Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Major Land Resource Area 028A
Major Land Resource Area
Accessed: 04/21/2026
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Next, learn more about the selected ecological site group and its characteristic dynamics by browsing the ecological site group description and exploring alternative state and transition model formats.
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i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of deciduous tree species in areas of active disturbance on mountain slopes and valley sides. Disturbances include rockfalls, debris torrents, and avalanches
- Site is at an elevation of more than 3,600 feet above sea level. The vegetation is primarily Sitka alder, Sitka mountain ash, Sitka valerian, and vine maple. Repeated avalanches do not allow for the establishment of a forested overstory; however, seedlings of mountain hemlock, Alaska cedar, subalpine fir, and Pacific silver fir may be present. If yes, the site is Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Deciduous Forest (F003XN952WA).
Briefcase
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Ecological site groups
Major Land Resource Areas
Ecological site group photos
Tools
Filter by
interactive key
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Type
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Done
Filters
Interactive key
Additional water
Uplands
Perennial water
028AESG09 – Riparian
028AESG09 – Riparian
Ephemeral water
Subsurface EC >4
028AESG10 – Saline Bottoms
028AESG10 – Saline Bottoms
Subsurface EC <4
Sand >50% & clay <25% for surface and subsurface
028AESG13 – Sandy Bottoms
028AESG13 – Sandy Bottoms
Sand <50% or clay >25% for surface and subsurface
028AESG01 – Bottoms
028AESG01 – Bottoms
>75% bedrock outcrop
028AESG08 – Outcrops
028AESG08 – Outcrops
<75% bedrock outcrop
Surface SAR >8
028AESG11 – Saline Hills
028AESG11 – Saline Hills
Surface SAR <8
Gypsum >5% surface or >10% subsurface
028AESG06 – Gypsum
028AESG06 – Gypsum
Gypsum <5% surface and <10% subsurface
Subsurface EC >8 or surface EC >4
028AESG11 – Saline Hills
028AESG11 – Saline Hills
Subsurface EC <8 and surface EC <4
EC >1.5 surface or >2 subsurface
028AESG12 – Saline Uplands
028AESG12 – Saline Uplands
EC <1.5 surface and <2 subsurface
Slope >35% & >40% surface rock
028AESG02 – Breaks
028AESG02 – Breaks
Slope <35% or <40% surface rock
Depth <30cm
028AESG16 – Very Shallow
028AESG16 – Very Shallow
Depth: 30-55cm
028AESG15 – Shallow
028AESG15 – Shallow
Depth >55cm
Rock >30% surface or >30% subsurface
028AESG04 – Deep Rocky
028AESG04 – Deep Rocky
Rock <30% surface and <30% subsurface
Clay >30% surface or >35% subsurface
028AESG03 – Clay Uplands
028AESG03 – Clay Uplands
Clay <30% surface and <35% subsurface
Sand >75% or texture is loamy sand or sandier in surface & subsurface
028AESG14 – Sandy Uplands
028AESG14 – Sandy Uplands
Sand <75% or texture is sandy loam or finer in surface & subsurface
Clay <20% or texture is sandy loam or sandier in surface
028AESG07 – Loamy Uplands
028AESG07 – Loamy Uplands
Clay >20% or texture is finer than sandy loam in surface
028AESG05 – Finer Uplands
028AESG05 – Finer Uplands
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Ecological site group keys
MLRA 28A
I.
Additional water
B.
Ephemeral water
2
Subsurface EC <4
II.
Uplands
B.
<75% bedrock outcrop
2
Surface SAR <8
ii.
Gypsum <5% surface and <10% subsurface
b.
Subsurface EC <8 and surface EC <4
2)
EC <1.5 surface and <2 subsurface
b)
Slope <35% or <40% surface rock
(3)
Depth >55cm
(b)
Rock <30% surface and <30% subsurface
(2)
Clay <30% surface and <35% subsurface
(a)
Sand >75% or texture is loamy sand or sandier in surface & subsurface
... 028AESG14 – Sandy Uplands
(b)
Sand <75% or texture is sandy loam or finer in surface & subsurface
The 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.
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