface fragment cover <=3" Not specified Surface fragment cover >3" Not specified Available water capacity
(0-40in)4.7 – 9.07 in Soil reaction (1:1 water)
(0-40in)5.6 – 7.3 Subsurface fragment volume <=3"
(Depth not specified)0 – 50 % Subsurface fragment volume >3"
(Depth not specified)Not specified Ecological dynamics
This ecological site is found in meadows and along channels in relict glacial lakes. These lakes formed from glacial melt water that allowed fine clay and silts to settle out. There are coarse textured layers intermixed with fine layers. The coarse layers may have been deposits from stream channel alluvium, wave action or difference in melt water velocities over time. Finer sediments are often above coarser buried profiles that represent the different depositional environments as the lakes filled in (NRCS, 2010). They have experienced gradual lowering of lake levels, because of reduced water input since post glacial melt water filled these basins. Infilling of these lakes is also occurring from continued lacustrine sediment deposition and accumulation of organic matter. Aquatic and emergent palustrine plant communities establish in shallow areas near shore. The vegetation produces organic matter from dead plant material and live root mats. Vegetation also traps sediment with leaves and roots. The lake margins fill with material that eventually supports drier meadow communities. Over time vegetation continues to expand into the shallow lakes and areas of open water diminish. The degree of infill is related to the size and depth of the lake. This process also occurs on shallow inlets of larger lakes. The seasonal fluctuation of lake levels determines the growing season and distribution of vegetation. These lakes and meadows receive water form upstream channels and have outlet channels. The water flow goes subsurface through the meadow or mixes with the open water of the lake. In larger drainages a defined stream channel may dissect the meadow on its’ course to the lake, but the composition and spatial distribution of the majority of plant communities is related more to lake levels than to stream channel dynamics.
Nebraska sedge (Carex nebrascensis), Northwest Territory sedge (Carex utriculata) and/or blister sedge (Carex vesicaria) dominate this site. Tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa) is more prevalent in drier areas. Willows (Salix spp.) are generally restricted to the perimeter of the meadow or are along a stream channel. A moist lodgepole pine site is found on drier lake terraces. See the Sierra lodgepole pine/California false hellebore - blue wildrye (F022BI108CA) ecological site for more information regarding this forest site. In the open water, aquatic plants such as yellow pond-lily (Nuphar lutea) and watershield (Brasenia schreberi) may be present.
This ecological site is a complex of riparian plant community components that are interrelated by hydrology. This is a relatively new concept for ecological sites. The state and transition diagram below illustrates the change in plant community component composition as a result of gradual infilling, rather than focusing on the succession of one plant community after disturbance. Although there is considerable qualitative experience supporting the pathways and transitions within the State and Transition Model (STM), there is no quantitative information to specifically identify threshold parameters that distinguish between natural equilibrium and altered states in this ecological site. For information on STMs, see the following citations: Bestelmeyer el al. 2003, Bestelmeyer et al. 2009, and Stringham and Shaver 2003.State and transition model
Custom diagramStandard diagram
Figure 4. Frigid Lacustrine Flat Model
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
More interactive model formats are also available. View Interactive Models
Click on state and transition labels to scroll to the respective textEcosystem states
State 1 submodel, plant communities
State 1
State 1This state is the reference state and is similar to the historic condition for this site. Altered states were not observed for this ecological site. The relict glacial lakes are all in different stages of infilling of sediment and vegetation. This process could be considered an eventual evolution to a new state, but it is described in this ecological site as a continuum within this state.
Community 1.1
Wet Meadow Complex
Figure 5. Frigid Lacustrine Flats
This community phase has four associated plant community components. They are listed below from wettest, PCC1 the Aquatic Community, to driest. Open water is present, but not included at a community component. There may be a large deep lake associated with this site, such as Snag Lake in Lassen Volcanic Park, or just a small area of open water as in Cameron Meadow in the photo above. Not all plant communities found in these meadows are described in this ecological site, just the dominant components.
PCC1: 5% Aquatic Community
This community exists in open water. This area remained covered in standing water through most of the year. The soil may be exposed at the end of summer in very dry years. Yellow pond-lily (Nuphar lutea) is often present. Pondweeds (Potamogeton sp.), watershield (Brasenia schreberi) and other aquatic species may be present. Data was not collected for this community component.
PCC2: 25% Wet Sedge Community
The Wet Sedge Community forms the boundary between open water and emergent palustrine vegetation. This community has standing water for most of the season. Northwest Territory sedge (Carex utriculata) and/or blister sedge (Carex vesicaria) form an almost monotypic community. It is difficult to distinguish these two sedges. They sometimes grow together or in separate niches. Blister sedge may be present in areas which have quicker draw down of water. These sedges are able to withstand total inundation for several months, and produce dense rhizamotous root mats. Spikerush (Eleocharis sp.), small floating mannagrass (Glyceria borealis), and mosses may be present.
PCC3: 69% Mixed Sedge-Grass Community
This community dominates most of these meadows. It is seasonally ponded and saturated for shorter durations than PCC2, but the water table remains high through the growing season. There is variation between sites as to dominant species. Nebraska sedge Carex nebrascensis), capitate sedge (Carex capitata), mountain rush (Juncus arcticus ssp. littoralis), and Howell's rush and (Juncus howellii) can have high cover. Nebraska sedge is a heavily rhizomatous wetland plant that can form almost monotypic stands. It can survive total inundation for 3 months (Hoag, 1998.). It is not generally found in areas where the water table drops to less than 1 meter below the surface late in the growing season. Tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa) can be present throughout this community, but tends to increase at the drier margins. There is variety of forbs in this community but they generally have low cover, however tundra aster (Oreostemma alpigenum var. alpigenum) and western mountain aster (Symphyotrichum spathulatum var. spathulatum) may have up to 30 percent cover. Common graminoid species are slenderbeak sedge (Carex athrostachya), golden sedge (Carex aurea), bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), Raynolds' sedge (Carex raynoldsii), sedges (Carex spp.), analogue sedge (Carex simulata), meadow barley (Hordeum brachyantherum), toad rush (Juncus bufonius), swordleaf rush (Juncus ensifolius), and Sierra rush (Juncus nevadensis). Other forbs are common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), willowherbs (Epilobium sp.) alpine gentian (Gentiana newberryi), tinker's penny (Hypericum anagalloides), ash penstemon (Penstemon cinicola), Lemmon's yampah (Perideridia lemmonii), Drummond's cinquefoil (Potentilla drummondii), sticky cinquefoil (Potentilla glandulosa), slender cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis), Oregon saxifrage (Saxifraga oregano), Oregon checkerbloom (Sidalcea oregana ssp. spicata), longstalk clover (Trifolium longipes), and violet (Viola sp.).
PCC4: 1% Sierra Lodgepole Pine Community
This plant community is generally adjacent to this site in a distinct line around the meadow, but it is sometimes on dry positions within the meadow. Ecological site F022BI108CA describes the wet Sierra lodgepole pine forest that is found on adjacent higher stream and lake terraces. Please refer to ecological site F022BI108CA, for more information on ecological dynamics that affect the Sierra lodgepole pine forest. As forest cover increases more shade tolerant understory species are present. Grasses are mixed and include alpine bentgrass (Agrostis humilis), bluejoint (Calamagrostis Canadensis), blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus), alpine timothy (Phleum alpinum), muhly (Muhlenbergia spp.), and meadow barley (Hordeum brachyantherum). A variety of sedges (Carex spp.) may be present in small amounts. Other plants on this site are bigleaf lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus), monkeyflower (Mimulus spp.), sweetcicely (Osmorhiza berteroi), whitestem gooseberry (Ribes inerme), arrowleaf ragwort (Senecio triangularis), longstalk clover (Trifolium longipes), and California false hellebore (Veratrum californicum var. californicum). Total understory production is around 800 to 1,000 pounds per acre.
The production data in the table below is a compilation of PCC2 and PCC3. ESIS does not currently support multiple tables for several community types in one phase. To identify species by plant community component refer to the narrative above rather than the table.Figure 6. Annual production by plant type (representative values) or group (midpoint values)
Community 1.2
Wet Meadow Complex- Natural InfillingThis phase is similar to community phase 1.1, but the site is drier due to gradual infilling of the glacial lakes. These meadows have varying degrees of wetness and areas of open water depending upon the size and depth of the relict glacial lake. In some areas this site is found along delta of large lakes that may or may not be drying out over time. The Mixed Sedge-Grass Community increases with lower water tables at the expense of the Aquatic and Wet Sedge Communities. Since the water table is lower along the margins of the meadow, the Sierra Lodgepole Pine Community can establish in this area.
Estimate of Plant Community Components (PCC) and Composition:
PCC1: 1% Aquatic Community
PCC2: 8% Wet Sedge Community
PCC3: 89% Mixed Sedge-Grass Community
PCC4: 10% Sierra Lodgepole Pine CommunityPathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2This site continues to infill with organic matter and sediments.
Additional community tables
Table 5. Community 1.1 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Grass/Grasslike1 Grass/grasslike 275–1560 Nebraska sedge CANE2 Carex nebrascensis 120–300 10–25 blister sedge CAVE6 Carex vesicaria 40–300 5–20 Northwest Territory sedge CAUT Carex utriculata 40–225 5–15 tufted hairgrass DECE Deschampsia cespitosa 6–195 1–10 Howell's rush JUHO Juncus howellii 5–150 1–15 capitate sedge CACA13 Carex capitata 50–150 5–15 sedge CAREX Carex 10–100 3–8 mountain rush JUARL Juncus arcticus ssp. littoralis 4–40 1–8 swordleaf rush JUEN Juncus ensifolius 0–30 0–5 toad rush JUBU Juncus bufonius 0–10 0–5 bluejoint CACA4 Calamagrostis canadensis 0–10 0–2 smooth brome BRIN2 Bromus inermis 0–6 0–2 Raynolds' sedge CARA6 Carex raynoldsii 0–5 0–2 analogue sedge CASI2 Carex simulata 0–5 0–2 small floating mannagrass GLBO Glyceria borealis 0–5 0–2 meadow barley HOBR2 Hordeum brachyantherum 0–5 0–2 Sierra rush JUNE Juncus nevadensis 0–5 0–1 golden sedge CAAU3 Carex aurea 0–4 0–2 spikerush ELEOC Eleocharis 0–3 0–1 slenderbeak sedge CAAT3 Carex athrostachya 0–3 0–1 Forb1 Forbs 12–297 tundra aster ORALA2 Oreostemma alpigenum var. alpigenum 12–140 2–20 western mountain aster SYSPS Symphyotrichum spathulatum var. spathulatum 0–110 0–10 alpine gentian GENE Gentiana newberryi 0–8 0–3 common yarrow ACMI2 Achillea millefolium 0–5 0–2 ash penstemon PECI2 Penstemon cinicola 0–5 0–2 Lemmon's yampah PELE5 Perideridia lemmonii 0–4 0–2 Drummond's cinquefoil PODR Potentilla drummondii 0–4 0–2 sticky cinquefoil POGL9 Potentilla glandulosa 0–4 0–2 slender cinquefoil POGR9 Potentilla gracilis 0–4 0–2 Oregon saxifrage SAOR2 Saxifraga oregana 0–4 0–2 willowherb EPILO Epilobium 0–2 0–2 longstalk clover TRLO Trifolium longipes 0–2 0–1 violet VIOLA Viola 0–2 0–1 Oregon checkerbloom SIORS Sidalcea oregana ssp. spicata 0–2 0–1 tinker's penny HYAN2 Hypericum anagalloides 0–1 0–1 Table 6. Community 1.2 plant community composition
Group Common name Symbol Scientific name Annual production () Foliar cover (%) Interpretations
Animal community
This site provides valuable wildlife resources such as water and cover. In addition, wildlife and livestock depend on the leaves, stems, and seeds of Nebraska sedge, tufted hairgrass, and other various grasses and sedges as forage. The sedges and bunchgrasses provide nesting habitat for waterfowl and cover for small mammals.
Hydrological functions
The hydrological function of this meadow is to provide a catchment for water, sediments, and nutrients. The meadow allows sediment from melting spring snow to settle out and trap nutrients in surface and subsurface flows. This meadow also provides water storage, which is slowly released down the drainage throughout the year.
Recreational uses
This site provide beautiful open vistas with opportunities for wildflower and wildlife viewing. Trails should be constructed on drier ground bordering the meadow.
Supporting information
Inventory data references
The following NRCS vegetation plots were used to describe this ecological site: 789308- Type location 789376 789378 789392
Type locality
Location 1: Lassen County, CA Township/Range/Section T30 N R6 E S3 UTM zone N UTM northing 4483390 UTM easting 643879 General legal description The type location is about 1.1 miles north of Inspiration Point, in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Other references
Bestelmeyer, Brandon T.; Brown, Joel R.; Havstad, Kris M.; Alexander, Robert; Chavez, George; and Herrick Jeffrey E.; 2003. Development and Use of State-and-Transition Models for Rangelands. Journal of Range Management, Vol. 56, No. 2 (Mar., 2003), pp. 114-126. Allen Press and Society for Range Management. Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/4003894
Bestelmeyer, Brandon T.; Tugel, Arlene J.; Peacock, George L. Jr.; Robinett, Daniel G.; Shaver, Pat L.; Brown, Joel R.; Herrick, Jeffrey E.; Sanchez, Homer; and Havstad, Kris M.; 2009. State-and-Transition Models for Heterogeneous Landscapes: A Strategy for Development and Application. Rangeland Ecology and Management 62:1–15; January 2009.
Briske, D. D., Fuhlendorf, S. D; and Smeins, F. E., 2006. A Unified Framework for Assessment and Application of Ecological Thresholds. Rangeland Ecology and Management 59:225–236.
Briske, D. D; Bestelmeyer B. T; Stringham, T. K., and Shaver, P. L., 2008. Recommendations for Development of Resilience-Based State-And-Transition Models. Rangeland Ecology and Management 61:359–367.Bestelmeyer el al. 2003,
Bozeman, Tandy. A History in Photographs, Drakesbad Guest Ranch, Lassen Volcanic National Park. http://www.drakesbad.com/DB%20Web%20Pictorial/DB.htm
Briske, D. D.; Fuhlendorf, S. D.; and Smeins, F. E.; 2009. State-and-Transition Models, Thresholds, and Rangeland Health: A Synthesis of Ecological Concepts and Perspectives. Rangeland Ecology & Management, Vol. 58, No. 1 (Jan., 2005), pp. 1-10. Allen Press and Society for Range Management. Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3899791
NRCS, 2010. Soil Survey of Lassen Volcanic National Park, United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2010.
Hoag, J.C. 1998. Plant Fact Sheet: Nebraska Sedge (Carex nebrascensis). USDA-NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. Aug. 1998. 3p. (ID# 1059)
Rosgen, D.L., 1994. A Stream Classification System. Catena, 22 169199. Elsevier Science, Amsterdam.
Rosgen, D.L., 1996. Applied River Morphology. Wildland Hydrology Books, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and Ft. Collins, CO.
Stringham, T.K., W.C. Krueger, and P.L. Shaver. 2003. State and Transition Modeling: An Ecological Process Approach. J. Range Manage 56: 106-113.
USDA, NRCS. 2007. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA. Available online at: http://plants.usda.gov
USDA, NRCS. 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook. Available online at: http://www.glti.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/publications/nrph.html
Weixelman, Dave; Weis, Sue; Linton, Fletcher; and Swartz, Heather; 2007. DRAFT: Condition Checklist for Fens in the Montane and Subalpine Zones of the Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascade Ranges, CA.
Contributors
Marchel M. Munnecke
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) Contact for lead author Date Approved by Approval date Composition (Indicators 10 and 12) based on Annual Production Indicators
-
Number and extent of rills:
-
Presence of water flow patterns:
-
Number and height of erosional pedestals or terracettes:
-
Bare ground from Ecological Site Description or other studies (rock, litter, lichen, moss, plant canopy are not bare ground):
-
Number of gullies and erosion associated with gullies:
-
Extent of wind scoured, blowouts and/or depositional areas:
-
Amount of litter movement (describe size and distance expected to travel):
-
Soil surface (top few mm) resistance to erosion (stability values are averages - most sites will show a range of values):
-
Soil surface structure and SOM content (include type of structure and A-horizon color and thickness):
-
Effect of community phase composition (relative proportion of different functional groups) and spatial distribution on infiltration and runoff:
-
Presence and thickness of compaction layer (usually none; describe soil profile features which may be mistaken for compaction on this site):
-
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:
-
Amount of plant mortality and decadence (include which functional groups are expected to show mortality or decadence):
-
Average percent litter cover (%) and depth ( in):
-
Expected annual annual-production (this is TOTAL above-ground annual-production, not just forage annual-production):
-
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:
-
Perennial plant reproductive capability:
Print Options
Sections
Font
AAAAOther
PrintThe Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
Accessibility statement
