HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPA1341ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY
SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
CONF\DENTlAl
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES ANNUAL REPORT 1980
SUBTASK 7.06
CULTURAL RESOURCES INVESTIGATION
MAY 1981
by
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA MUSEUM
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
and
TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALISTS, Inc.
Phoenix, New York 13135
for
ACRES AMERICAN, INCORPORATED
Liberty Bank Building, Main at Court
Buffalo, New York 14202
ANNUAL REPORT
SUB-TASK 7.06 CULTURAL RESOURCES INVESTIGATION
FOR THE SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
Prepared By
E. James Dixon Jr., Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
George S. Smith, M.A.
Project Supervisor
Robert M. Thorson, Ph.D.
Geologist
Robert C. Betts, B.A.
Archeologist
University of Alaska Museum
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SUMMARY
The University of Alaska Museum developed a five step cultural resource
pr1ogram to assist the Alaska Power Authority, Acres American, and Terres-
trial Environmental Specialists in complying with federal and state law
and regulation concerning protection of cultural and paleontological
resources for the proposed Susitna Hydroelectric Project. The program was
designed to provide information necessary to meet the requirements for the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license application. The five steps
are aimed toward: 1) locating and documenting archeological, historical,
and paleontological resources in the study area; and 2) testing and evaluating
these resources and proposing mitigation measures to avoid or lessen the
adverse impact which may result from the proposed project. Actual mitigation
is beyond the present scope of work.
In preparation for field studies, all necessary permits were obtained,
literature pertaining to the archeology, ethnology, history, geology,
paleoecology, paleontology, flora and fauna in and near the study was
reviewed, and available aerial photographs were examined. These data were
used to develop a tentative cultural chronology for the study area and
focused effort toward defining types of archeological site locales for
each culture period within defined geochronologic units. These data
coupled with paleoecological information were used to select 60 survey
locales which were surveyed in 1980. Review of paleontological literature
and prefield aerial reconnaissance of the upper Susitna River Valley
delineated areas suitable for paleontological investigations.
The methods and defined study area varied for each aspect of study, .i.e.,
archeology, geology, and paleontology. The archeological reconnaissance
implemented surface and subsurface testing within each of the preselected
survey locales in an effort to locate historic and archeologic s~tes.
Survey data was consistently recorded on Site Survey forms which enabled
systematic recording of.information for each site and survey locale.
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For each site located, regional maps, site maps, soil profiles, photographs,
and other data were recorded. All specimens collected were accessioned by
the University of Alaska Museum. Sites were given both University of
Alaska Museum accession numbers and Alaska Heritage Resources Survey
numbers.
Geological studies generated data that were used in selecting archeological
sur·vey locales. Data concerning surficial geological deposits and glacial
events of the last glaciation were compiled and provide limiting dates for
the earliest possible human occupation of the upper Susitna River Valley.
This information was collected by literature review and field studies.
Geological data collected during 1980 will be incorporated into the 1981
arc:heological program. Paleontological studies were conducted to: 1) develop
baseline paleontological data within the study area; and 2) to assess the
significance of these deposits and develop appropriate mitigation measures
for these resources. Review of relevant literature and a prefield aerial
rec:onnaissance delineated those areas that were suitable for examination.
These areas were subsequently studied and the resultant collections analyzed.
The 1980 archeological reconnaissance located and documented 1 historic
and 33 prehistoric sites. An additional 4 sites were discovered during a
br-ief survey of one of the possible access routes (corridor 3) north of
Watana base camp. The 37 sites found during the 1980 field season and
four sites previously located (Bacon 1978) total 41 sites known to occur
within the study area. It is expected that continued survey in 1981 will
loc:ate additional sites. Sites are also documented adjacent to the study
area near Stephan la.ke, Fog lakes, lakes Susitna, Tyone and Louise, and
along the Tyone River. Impact on cultural resources will vary in relation
to the type of activities that occur on or near them. Based on the present
two dam proposal (Devil Canyon and Watana), most of the sites known to
date within the study area will receive direct or indirect impact during
construction and subsequent use and operation of the facility. The impact
of transmission facilities, recreational activities, and upriver and
downriver changes in hydrology and land access and use cannot be assessed
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at this time due to the lack of information concerning the amount and type
of disturbance associated with these activities. Currently, transmission
facilities and upriver and downriver areas are not part of the cultural
resource field investigation.
Intensive testing, scheduled for 1981, is designed to collect the data on
which to base the evaluation of significance for cultural resources discovered
during 1980. Following intensive testing and completion of ancillary
studies, the effect of the Susitna Hydroelectric project on individual
sites can be determined and the appropriate mitigation measures recommended.
As an interim measure, it is recommended that non-archeological personnel
and preconstruction activities avoid documented sites until investigations
are! complete .
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The talents, work, and cooperation of many individuals have greatly
fi:tcil ita ted the execution of the field research and presentation of this
rl:!port. The high quality of the data collected during the 1980 field
season is attributable to the field crew: Mr. Lester Baxter, Mr. Robert
Betts, Ms. Martha Case, Mr. Steve Hardy, Ms. Jane Smith and Mr. Alan Ziff.
A special note of thanks to Mr. Charles J. Utermohle for the excellent job
he did as crew leader.
A special note of appreciation to Mr. Robert Betts who prepared the many
fine graphics in this report, as well as initial preparation of individual
site reports, and to Steve Hardy who conducted the paleontology studies
and prepared that section of the report. Ms. Martha Johnson and Mr. Dixon
Sims also prepared graphics and Mr. Barry McWayne photographed the artifacts
and maps.
We would like to express our appreciation to the helicopter pilots whose
high standards of safety and their concern for the well-being of field
personnel enabled the safe completion of field work. Ms. Onnalie Logsdon
provided much assistance in scheduling the helicopter logistics.
A note of thanks is due the following individuals and organizations for the
valuable assistance they provided: Mr. C. Eugene West, Drs. Carol Allison
a,nd Mickey Payne, Alaska Power Authority, Acres American, Terrestrial
Environmental Specialists, the crew at Watana Base Camp, Talkeetna Air
Service, Mrs. Miriam Banker who provided a wide array of support services,
and Ms. Justice C. Higgins who typed the report.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF TABLES
1 -INTRODUCTION ----------------------------------------------------1
2
1.1 -Overall Objectives of the Program------------------------4
1.2 -Specific Objectives of the First Year --------------------5
1.2.1 -Archeology ----------------~----------------------------5 1.2.1.1 -Preparation for Field Studies, Step 1 ----------------5
1.2.1.2 -Reconnaissance Level Survey, Step 2 ------------------6
1.2.1.3 -Analysis and Report Preparation, Step 3 --------------7
1.2.1.4 -Curation of Cultural and Paleontological
Materials, Step 5 ------------------------------------7 1.2.2 -Geology------------------------------------------------7
1.2.3 -Paleontology-------------------------------------------8
-METHODOLOGY -----------------------------------------------------9
2.1 -The Study Area -------------------------------------------9 2.1.1 -Archeology---------------------------------------------9
2.1.2 -Geology------------------------------------------------11
2.1.3 -Paleontology -------------------------------------------11
2.2 -Methods, Archeology --------------------------------------11 2.2.1 -Application of Data Base-------------------------------12
2.2.1.1 -Cultural Chronology----------------------------------12
2.2.1.2 -Geological Data --------------------------------------18
2.2.2 -Research Strategy --------------------------------------19 2.2.3 -Data Collection Procedures-----------------------------24
2.3 -Methods, Geology -----------------------------------------27
2.3.1 -Literature Review --------------------------------------27
2.3.2 -Reconnaissance Air-Photo Mapping -----------------------27
2.3.3 -Field Study--------------------------------------------27
2.3.3.1 -Aerial Reconnaissance --------------------------------28
2.3.3.2 -Stratigraphic Reconnaissance -------------------------28
2.3.3.3 -Archeologic Sites ------------------------------------29
2.3.3.4 -Geomorphic Reconnaissance ----------------------------29
2.3.4 -Revised Gee-Archeological Terrain Unit Mapping ---------29
2.~.5 -Data Organization and Compilation ----------------------30
2.3.6 -Investigation and Dating of Samples --------------------30
2.4 -Methods, Paleontology ------------------------------------30
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3 -RESULTS AND DISCUSSION OF BASELINE STUDIES--------------------------33
3.1 -Introduction -------------------------------------------------33
3.2 -Archeology ---------------------------------------------------33
3.2.1 -Archeological Site Reports ---------------------------------34
3.2.1.1 -UA80-68 (TLM 021) ----------------------------------------38
3.2.1.2 -UA80-69 (TLM 022) ----------------------------------------47
3.2.1.3 -UA80-70 {TLM 023) ----------------------------------------51
3.2.1.4 -UA80-71 {TLM 024} ----------------------------------------55
3.2.1.5 -UA80-72 {TLM 025) ----------------------------------------59
3.2.1.6 -UA80-73 (TLM 026) ----------------------------------------63
3.2.1.7 -UA80-74 {TLM 027) ----------------------------------------67
3.2.1.8 -UA80-75 {TLM 028) ----------------------------------------72
3.2.1.9 -UA80-76 (TLM 029) ----------------------------------------76
3.2.1.10-UA80-77 {TLM 030) ----------------------------------------81
3.2.1.11 -UA80-78 (TLM 031) ----------------------------------------88
3.2.1.12 -UA80-79 (TLM 032) ----------------------------------------92
3.2.1.13 -UA80-80 (TLM 033) -------------~--------------------------97
3.2.1.14 -UA80-141 (TLM 034) ---------------------------------------101
3.2.1.15 -UA80-142 (TLM 035) ---------------------------------------105
3.2.1.16 -UA80-143 (TLM 036) ---------------------------------------109
3.2.1.17 -UA80-144 (TLM 037) ---------------------------------------113
3.2.1.18 -UA80-145 (TLM 038) ---------------------------------------116
3.2.1.19 -UA80-146 (TLM 039) ---------------------------------------123
3.2.1.20-UA80-147 (TLM 040) ---------------------------------------128
3.2.1.21 -UA80-148 (TLM 041) ---------------------------------------133
3.2.1.22-UA80-149 (TLM 042) ---------------------------------------136
3.2.1.23 -UA80-150 (TLM 043) ---------------------------------------145
3.2.1.24-UA80-151 -(TLM 044) ---------------------------------------149
3.2.1.25-UA80-152 (TLM 045) ---------------------------------------155
3.2.1.26 -UA80-153 (TLM 046) ---------------------------------------163
3.2.1.27-UA80-154 (TLM 047) ---------------------------------------169
3.2.1.28 -UA80-155 (TLM 048) ---------------------------------------173
3.2.1.29 -UA80-156 (TLM 049) ---------------------------------------177
3.2.1.30 -UA80-157 (TLM 050) ---------------------------------------182
3.2.1.31 -UA80-158 (TLM 051) ---------------------------------------188
3.2.1.32 -UA80~159 {TLM 052) ---------------------------------------192
3.2.1.33-UA80-160 {TLM 053) ---------------------------------------197
3.2.1.34 -UA80-252 (TLM 054) ---------------------------------------202
3.2.1.35 -UA80-253 {TLM 055) -~-------------------------------------202
3.2.1.36 -UA80-254 {TLM 056) ---------------------------------------203
3.2.1.37 -UA80-255 (TLM 057) ---------------------------------------203
3.2.1.38-UA78-66 (TLM 016) ----------------------------------------205
3.2.1.39 -UA78-67 (TLM 017) ----------------------------------------208
3.2.1.40-UA78-60 (TLM 018) ----------------------------------------212
3.2.1.41 -UA78-65 (TLM 015) ----------------------------------------217
3.2.2 -Watana Runway Survey ---------------------------------------228
3.3 -Geology ------------------------------------------------------230
3.3.1 -Gee-Archeological Terrain Unit Mapping ---------------------230
3.3.2 -Stratigraphic Framework ------------------------------------233
3.3.3 -Preliminary Glacial-Geomorphic Mapping ---------------------242
3.3.4 -Fossil Mammoth Discovery -----------------------------------245
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3.3.5 -Holocene Volcanic Tephra -------------------------------246
3.3.6 -Summary of Geologic History ----------------------------246
3.4 -Paleontology ---------------------------------------------248
3.4.1 -Section and Unit Description ---------------------------248
3.4.2 -Present and Future Studies -----------------------------249
3.4.3 -Interpretation -----------------------------------------250
4 -IMPACT ASSESSMENT -----------------------------------------------258
4.1 -Introduction ---------------------------------------------258
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4.2 -Construction ---------------------------------------------258
4.2.1 -Dam Construction ---------------------------------------258 4.2.1.1 -Primary Impact---------------------------------------258
4.2.1.1.1 -Devil Canyon Dam -----------------------------------259
4.2.1.1.2 -Watana Dam -----------------------------------------259 4.2.1.2 -Secondary Impact-------------------------------------259
4.2.2 -Access Route -------------------------------------------259 4.2.3 -Transmission Facilities--------------------------------260
4.3 -Operation Impact -----------------------------------------260
4.3.1 -Reservoirs ---------------------------------------------260
4.3.1.1 -Direct Impact Areas ----------------------------------260
4.3.1.1.1 -Devil Canyon Dam -----------------------------------260
4.3.1.1.2 -Watana Dam -----------------------------------------261
4.3.1.2 -Indirect Impact Areas --------------------------------261
4.3.2 -Recreational Impact ------------------------------------261
4.3.3 -Downriver and Upriver Impact ---------------------------262
4.3.4 -Impact on Paleontological Resources --------------------262
-MITIGATION ------------------------------------------------------263
-REFERENCES ------------------------------------------------------266
-AUTHORITIES CONTACTED -------------------------------------------277
APPENDIX A
1 -LITERATURE REVIEW--ARCHEOLOGY, ETHNOLOGY, AND HISTORY------------279
1.1 -Previous Archeological Research ---------------------------279
1.2 -Regional Prehistory ---------------------------------------280
1.2.1 -Central Alaska Range ------------------------------------281
1.2.1.1 -Dry Creek ---------------------------------------------281
1.2.1.2 -Carlo Creek -------------------------------------------282
1.2.1.3 -Teklanika Sites ---------------------------------------282
1.2.1.4 -Nenana River Gorge Site -------------------------------283
1.2.2 -Tanana Valley-------------------------------------------284
1.2.2.1 -Lake Minchumina ---------------------------------------284
1.2.2.2 -Campus Site -------------------------------------------285
1.2.2.3 -Healy Lake --------------------------------------------285
1.2.2.4 -Dixthada ----------------------------------------------285
1.2.2.5 -Donnelly Ridge ----------------------------------------286
1.2.2.6 -Ft. Wainwright ----------------------------------------287
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1.2.3 -Denali Highway Area ------------------------------------288
1.2.3.1 -Tangle Lakes -----------------------------------------288
1.2.3.2 -Ratekin Site -----------------------------------------288 1.2.4 -Talkeetna Mountains -Long Lake------------------------289
1.2.5 -Copper River Valley------------------------------------289
1.2.6 -Cook Inlet ---------------------------------------------290 1.2.6.1 -Beluga Point-----------------------------------------290
1.2.6.2 -Kachemak Bay Sequence --------------------------------291
2 -ETHNOGRAPHIC INFORMATION ----------------------------------------293
3 -HISTORY ---------------------------------------------------------296
APPENDIX B
1 -LITERATURE REVIEW--GEOLOGY --------------------------------------300 1.1 -Glacial-Climatic History---------------------------------300
1.2 -Late Wisconsinan Time ------------------------------------301
1.2.1 -Initiation ---------------------------------------------301
1.2.2 -Termination --------------------------------------------301
1.2.3 -Maximum Extent of Ice ----------------------------------302
1.2.4 -Rates of Deglaciation ----------------------------------303
1.3 -Holocene Time --------------------------------------------304
1.3.1 -Early Holocene Readvance -------------------------------304
1.3.2 -Hypsithermal -------------------------------------------305
1.3.3 -Neoglaciation ------------------------------------------306
1.3.4 -Little Ice_Age -----------------------------------------307 1.4 -Inferred Regional Chronology of the Susitna Valley-------307
APPENDix·c-DESCRIPTIONS FOR GEO-ARCHEOLOGICAL TERRAIN UNITS IN
MIDDLE SUSITNA RIVER VALLEY -----------------------------309
APPENDIX D -FORMS ---------------------------------------------------313
APPENDIX E -MAPS OF SrTE LOCATIONS AND SURVEY LOCALES ---------------327
{Confidential Information, Figures 99-183, bound separately)
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Location of the Susitna Hydroelectric 2
Project. , •.
Figure 2. Location map of Upper Susitna 3
Basin.
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Fi9ure 3. 1980 study area for cultural resources 10
and associated activities.
Fi9ure 4. Speculative cultural chronology 13
and inferred glacial, climatological,
and vegetational .regimes of the
Upper Susitna Valley.
Figure 5. Site map 80-68 (TLM 021), 43
1 ocus A.
Figure 6. Site map 80-68 (TLM 021), 44
locus B.
' Fi~Jure 7. Soil profile UAB0-68 (TLM 021), 45
\ .. locus A, test 2.
I Figure 8. Soil profile UAB0-68 (TLM 021), 46
\...: locus A, test 3.
(\ Figure 9. Site map UAB0-69 (TLM 022). 49
l . Figure 10. Soil profile UAB0-69 (TLM 022), 50
test 1.
Fi9ure 11. Site map UAB0-70 (TLM 023). 54
Fit~ure 12. Site map UAB0-71 {TLM 024). 57
Figure 13. Soil profile UAB0-71 (TLM 024), 58
test 1.
Figure 14. Site map UAB0-72 (TU1 025). 61
Figure 15. Soil profile UAB0-72 (TLM 025), 62
test 1.
Figure 16. Site map UAB0-73 {TLM 026). 65
Figure 17. Soil profile UAB0-73 {TLM 026), 66
test 9.
FigiJre 18. Site map UA80-74 (TLM 027). 70
Figure 19. Soil profile UA80-74 (TLM 027), 71 test 1.
FigiUre 20. Site map UA80-75 (TLM 028). 74
Fig1Jre 21. Soil profile UA80-75 (TLM 028), 75
test 1.
Figure 22. Site map UA80-76 (TLM 029). 79
FigiUre 23. Soil profile UA80-76 (TLM 029), 80
test 1.
Figure 24. Site map UA80-77 (TLM 030). 85
Figure 25. Soil profile UA80-77 (TLM 030), 86
test 1.
Figure 26. Soil profile UA80-77 (TLM 030), 87
test 4.
; Figure 27. Site map UA80-78 (TLM 031). 90
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Figure 28. Soil profile UA80-78 (TLM 031), 91
test 1.
Figure 29. Site map UA80-79 (TLM fr32). 95 c-.
Figure 30. Soil profile UA80-79 (TU1 032), 96
test 1.
Figure 31. Site map UA80-80 (TLM 033). 99
Figure 32. Soil profile UA80-80 (TLM 033), 100
test 1.
Figure 33. Site map UA80-141 (TLM 034). 103
Figure 34. Soil profile UA80-141 (TLM 034), 104
test 1.
Figure 35. Site map UA80-142 (TLM 035). 107
Figure 36. Soil profile UA80-142 (TLM 035), 108
probe 3A.
'l. Figure 37. Site map UA80-143 (TLM 036). 111
Figure 38. Soil profiles UA80-143 (TLM 036), 112
test 1 and UA80-144 (TLM 037),
test 1.
/
Figure 39. Site map UAS0-144 (TLM 037). 115
Figure 40. Site map UAS0-145 (TLM 038). 121
Figure 41. Soil profile UAS0-145 (TLM 038), 122
test 1.
Figure 42. Site map UA80-146 (TLM 039). 126
Figure 43. Soil profile UA80-146 (TLM 039), 127
test 1.
Figure 44. Site map UA80-147 (TLM' 040). 131
Figure 45. So i1 prof i 1 e UA80-14 7 (TLM 040) , 132
test 1.
Figure 46. Site map UA80-148 (TLM 041). 135
( . Figure 47. Site map UA80-149 (TLM 042), 1 ocus A. 141
Figure 48. Site map UA80-149 (TLM 042), 142
locus B.
Figure 49. Soil profile UA80-149 (TLM 042), 143
1 ocus A, test 1.
! ·,
' ! Figure 50. Soil profile UA80-149 (TLM 042), 144 L .. locus B, test 1.
r-Figure 51. Site map UA80-150 (TLM 043). 147
Figure 52. Soil profile UA80-150 (TLM 043), test 1. 148
Figure 53. Site map UA80-151 (TLM 044). 153
Figure 54. Soil profile UA80-151 (TLM 044), 154
scatter 1, test 1.
Figure 55. Site map UA80-152 (TLM 045), 160
1 ocus A.
Figure 56. Site map UA80-152 (TLM 045), 161
locus B.
Figure 57. Soil profile UA80-152 (TLM 045), 162
1 ocus A, test 1.
Figure 58. Site map UA80-153 (TLM 046). 167
Figure 59. Soil profile UA80-153 (TLM 046), 168
scatter 1, test 2.
Figure 60. Site map UA80-154 (TLM 047). 171
Figure 61. Soil profile UA80-154 (TLM 047), 172
test 2.
Figure 62. Site map UA80-155 (TLM 048). 175
Figure 63. Soil profile UA80-155 (TLM 048), 176
test 1.
Figure 64. Site map UA80-156 (TLM 049). 180
Figure 65. Soil profile UA80-156 (TLM 049), 181
test 1.
Figure 66. Site map UA80-157 (TLM 050). 186
Figure 67. Soil profile UA80-157 (TLM 050), 187
test 1.
Figure 68. Site map UA80-158 (TLM 051). 190
Figure 69. Soil profile UA80-158 (TLM 051), 191
' ' test 1. i
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Figure 70. Site map UA80-159 (TLM 052). 195
Figure 71. Soil profile UA80-159 (TLM 052), locus A, 196
test 1.
Figure 72. Site map UA80-160 (TLM 053), 200
1 ocus A.
Figure 73. Soil profile UA80-160 (TLM 053), 201
1 ocus A, test 1.
Figure 74. Site map UA78-66 (TLM 016). 211
Figure 75. Site map UA78-67 (TL~1 017). 215
Figure 76. Soil profile UA78-67 (TLM 017), 216
test 1.
Figure 77. Site map UA78-60 (TLM 018). 220
Figrure 78. Artifacts from site UA80-74 (TLM 027). 223
Figure 79.
Figure 80.
Figure 81.
Figure 82.
Figure 83.
Figure 84.
Figure 85.
Figure 86.
Figure 87.
Figure 88.
Figure 89.
Figure 90.
Figure 91.
Figure 92.
FiguJ~e 93.
Figure 94.
Figure 95.
Figure 96.
Figure 97.
Artifacts from sites UA80-73 (TLM 026),
UA80-68 (TLM 021), and UA80-72 (TLM 025)!
Artifacts from site UA80-77 (TLM 030).
Artifacts from sites UA80-78 (TLM 031),
UA80-79 (TLM 032), UA80-80 (TLM 033),
and UA80-143 (TLM 036).
Artifact from site UA80-79 (TLM 032).
Artifacts from sites UA80-146 (TLM 039),
UA80-147 (TLM 040), and UA80-149 (TLM 042).
Artifacts from sites UA80-151
(TLM 044) and UA80-152 (TLM 045).
Artifacts from sites UA80-153
(TLM 046), UA80-154 (TLM 047),
UA80-155 (TLM 048), and UA80-159 (TLM 052).
Artifacts from site UA80-160 (TLM 053).
Mammoth (?) bone from near mouth of
Tyone River.
Surface reconnaissance and surface
testing at the proposed Watana airstrip.
Generalized stratigraphic section of
Tyone Bluff.
Generalized stratigraphic section of
Thaw Bluff.
Generalized stratigraphic section of
Oshetna-mouth Bluff.
Generalized stratigraphic section of
Earthflow Bluff.
Location of outcrops.
Outcrop 11-1.
Outcrops 61-1, 67-1.
Outcrop 29-2.
Outcrop 29-1.
223
224
224
225
225
226
226
227
227
229
237
239
241
243
251
252
253
254
255
,
Figure 98. Suggested correlations with Cook
Inlet region and Nenana coalfield
(after Wolf and Tanai, 1980, Figures
6, page 9).
Figures 99 -183 are included in Appendix E. Due to the confidential
nature of this information Appendix E will not receive wide
distribution,see page 327 for explanation.
256
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LIST OF FIGURES -APPENDIX E
Figure 99.
Figure 100.
Figure 101.
Fi!~ure 102.
Figure 103.
Figure 104.
Figure 105.
Figure 106.
Figure 107.
F i ~~u re 108.
Fi!3ure 109.
Figure 110.
Figure 111.
Location of survey locales,
Talkeetna Mountains D-5.
Location of survey·locales and
archeological sites, Talkeetna r1ts. D-4.
I Location of survey locales and
archeological sites, Talkeetna
Mts. D-3.
Location of survey locales,
Talkeetna Mts. D-2.
Location of survey locales,
Talkeetna Mts. C-2.
Location of survey locales and
archeological sites, Talkeetna Mts. C-1.
Location of sites UAB0-252 (TLM 054),
UAB0-253 (TLM 055), UA80-254 (TLM 056),
and UAB0-255 (TLM 057).
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface
testing in survey locale 1.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface
testing in survey locale 2.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface
testing in survey locale 4.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface
testirrg in survey locale 4a.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface
testing in survey locale 5.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface
testing in survey locale 6.
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
Figure 112. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 341
testing in survey locale 8.
Figure 113. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 342
testing in survey locale 9.
Figure 114. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 343
testing in survey locale 10.
Figure 115. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 344
testing in survey locale 11.
Figure 116. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 345
testing in survey locale 12.
Figure 117. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 346
testing in survey locale 13.
Figure 118. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 347
l-testing in survey locale 14.
[, Figure 119. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 348
testing in survey locale 15.
Fi~Jure 120. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 349
testing in survey locale 16.
Figure 121. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 350
testing in survey locale 17.
Figure 122. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 351
testing in survey locale 18.
Figure 123. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 352
testing in survey locale 19.
Figure 124. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 353
testing in survey locale 20.
Figure 125. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 354
testing in survey locale 20a.
Figure 126. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 355
testing in survey locale 21.
Figure 127. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 356
testing in survey locale 22.
Figure 128. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 357
testing in survey locale 23.
Figure 129. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 358
testing in survey locale 24.
Fi,gure 130. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 359
testing in survey locale 25.
Figure 131. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 360
testing in survey locale 26.
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L Figure 132. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 361
testing in survey locale 27.
'
Figure 133. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 362
testing in survey locale 28.
Fi!JUre 134. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 363
testing in survey locale 29.
Figure 135. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 364
testing in survey locale 29a.
Figure 136. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 365
testing in survey locale 30.
Figure 137. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 366
testing in survey locale 30.
Figure 138. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 367
testing in survey locale 30.
F·igure 139. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 368
testing in survey locale 31.
F'igure 140. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 369
testing in survey locale 31. ..
Figure 141. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 370
testing in survey locale 31a.
Figure 142. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 371
testing in survey locale 32.
Figure 143. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 372
testing in survey locale 33.
Fiigure 144. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 373
testing in survey locale 34.
Figure 145. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 374
testing in survey locale 35.
Figure 146. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface . 375
testing in survey locale 36.
I Figure 147. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 376 ,_ ...
testing in survey locale 37.
[ Figure 148. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 377
testing in survey locale 38.
r· Figure 149. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 378
testing in survey locale 39.
Figure 150. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 379
testing in survey locale 40.
Figure 151. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 380
testing in survey locale 41.
Figure 152. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 381
testing in survey locale 41a.
Figure 153. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 382
testing in survey locale 43.
Figure 154. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 383
testing in survey locale 44.
Figure 155. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 384
testing in survey locale 44.
Figure 156. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 385
testing in survey locale 45.
Figure 157. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 386
testing in survey locale 45.
Figure 158. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 387
testing in survey locales 46 and 47.
Figure 159. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 388
testing in survey locale 48.
Figure 160. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 389
testing in survey locale 49.
Figure 161. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 390
testing in survey locale 50.
Figure 162. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 391
testing in survey locale 51.
F'igure 163. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 392
testing in survey locale 51.
F·igure 164. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 393
r'. testing in survey locale 52.
L Figure 165. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 394
c·· testing in survey locale 53.
Figure 166. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 395
testing in survey locale 54.
Figure 167. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 396
testing in survey locale 55.
Figure 168. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 397
testing in Borrow A.
Figure 169. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 398
testing in Borrow B.
Figure 170. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 399
testing in Borrow D.
Figure 171. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 400
testing in Borrow D.
Figure 172. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 401
testing in Borrow E.
Fi~~ure 173. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 402
testing in Borrow E.
Fi~~ure 174. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 403
testing in Borrow F.
Figure 175. Surface reconnaissance and subsurface 404
testing in Borrow G.
Figure 176. Site UA80-68 (TLM 021). 405
Fi1gure 177. Site UA80-72 (TLM 025). 406
Figure 178. Site UA80-75 (TLM 028). 407
Figure 179. Site UA80-148 (TLM 041). 408
Figure 180. Site UA78-65 (TLM 015). 409
Figure 181. Site UA78-66 (TLM 016). 410
Fi,gure 182. Site UA78-67 (TLM 017). 411
L Figure 183. Site UA78-60 (TLM 018). 412
[
4-
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Radiocarbon Dates Pertaining to
Regional Stratigraphy-Upper
Sus i tna Va 11 ey. ·
235
1 -INTRODUCTION
This document is an annual report which presents results of the first year
of a two year cultural resource research program designed to locate,
document, evaluate and provide recommendations for mitigation of cultural
ancl paleontological resources within the project area. This program is
designed to provide information necessary to meet the requirements for the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license application. This study is
purely a pre-construction analysis of the cultural and paleontological
resources which may be adversely effected by the proposed project, and is
not intended to mitigate potential damage or destruction to these resources.
Mitigation must await the decision of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
wh'ich will decide whether a license will be issued to authorize construction.
Bec:ause this report is based on a program which is less than half complete,
interpretation of data generated as a result of the research design and
field testing conducted to date would be premature. Therefore, data are
presented in descriptive format. Continued analysis of data collected
du1·ing the 1980 field season and intensive testing scheduled for 1981 will
cel'·tainly provide additional data upon which interpretative statements can
be based.
The Susitna Hydroelectric Project, approximately 120 miles north of Anchorage
(Figure 1) on the upper Susitna River {Figure 2), is a federally licensed
and State funded project. Federal law and regulati-on require that cultural
resources, and paleontological resources in an archeological context must
be documented in connection with any federally funded or licensed project
if there is a chance that those resources may be adversely effected.
Consequently, it is mandated by law that archeological, historical and
paleontological resources be identified and evaluated and the mitigation
measures to reduce or avoid adverse effect be developed for the proposed
Susitna Hydroelectric Project. In order to assist the -Alaska Power
Authority, Acres American, and Terrestrial Environmental Specialists, Inc.
1
'·
I
0
(')
Ql
rt .... CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES
0 ::s
0
-+t
3,022,387 SQUARE MILES ~
(/1
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VI \ ..... ,
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SCALE 1: 7,500,000
0 100 300 500
STATUTE MILES
UPPER SUSITNA BASIN
LOCATION MAP
Figure 2.
Location map of Upper Susitna Basin.
3
SCALE
l
l '
in complying with these laws and regulations, and to meet the criterion
for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license application, the
University of Alaska Museum developed a five step program to document,
evaluate, and recommend mitigation measures for these resources. These
steps include:
(a) Preparation for field studies 1980, 1981.
(b) Reconnaissance level archeological and paleontological survey,
1980, 1981.
(c) Intensive testing of archeological and historical sites,
1981.
(d) Anal'ysis and report preparation 1980, 1981.
(e) Curation of cultural and paleontological materials 1980, 1981.
1.1 -Overall Objectives of the Program
The five steps outlined above are aimed at fulfilling the two objectives
of the project :
(a) Identification of archeological, historical, and paleontological
resources in the defined study area (see Methodology section for
definition of study area}. This process was implemented during the
1980 field season and will continue through the 1981 field season.
(b) Testing and evaluation of these resources in order to evaluate
significance and make recommendations for mitigating potential adverse
effects that preconstruction studies, dam construction, and/or dam
operation may have on them. Intensive testing will begin in 1981.
4
1.2 -Specific Objectives of the First Year
1.2.1 -Archeology
1.2.1.1 -Preparation for Field Studies--Step 1
Prior to implementing the 1980 field program it was necessary to
complete the following tasks:
(a) Federal and state archeological permits were applied for and
received (Federal Permit #80AK-023, State Permit #80-1).
(b) Literature pertaining to the archeology, ethnology, history,
geology, paleontology, flora and fauna of the study area as well
as adjacent regions was reviewed prior to preparing the ·Procedures
Manual/Research Design submitted to T.E.S. in the spring of
1980.
(c) Archeological, ethnological and historical data were synthesized
into a regional and local chronology (Figure 4, Chapter 2) in an
effort to predict the types and ages of sites that could be
expected to occur within the study area. In addition to cultural
data, geological data concerning the last glaciation were also
examined in order to establish limiting dates for human occupation
of specific areas within the upper Susitna River basin. Objectives
of the geology portion of the cultural resource studies are
discussed in this section. Results of the 1980 field season
indicate that prefield season projections of site locations, and
temporal placement provided reliable estimates of what has been
subsequently documented by field studies.
(d) Aerial photog·raphs of the study area were examined, the inter-
pretation of which focused on identifying probable, areas containing
cultural resources as well as supplementing geological data.
5
I L .....
(e) All previously recorded cultural resources were plotted on
1:63,360 USGS maps in order to document the location of sites
within and adjacent to the study area.
1.2.1.2 -Reconnaissance Level Archeological Survey
The purpose of this step is to identify, locate and inventory archeo-
logical and historical sites within the study area. These sites will
be subject to more intensive study during the 1981 field season.
Because it is not the intent of a reconnaissance level survey to
examine 100 percent of an area, data synthesized and generated about
the study area were used to select 60 survey locales for testing
during the 1980 field season. Maps of each survey locale can be
found in Appendix E.
Between June 1 and August 31, 1980 sixty survey locales were examined
using surface and subsurface testing procedures. In addition testing
and reconnaissance was conducted as needed at boreholes, auger holes,
borrow areas, helicopter landing zones, the proposed Watana airstrip
and along seismic lines by various subcontractors on the project. In
early September, after the close of the field season, an additional
brief limited reconnaissance was conducted along the proposed route
of the access road from the Watana base camp to the Denali Highway
(Corridor 3).
The reconnaissance level survey resulted in the location and documen-
tation of 33 sites which are discussed in Chapter 3. In addition,
four other sites were located during the brief survey of the Denali
Highway access route, bringing the total to 37 sites. These sites
plus four sites located during a 1978 survey (Bacon 1978b) document a
total of 41 sites within the study area to date. Other sites are
located in close proximity to the study area and include those on
Stephan Lake, Fog Lakes, Lakes Susitna, Louise and Tyone, and the
Tyone River. However, at present, it appears that these sites may
not be adversely affected by the project.
6
' . -. -.
j
L
1.2.1.3-Analysis and Report Preparation--Step 4
This step is an integral part of each step of the project. It entails
compilation of the individual reports for the other steps of the
project as well as synthesizes all data recovered and makes recom-
mendations for mitigating adverse effects on cultural and paleon-
tological resources when sufficient data is available to make
, ecommendations.
The analysis of cultural material, and geological and paleontological
data from the 1980 field season was conducted between July 1980 and
January 1981. A portion of these data were presented in the first
semi-annual report submitted to T.E.S. in August 1980. These data
and data gathered and analyzed since the semi-annual report are
included in this report.
1.2.1.4-Curation of Cultural and Paleonto.logical Materials--Step 5
Recording of recovered artifactual material and associated contextual
data will be an ongoing program throughout the duration of and after
the project. As specified by the Federal Antiquity Permit obtained
for this project, materials and supporting documentation must be
stored and maintained in a suitable repository. In this case the
repository is the University of Alaska Museum.
Artifacts and paleontological specimens recovered during the 1980
field season have been accessioned into their appropriate collections
at the University of Alaska Museum in accordance with state and
federal requirements pertinent to the preservation of antiquities.
1.2.2 -Geology
In order to accomplish the archeological objectives it was necessary
to conduct geological studies to generate baseline data on the surficial
geological deposits and glacial events in the study area which provided
7
one of several criteria subsequently applied to the selection of
survey locales during 1980 and 1981. Additionally, geological studies
provide limiting dates for the earliest possible human occupation of
specific areas within the region.
1.2.3 -Paleontology
In connection with cultural resource studies it was necessary to
develop baseline paleontological data aimed at defining the type and
range of paleontological specimens that could possibly occur within
the study area and to assess the significance of these deposits in
order to develop appropriate mitigation measures for these resources.
The results of archeological, geological and paleontological studies
conducted during the 1980 field season are discussed in Chapter 3.
These data are presently being used to refine the survey design for
the 1981 field season.
8
-
2 ·· METHODOLOGY
The methods used for the archeology portion of this project and its two
related subsections, geology and paleontology (as they relate to cultural
resources}, varied. Study area size and individual methods are discussed
be"low.
2.1 -The Study Area
2.1.1 -Archeology
The study area delineated for cultural resource studies includes both
direct and indirect impact areas. Direct impact is the immediately
demonstrable effect of a land modification project on the resource
base. Indirect impact relates to adverse effects that are secondary
but clearly brought out by the land modification project.
Direct impact areas include the proposed reservoirs of the Devil
Canyon and Watana dams, proposed dam construction sites and associated
facilities, proposed borrow areas, access corridors, and any other
areas subject to subsurface disturbance during preconstruction,
construction, or operation of the Susitna Hydroelectric project.
Indirect impact areas are those outside the above areas but none the
less affected by the project due to such activities as increased
access to remote areas afforded by roads into the project area,
downcutting and erosion caused by changes in stream and river flow
resulting from fluctuation of water levels of the reservoir, and
areas selected for recreational development to be defined by planning
studies presently underway.
During 1980, the cultural resource study area was defined as those
lands within approximately 3 km of the Susitna River from just below
Devil Canyon to the mouth of the Tyone River (Figure 3). Also included,
9
1.0
00
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rt
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VICINITY MAP
0 8 16 24 -' --0 5 lO 15 20M I
Impoundment Limit r<1
Archeology Study Area ~
Outside Impoundment Limit l_'J
Paleontology Study Area f~J
Pleistocene Geology/
Paleontology Study Area ---
DENALI HIGHWAy
0
.-..
,_
as requested, was one of the possible access corridors (Corridor 3)
from the Watana camp north to the Denali Highway, an area approximately
2 km wide (Figure 3).
This area was briefly examined during a four hour helicopter reconnais-
sance conducted after the 1980 field season. Areas outside the
defined study area were examined when it was necessary to obtain data
essential to the cultural resource study.
The study area is not static. It has, and will continue to, changed
in response to modifications in the engineering of the hydroelectric
project, as well as to new data provided by ongoing studies associated
with the overall project, such as land use analysis and recreation
planning.
2.1.2 -Geology
The study area for geological studies supporting cultural resource
analysis is approximately 16 km wide on each side of the Susitna
River extending from the Portage Creek area to the mouth of the
Maclaren River (Figure 3). When necessary, contiguous areas were
examined.
2.1.3 -Paleontology
The study area for paleontological studies is confined to the Watana
Creek vicinity. This locale was selected because it was the only
area identified within the entire Susitna basin that provided suitable
large deposits for pre-Pleistocene paleontological studies {Figure 3).
2.2 -Methods, Archeology
In preparation for field studies, a research design based on current data
was developed {see Procedures Manual, Archeology 7.06). The research
11
design integrated the current data (Appendices A, B, C) into a cultural
chronological framework, and developed a research strategy that is structured
to predict archeological site locations in relation to physical and topographic
features within the limits of contemporary archeological method and theory.
Based on the delineated cultural chronology, documented site locales for
each culture period, geological evaluation, and paleoecological data of
the project area, 60 survey locales (Figures 106 through 167) were identified
as exhibiting relatively high potential for archeological site occurrence.
These locales were subject to preliminary examination for cultural resources
representing various periods of Alaska prehistory. The data used in
selecting the survey locales are presented below.
2.2.1 -Application of Data Base
2.2.1.1 -Cultural Chronology
A tentative cultural chronology was constructed utilizing archeological
data from known sites in or adjacent to the study area. Archeological
sites of several cultural periods spanning the past ca. 10,000 years
and several cultural/historical periods are known (Figure 4). These
data assisted in selecting survey locales for the 1980 field season.
Archeological sites which may occur in the upper Susitna region are
not expected to exceed 9,000 B.C. in age, based on the sequence of
deglaciation that occurred in the area. The earliest sites that are
expected in the study area are those representing the American Paleo-
arctic Tradition, specifically the Denali Complex for which West
(1975) ascribes a date of ca. 10,000 B.C. to 4,500 B.C. This distinc-
tive and long lasting stone tool industry is characterized by
wedge-shaped microblade cores, microblades, core tablets, bifacial
knives, burins, burin spalls and end scrapers. Incorporation of
Denali into the American Paleoarctic Tradition follows Dumond (1977)
who suggests that the Denali Complex is a regional variant of the
American Paleoarctic Tradition as defined by Anderson (1968a). The
Denali Complex has been dated to between 8,600 B.C. to 4,000 B.C. in
1t.
I
L '
Time Cultural Chronology Glaciation Climate Vegetation
~ I i I 1850 I
I I I I I I ' ' I I I 1500 ? ? ? ? I
I I I I z ? I I I I ~ I Modern 1000 Vl ' .... :0:! I Vegetation I -z ?~? I 500 A.D. ...1 0 I I < -I 1-I I I z 1-1.0::1 ' ? ..... 0 ' 0 Q Minor oscillations I I < ..... "' of valley glaciers Cooler Shrub 1-1-500 B.C. < I during Neoglacidl I tundra. I -..! ~ I ..... I I " I g time I I I I? ? I I 1,000 ? ?I 1-I I I I I I I I " I ...1 I I I I " I ..... I I ? 1,500 ' I ~ ' ? I
Vl I
2,000 I ...., I ...., -I :;;: 1-
' 2,500
....,
:z: <X I
<...>Z: •<• a::o ' ' A 3,000 <-? ? Boreal ,_
z:-I I I <XC I I I forest
3,500 ""'< Maximum glacial :Z:<X 1-,_
I I <X retraction I '0 4,000 ? ? z:
I I
I I 4,500 Possibly
I I wanner .-.I I
5,000 -' ' ' and drier ;;i? 7
Zl I 5,500 ..... ' I • Q -I 6,000 z: I s:: I 7 I ,_ I 6,500 -Possible Q < re-advance of "" va 11 ey glaciers 7 7,000 1-...., -7,500 1-....,
"" < 8,000 0 ..... ..... < 8,500 Q.. Continued
z deglaciation of < 9,000 ...., smaller valleys -"" I
u.J I Shrub 9,500 ~ I
I
I tundra I
10,000 Main valley ' I I I and lowlands ? ' I I I
10,500 7 ? ice-free ' I I A ?
I I I
11,000 I I Oscillatory I
I
glacier ' ' 11,500 retraction and Tundra
staqnation steppe
12,000
Ice ~overed I
I
? valley ca. 13,000
! I
I
' to 20,000-30,000 ' '
Figure 4,
Speculative Cultural Chronology and Inferred Glacial
Climatological and Vegetational Regimens of the Upper
Sus itna Va 11 ey.
13
... ·-
Interior Alaska. There appears to be a hiatus of Denali sites in the
Interior archeological record after 4,000 B.C.; however, several
sites in the Tanana Valley which contain elements thought to be
distinctive of the Denali Complex date to between 2,400 B.C. and A.D.
1,000. This may suggest a late persistence of this stone industry.
Sites representative of the Denali Complex are located in areas
adjacent to the study area. The oldest dated Denali Complex site in
the Alaska Range area is Component II, at the Dry Creek site which
dates to ca. 8,600 B.C. (Powers and Hamilton 1978:76).
Other sites containing the Denali Complex in surrounding regions are
Teklanika 1 and 2 near Mt. McKinley, MMK-004 at Lake Minchumina, the
Campus site, the Village site at Healy Lake, site FAI-062, the Donelly
Ridge site, several undated Denali sites on the Ft. Wainwright Reservation
in the central Tanana Valley, several sites at Tangle Lakes, two
sites near Lake Susitna and upper Cook Inlet, the Beluga Point site,
and the Long Lake site in the Talkeetna Mountains. These suggest
that the Denali peoples were extremely widespread and occupied both
inland and coastal zones. If a continuum between early and late
Denali proves to be real, a time span of over 9,000 years would exist
for Denali peoples. The available information suggests that sites
representing the Denali period exist within the study area.
The question of the late duration of the Denali Complex is not sett1ed.
Several sites in regions adjacent to the study area have yielded
materials similar to those of the Denali Complex, i.e., microblades,
microblade cores, and burins, which have late dates. These are the
Village site at Healy Lake with a date of ca. 500 A.D. (Cook 1969),
and MMK-004 at Lake Minchumina dated to ca. 800-1000 A.D. (Holmes
1978). At the Dixthada site similar material has been dated to ca.
470 B.C. Several as yet undated sites containing Denali-like material
were also located during a 1979 survey in the Tanana Valley (Dixon,
Smith, and Plaskett 1980a) and could represent late Denali occupation .
Sites potentially of late Denali age in areas near the upper Susitna
14
study area suggest that late Denali sites could also exist in the
study area. Several sites documented during the 1980 field season
may represent this period, however, further testing and evaluation is
necessary in order to support this hypothesis.
Areas surrounding the study area have produced sites representative
of the Northern Archaic Tradition as defined by Anderson (1968b) and
which date from ca. 4,500 B.C. Northern Archaic sites include Lake
Minchumina, Dry Creek, the Campus site, the Village site at Healy
Lake, several sites found at Ft. Wainwright in 1979, Tangle Lakes,
Lake Susitna, Beluga Point, and the Ratekin site. The distribution
of these sites is similar to that for the Denali Complex sites. This
tradition is characterized by notched projectile points, notched
pebbles, a variety of bifaces, end scrapers, and notched boulder
chip scrapers. It is possible that sites representing the Northern
Archaic Tradition exist within the study area. A site on Stephan
Lake dating to ca. 4000 B.C. may already document the presence of a
Northern Archaic Tradition site in the study area. Several projectile
point types indicative of this tradition were found during the 1980
field season and along with a radiocarbon date of ca. 4700 B.P.
suggests that this tradition is present in the upper Susitna Valley.
The Arctic Small Tool Tradition is characterized by assemblages
containing microblade cores, microblades, burins, burin spall artifacts,
flake knives, and bifacial end blades. This tradition is represented
by coastal and non-coastal sites, several of the latter being known
from the Alaska Interior. Dumond (1977) suggests that the Arctic
Small Tool Tradition can broadly encompass a Denbigh-Choris-Norton
continuum, and this is how the tradition is used here. One site in
the immediate study area, Lake Susitna Site 9, has been suggested as
a poss·ible Arctic Small Tool Tradition. A date of 2,200 to 1,800
B.C. has been documented for the Arctic Small Tool occupation at
Onion Portage (Anderson 1968) and may be somewhat later in the southern
interior.
15
Norton period sites, the late end of the Arctic Small Tool Tradition
continuum, first appear on the Bering Sea coast about ca. 500 B.C.
Norton does not predate 400 B.C. in the upper portion of the Naknek
drainage, and lasts to ca. 1000 A.D. around much of the Bering Sea
area (Dumond 1977:106-108). Shortly after its appearance {ca. 500
B.C.) Norton may be represented in Interior Alaska archeological
sites. This is suggested by artifacts from Lake Minchumina, TLM-018,
in the upper Susitna Basin, and the Beluga Point site in upper Cook
Inlet.
It should also be noted that Norton period sites in the Bristol Bay
region tend to occur well up major salmon streams, presumably exploiting
this rich resource (Dumond 1977:113). Inland Norton period sites
demonstrate the importance of caribou in the Norton subsistence
strategy {Dumond 1977:113). The Beluga Point site in upper Cook
Inlet may respresent the maritime portion of the Norton subsistence
cycle. Norton populations employed a subsistence pattern that included
the seasonal exploitation of both coastal resources {sea mammals,
shell fish, and fish) and interior resources (caribou, moose, salmon,
etc.}. This shift in subsistence strategy may have been a response
to climatic amelioration which occurred after 1000 B.C. and preceded
the "Little Ice Age" (ca. A.D. 1600-A.D. 1800). This change in
resource exploitation may be reflected by the occurrence of Norton
period archeological sites in the Susitna study area.
Late prehistoric Athapaskan and historic period sites have also been
documented in areas adjacent to the study area. Late prehistoric
Athapaskan sites are represented at Lake Minchumina, the upper component
at the Healy Lake Village site, the upper component at Dixthada,
several sites at Tangle Lakes, other sites on Lakes Susitna, Louise
and Tyone, a reported site on the Tyone River, and another site in
the vicinity of upper Cook Inlet. These late prehistoric Athapaskan
sites indicate widespread occupation of several regions in Alaska by
these groups. Dumond and Mace {1968) have suggested, based on archeo-
logical and historical data, that Tanaina Athapaskans may have replaced
16
the Pacific Eskimo in upper Cook Inlet sometime between 1650 A.D. and
1780 A.D. Possibly this replacement occurred somewhat earlier in the
study area.
The chronology presented here is speculative and is intended to
provide a baseline from which archeological sites of different periods
in the project area can be expected. This chronology is presently
being tested and refined using data from archeological sites located
in the study area.
In order to evaluate the significance of archeological sites located
·during survey and testing (with respect to National Register criteria),
as well as aid in the analysis of archeological materials collected,
it is necessary to explicate hypotheses which can be tested and
evaluated utilizing the project data.
A fundamental hypothesis to be examined in this study is the validity
of the cultural chronology which has been proposed. To test the
cultural chronology-each period must be examined separately against
archeological data from sites located during survey. To evaluate a
site against a proposed period in the chronology it is necessary that
the full range of artifactual material from the site, not just selected
types, and non-artifactual contexts be compared against the known
range of artifactual material from sites of the period and the attempt
made to explain the range of variability and the anomalies. This
should lead to a fuller understanding of periods involved, or the
elimination of invalid periods for the study area and possibly the
delineation of others presently unknown. The proposed cultural
chronology will be refined based on interpretation of the 1980 and
1981 field data.
17
•
2.2.1.2 -Geological Data
Geolog.ical data was reviewed, aerial photographs examined and a
preliminary data base developed which provided information on glacial
events and surficial geological deposits within and adjacent to the
study area (see Chapter 3). These data were used in conjunction with
archeological data to select survey locales for testing during the
1980 field season. Updated geologic data were incorporated into
ongoing cultural resource studies and will be applied to the 1981
field season.
During the 1980 field season aerial reconnaissance was conducted in
order to outline more specifically the distribution and range of
surface landforms and deposits as well as to examine the potential
for stratigraphic work. Stratigraphic reconnaissance was conducted
in a number of areas in order to generate data on major valley-forming
geologic events. Geological reconnaissance was conducted in order to
examine land forms specifically associated with glacial events in the
area such as, moraines, deltas, lake plains, and eskers, in order to
suggest limiting data for cultural resources in specific areas.
Based on the analysis of the above geological data, a revised geo-
archeological terrain map is presently being developed. This map is
not complete at present, but will be completed prior to the 1981
field season and assist in defining survey locales to be tested. In
addition, organic samples collected and submitted for radiocarbon
analysis were used to provide keys to stratigraphic units within the
study area, information which will be applied to site age whenever
possible. Tephra samples were also collected in order to identify
ash horizons noted in archeological sites and stratigraphic sections.
As with the geological data, this information will be used to date
cultural resources when possible.
18
2.2.2 -Research Strategy
An analysis of the data derived from the literature search focusing
on site locales has established that archeological sites occur in a
non-random pattern in relation to associated physical, topographic,
and ecological features. Based on the analysis of site locational
data from regions adjacent to the study area, the features character-
istically associated with archeological site occurrence are:
(a) Overlooks -locales of higher topographic relief than much of
the surrounding terrain. They are charcteristically well drained
and command a panoramic view of the surrounding region. It is
generally inferred that overlooks served as hunting locales
and/or possibly short term camp sites. Because these sites
occur in elevated areas, soil deposition is generally thin and
they are frequently easily discovered through subsurface testing
or examination of natural exposures. Examples of sites ascribed
to the Denali Complex which occur in this setting are the Campus
Site, Donnelly Ridge, Susitna Lake, and the Teklanika sites.
Northern Archaic Tradition sites also known to occur on overlooks
are the Campus Site, some sites in the Tangle Lakes area, Susitna
Lake, the Ratek·in Site, and a site near the Watana Dam project
area. Archeological sites ascribed to the Arctic Small Tool
Tradition frequently occur on overlooks; however, no positively
identified Arctic Small Tool sites situated on overlooks have
yet been reported from the study area or regions immediately
adjacent to it. The Nenana River Gorge site, some of the Tangle
Lakes sites, and Lake Susitna are all Athapaskan period sites
which occur on overlooks.
(b) Lake Margins -sites ascribed to all defined traditions have
been discovered on the margins of major lakes. It is generally
·· inferred that they are frequently more permanent seasonal camps
and that fishing, the exploitation of fresh water aquatic
resources and large mammal hunting were the primary economic
19
activities associated with these sites. These inferences are
primarily based on the location of these sites rather than an
analysis of faunal and artifactual material. Sites on lake
margins may exhibit greater soil deposition than overlooks
because of their lower topographic position. Sites in this
setting are frequently discovered through subsurface testing,
the observation of surface features, or through the examination
of natural exposures. Athapaskan sites on lake margins include
those at Lake Minchumina, Healy Lake, Tangle Lakes, Lake Susitna,
Lake Louise, and Lake Tyone. Archeological sites ascribed to
the Arctic Small Tool Tradition are reported to occur on lake
margins and an example is the Norton component reported at Lake
Minchumina. At Lake Minchumina, Healy Lake, Tangle Lakes,
Susitna Lake and Stephen Lake, sites which may be ascribed to
the Northern Archaic Tradition are known to occur on lake margins.
Denali Complex sites which have been found near lakes include
the Tangle Lake sites, Lake Minchumina, Healy Lake, Long Lake,
and Lake Susitna.
(c) Stream and River Margins -numerous sites have been reported
along the banks of abandoned channels of streams and rivers.
They vary from large semi-permanent seasonal camps to what
appear to be brief transient camps. Soil deposition at such
locales may be greater than either lake or overlook sites because
of the low topographic setting of streams and an active agent
(the stream or river) for soil deposition. Sites may be
discovered through the examination of natural exposures,
subsurface testing, and visual observation of cultural features.
Denali Complex sites reported along stream and river margins or
abandoned channels include Dry Creek, Carlo Creek, and the
Campus site. Northern Archaic Tradition sites found in this
type of locale are Dry Creek and the Campus site. The Merrill
site, which is ascribed to the Norton period of the Arctic Small
Tool Tradition, is a former meander of the Kenai River. Athapaskan
sites on stream and river margins include Dixthada, Dakah De'nin's
Village and the Nenana River Gorge site.
20
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It can easily be noted in the review of site locational data that
many sites have been subject to reoccupation and share more than one
of the defined physical, topographic, or ecological features charac-
teristic of archeological site locales. It would appear that there
may be a compounding effect in human utilization of a locale, if more
than one of these major variables occur, thus possibly increasing the
probability of its use and subsequent reuse. It is also recognized
that this analysis is limited because it does not address known
chronological and settlement pattern gaps in the archeological record.
Additionally, sites such as caves, rock shelters, quarry sites, etc.,
are not reported immediately adjacent to the study area, although
they may occur in the Susitna region. By focusing initial survey
efforts in these locales as well as natural exposures, it was antici-
pated that most of the archeological sites which can be easily discovered
would be found during initial stages of the project, thus providing
maximum time for evaluation and planning to insure their protection.
Thirty-seven archeological sites were located and recorded during the
1980 field season through implementation of this research strategy.
However, a problem in the delineation of the topographic, physical,
and ecological features listed above is that a variety of specific
settings are subsumed under these general categories and little
precise detail about individual sites is available. One objective of
the 1980 research strategy was to attempt to obtain more precise data
relevant to prehistoric settlement patterns and the juxtaposition of
individual sites in relation to the natural environment. Forms used
to compile this data are discussed below and presented in Appendix D.
It is anticipated that analysis of this data will increase predicta-
bility for locating archeological sites. Additionally, this examination
may permit detailed analysis of shifting subsistence patterns during
various cultural historical periods which in turn may enable correlation
of changing settlement patterns with environmental change(s).
21
Field data recording gathered detailed site specific information such
as the geomorphic feature on which sites were located, topographic
position and elevation, slope, exposure, view, stratigraphy, as well
as details about the surrounding terrain and environment. This
specific kind of information may enable an analysis of settlement
patterns in relation to ecological variables and human response to
changes in these variables through time. A Site Survey Form was
developed which outlines the specific kinds of information that field
personnel were required to record. This form is presented in the
Appendix D. Similar information was also collected at locales where
test pits did not yield cultural evidence to facilitate analysis of
areas where sites do not occur.
The research strategy developed for this project is based on a two
field season plan designed to provide feedback data throughout the
project so that new data can be used to modify, refine and further
develop the cultural resources investigation. There were three
primary objectives of the 1980 field research program. These were:
(a) Examination of areas which will be immediately affected by the
Susitna Hydropower project {proposed airstrips, borrow areas,
drilling locales, etc.};
(b) Survey and testing of the documented archeological site locales;
and
(c) An on-the-ground survey of preselected survey locales within the
study area.
The efforts of the 1981 field season will focus on:
(a} Survey of additional areas slated for construction or precon-
.~ struction disturbance;
22
(b) Rigorous testing of sites discovered during the 1980 field
season to determine spatial limits, depth of deposits, strati-
graphic placement of cultural materials, probable age and
function of sites, etc.; and
(c) The implementation of sampling procedure applied to each of the
survey areas.
Reconnaissance data from the 1980 season will be used to develop the
sampling strategy employed in the second season, and to analyze
archeological site distribution and non-site locales within the
project area. The second season's sampling and intensive testing
will provide a basis for the assessment of individual site signi-
ficance, and obtain data which will hopefully enable a specific and
thorough analysis of settlement patterns through time.
During the second field season a sampling design will be used to test
for subsurface archeological sites. ·The sampling design will be
developed for the Devil Canyon and Watana Dam construction sites and
impoundment areas, since the actual location of these have been
established. The sampling design will follow standard stratified
random sampling procedures for the defined sampling strata. The
purpose of the 1981 sampling will be to test for archeological site
occurrence in a representative number of randomly selected locales
for each strata in an attempt to obtain additional data pertinent to
prehistoric settlement patterns within different physical and
topographic settings through time. In addition to sampling during
the second season, testing will be conducted at sites located during
both seasons. Testing is necessary to evaluate these sites for
archeological significance, define the spatial and temporal limits,
and propose mitigating measures.
23
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2.2.3-Data Collection Procedures
To insure consistent data collection in the field and provide a
systenatic format for data retrieval, a Site Survey Form was used for
this project (Form 1, Appendix D). The form served as a basis for·
recording specific information on each site located during the recon-
naissance level survey as well as a basis for further intensive
testing or excavation, if necessary.
The form is organized into major categories including: site location,
environment, site description and condition, photographic records and
additional information such as a site map, and location of test pits.
Subcategories within each of these headings provide specific data on
these topics. Use of the form is discussed in the Technical Procedures
Section of the Procedure Manual. Although the form organizes a large
quantity of data, it is designed to supplement field notebooks, not
to replace them.
Daily field notes were kept by each crew member. Each page was
numbered in the upper right hand corner along with the date or dates
included on that page. Each site was noted by BOLD underlined numbers
{i.e., UAS0-23) at the beginning of the notes associated with that
site. Field notebooks for survey recorded much of the same information
found on the Site Survey Forms, such as site location, topography,
vegetation, soils, extent of site, and photographs taken. Field
notebooks for testing also recorded a detailed description of soils,
drawings stratification of soils, drawings of significant features or
artifacts jrr situ, horizontal and vertical placement of artifacts and
features excavated at the site, site maps, methods of excavation and
collection of non-archeological samples (soil, pollen, radiocarbon).
A space was left on each page for additional notes and corrections.
Crew leaders kept a continuous log of all areas surveyed, noting both
the location of all test pits and natural exposures and the presence
and absence of cultural material.
24
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Once an archeological site was located, additional test pits were
excavated to the north, south, east, and west of the test pit which
first documented the site. This testing was designed to assist in
determining extent of the the site as well as to locate additional
cultural material. In an effort to keep sit disturbance to a minimum,
preliminary testing at each site was limited, and the number of tests
made at each site varied with the nature of the specific site. All
test pits were numbered, mapped, and backfilled.
The location of all excavated and surface collected artifacts were
recorded. Specimens were bagged by arbitrary 5 em levels, unless
natural stratification was encountered. Each bag contained the
following information: location (i.e., Devil Canyon, Survey locale 15),
date, University of Alaska Site Number (i.e., UA80-23), name of
excavator, test number (as recorded on site map, i.e., Test #1),
depth, and specimen(s) in bag. Radiometric samples collected were
double wrapped in aluminum foil and placed in ziplock bags with the
following data recorded on each: location, date, site
number, collector's name, test number, depth, specimen. All individual
bags from each test were placed in a larger bag with site number,
name, date, and location on the outside. All test pit bags were
placed in a site bag with the site number and date on the outside.
All site bags were organized by sampling locale and stored at the
Watana Base Camp until transported to the University of Alaska Museum
in Fairbanks for cataloging and analysis.
A site specific and regional map was made for each site. Site maps
included horizontal and vertical datum points, site grid, all test
pits made, location of surface artifacts, features (such as hearths,
cabin remains, house pits), distance and direction to other sites or
major land features, a scale, date, name of person drawing map, name
of person recording data, and reference to pages in field notebooks
on which additional information was recorded. Regional maps showed
the site in relation to a larger portion of the study area including
nearby rivers, lakes, topographic features, and vegetation communities.
25
Photographs were taken of each site located. The first picture at
each site was an identification shot indicating site number, date,
and crew. Other photographs recorded the environment around the
site, features at the site, soil profiles exposed in test pits, and
artifacts or features .i!!. situ before removal by excavation. Each
photograph was recorded by roll and frame and recorded on the survey
form. Direction of view, if applicable, was noted for each photograph
taken along with a short statement of content, and any other data
pertinent to the photograph. When practical, a metric scale or other
reference object was included.
Detailed soil profiles were drawn of soil deposits exposed during
excavation. These included a description of color, grain size,
consistency, and moisture of each unit. Measurements documenting
aepth and thickness for each unit were also recorded.
A catalog of all specimens collected in the field during survey or
excavation was prepared during Step V, Curation. Pertinent data was
recorded for each specimen, including its Museum acces~ion and
:atalog number, description of specimen, excavation or collection
unit, level or depth from which it was collected, date of collection,
and collector or excavator. Site information collected and recorded
during survey and testing was recorded on Alaska Heritage Resource
Site Survey long forms; a sample of which is presented as Form 3
(Appendix D). These become a permanent public record of the State of
Alaska.
The 1980 reconnaissance was directed toward on-the-ground evaluation
of preselected survey locales that have been identified for the
project area. The purpose of this evaluation was to provide a basis
for the development of sampling strata. Along with this evaluation
an attempt was made in the field to identify areas that potentially
may be eliminated from further survey, and the location of as many
site locales as possible. Form 2 (Appendix D) was developed to aid
these unit evaluations.
26
2.3 -Methods, Geology
2.3.1 -Literature Review
Prior to the 1980 field season all published geologic reports were
collected and reviewed for information relevant to the study. Because
specific glacial/ climatic studies are not available for the immediate
study area, literature for the adjacent regions was heavily relied
upon. The review concentrated on those areas for which radiocarbon
dates were available from meaningful stratigraphic contexts. Because
of the relatively high quality of climatic sequences from the Glacier
Bay-Boundary Ranges region, Southeast Alaska, and Brooks Range, these
areas were also reviewed. No attempt was made to review the geologic
literature for northern and southeast Alaska.
2.3.2 -Reconnaissance Air-Photo Mapping
During May a regional map of the Susitna Valley was prepared for a
first-order interpretation of the geologic history and terrain-units
to be studied by the archeologists. The map extended to at least
10 km and usually 15-20 km from the Susitna River. Units, which were
defined completely from air-photo interpretation, using 1:20,000
false color infrared U-2 flight lines were subdivided on the basis of
age and surface characteristics. This map, though not detailed in
the immediate vicinity of the Susitna Canyon, was used in the archeo-
logic research design. Because this map is presently being updated,
it will not be discussed further.
2.3.3 -Field Study
Field studies were carried out during June and August, and relied
almost completely on helicopters for logistical support. Four major
objectives of the field program were to ground truth and reinterpret
the regional geo-archeologic map, to carry out a regional stratigraphic
27
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reconnaissance, to help interpret and describe significant archeologic
sites, and to examine some of the more critical glacial-geomorphologic
features in the region near the proposed impoundment area.
2.3.3.1-Aerial Reconnaissance
The first field objective was to get a regional overview of the
Susitna Valley in order to become familiar with the distribution and
range in surface landforms and deposits, and to examine the potential
for stratigraphic work. In addition, this overview was necessary to
examine the mapping dane from air-photos in order to test its relia-
bility and accuracy. This reconnaissance was dane in conjunction
with project archeologists in order to provide collective agreement
on the basis for revised mapping. This joint examination allowed the
geologist and archeologists to define the map units that best accommodate
both needs.
2.3.3.2 -Stratigraphic Reconnaissance
A second objective was to determine the number and quality of river
bluff exposures that might provide stratigraphic information needed
to interpret and date the major valley-forming geologic events.
After a "fly-by" look at all river bluffs along the Susitna and all
of the tributaries from the Chulitna River to the Tyone River, 25
exposures were selected for further study. Those not selected for
further study were observed from the helicopters, and here only
briefly described. At each selected exposure the entire bluff face,
was examined and a selected stratigraphic section measured. The
sediments were divided into significant natural units, and the
character and height of each unit was described above 11 recent high
water 11 which was used as an altitude datum. Study of each exposure
resulted in a detailed sketch and description of units, including the
character of the surface above the exposure. In addition to measuring
and describing all units, as many as possible were sampled for various
reasons. Organic matter in key units was sampled whenever possible
28
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for radiocarbon dating. Organic horizons with well preserved plant
macrofossils were sampled for paleobotanical analysis. Some sediment
units were sampled to obtain a representative sample of the unit
lithology. In addition, many exposures contained one or more volcanic
ash layers, which were also sampled.
2.3.3.3 -Archeologic Sites
During the field season the geological examination of archeologic
sites was conducted, particularly those that were well stratified.
Geologic descriptions of the sediment units and regional relation-
ships at the sites greatly aided in site interpretation.
2.3.3.4 -Geomorphic Reconnaissance
A final field objective was to examine the landforms within the study
area. Major glacial moraines, deltas, lake plains, eskers, and
terraces were described and their heights and gradients measured.
Most examination was done from the air, but many glacial-geologic
features were studied on the ground. Also the geomorphic character
of each of the geo-archeologic terrain units within the impoundment
area were briefly described from the air.
2.3.4 -Revised Geo-Archeologic Terrain Unit Mapping
During June a week was spent refining the earlier map to make it more
detailed, and therefore more useful for archeological purposes.
Twenty-six units were defined, and mapped directly on the U-2 images.
During map revision, much more attention was focused on surface
relief and drainage characteristics of each unit than on its estimated
age. This mapping was done within the field season because the
archeologists needed to have the best possible data available for the
remainder of the season. This mapping is not included in this report
because it has not yet been transferred to the 1:63,000 scale base
maps, and because another map revision is intended. Moreover, verbal
29
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description of geoarcheological units is provided. It was realized
during the field season that a new revision was necessary for two
reasons. First, R&M Consultants are preparing a very detailed terrain-
unit map for the proposed impoundment area which they have agreed to
share. And second, the 1:2000 scale high-quality color air photos
are now available. These larger-scale photos will allow refinement
of the 1:120,000 scale less maps used earlier.
2.3.5 -Data Organization and Compilation
Between September and December the field data was organized, clarified
and tabulated where possible. All short written descriptions were
transferred to the 1:63,360 scale base maps. All stratigraphic
diagrams and descriptions were redrawn and edited. All samples were
double-checked and curated, and a detailed sample list was prepared.
All photographs were labeled and keyed to geologic steps and exposures.
In addition, partial re-examination of the air-photos resulted in the
beginning of a glacial-geomorphic map for the Susitna Region.
2.3.6 -Investigation and Dating of Samples
Nine organic samples were submitted for radiocarbon dating, and all
have provided good dates for key stratigraphic horizons. One faunal
sample of a fossil mammoth(?) was examined and identified by University
of Alaska scientists. One paleobotanical sample has been tentatively
identified by the herbarium staff at the University of Alaska Museum.
One tephra sample has been submitted to Pullman, Washington for bulk-
and trace-element analysis.
2.4 -Methods 1 Paleontology
Assessment of the Tertiary plant-bearing deposits within the impoundment
area requires that all such deposits be identified. Prior to the field
season, a literature search was conducted for information indicating the
presence of any deposits which would require investigation other than
30
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those exposed in the area of Watana Creek. This search revealed no published
account of additional deposits containing Tertiary plant fossils within
the impoundment area. During time spent at the site, reconnaissance of
the area surrounding Watana Creek was conducted via helicopter. No deposits
were noted outside the interpreted limits of the basin of deposition. The
area encompassed by the basin includes: the Watana Creek drainage south
ofT. 22 S., Talkeetna Mts. {D-3) Quadrangle; the drainage basin of the
unnamed creek which enters the Susitna River on the north bank in section 27,
T 32 N., R. 6 E., Talkeetna Mts. {D-3) Quadrangle and all drainages east
to Watana Creek; and all rock outcroppings exposed along the Susitna River
immediately opposite those described herein.
Field work conducted during July 1980 consisted of mapping all outcrops
within the Watana Creek study area, detailed sampling and description of
the Tertiary deposits, and compilation of a representative collection from
the plant-bearing beds within the Tertiary deposits. Outcrop locations
and those areas which were sampled and described in detail are discussed in
Chapter 3. Fossil plant localities are indicated in the unit descriptions
of the stratigraphic columns in Chapter 3.
Various geologic measurements, observations, and other pertinent investi-
gations were undertaken on deposits considered to make up the type section
of the Tertiary terriginous deposits.
The attitude of the beds was measured and recorded at each locality.
Where applicable, the outcrops were differentiated into units on the basis
of lithology, texture, color, or other characteristic geologic feature.
Each unit was measured for thickness and described as to lithologies,
texture, structure, presence or absence of fossils, and other geologic
information, and sampled for further laboratory studies.
Samples from 57 horizons were sent to Western Petrographic, Inc., Tucson,
Arizona for thin section preparation to allow detailed compositional
analysis of the sediments. A sieving procedure to reveal size parameters,
31
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and heavy mineral extraction to aid in provenance studies, are being
conducted on selected sand samples at the Geology Department, University
of Alaska, Fairbanks.
Units exhibiting fossils with a degree of preservation adequate to enable
further laboratory studies were sampled for fossil plant specimens. All
specimens were labeled with the field number of the unit from which they
were collected. The fossil collection from·Watana Creek was cataloged
into the permanent paleontological collection of the University of Alaska
Museum, Fairbanks, where preparation technique~ and subsequent identification
are being conducted.
Additional sampling of selected units was undertaken for palynological
studies. All coal units of thickness adequate (approximately 0.5 feet) to
allow useful analysis were sampled and later prepared for the purpose of
determining the presence of pollen and/or spores. One hundred and forty
five microscope slides, representing 29 coal units were prepared for
future pollen and spore identification.
32
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3 -RESULTS AND DISCUSSION OF BASELINE STUDY
3.1 -Introduction
In addition to archeological investigations, geological and paleonto-
logical studies were conducted in order to provide data which would
enhance the location and evaluation of cultural resources within the
study area. Prior to and during the 1980 field season geological studies
were conducted to provide data that would define the ages of surficial
deposits and provide limiting dates for human occupation of the area.
Based on the sequence of glacial events that occurred in the study area,
these data were applied to the investigations of cultural resources and
are presented in this section. Paleontological studies were conducted
in order to define the types and range of paleontological specimens that
could possibly be found in an archeological context, as well as to
identify and evaluate paleontological resources in the study area. The
results of these studies are included in this section. Federal law
mandates that site locational data not be released if it may create a
risk of harm to the site. Therefore, site location maps in Appendix E
are not included in reports released to the general public.
3.2 -Archeology
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in 60 survey locales
located 1 historic and 32 prehistoric sites during the 1980 field season.
One-hundred and one historic period sites were located and recorded by
the land use analysis team (subtask 7.07) under the direction of Dr. Alan
Jubenville and are described in that report. Since the land use analysis
study was examining historic sites in the study area, cultural resource
studies concentrated on prehistoric sites. However, historic sites
encountered in survey locales were recorded.
33
Cultural resources were located in 14 (23%) of the 60 survey locales
examined. A total of 24 sites were documented for these 14 locales.
Four additional sites were located in Borrow Area E and five sites were
located in other areas. A brief survey after the field season of one of
the alternative access corridors (corridor 3) located four additional sites
bringing the total located in 1980 to 37.
The fact that no sites were located during testing in 46 (76%) of the
survey locales could be due to the reconnaissance level testing employed,
sampling bias, or the fact that site locational data used for selecting
survey locales needs to be further refined to reflect specific topographic
settings in the Upper Susitna River Valley. Although it is possible
that no sites exist within the limits of the selected survey locales,
the fact that testing in 23% of the areas did locate cultural resources
suggests otherwise. Further testing is scheduled during the 1981 field
season for many of these survey locales as well as new survey locales.
Survey locales examined in 1980 were selected based on the application
of archeologic, ethnographic, historic, and geologic data compiled and
refined prior to and during the 1980 field season. Maps depicting these
locales are presented in Appendix E. Specific criteria used for defining
and selecting survey locales are discussed in Chapter 2.
3.2.1 -Archeological Site Reports
The sites found in 1980 as well as four sites located in 1978 are
discussed below. Each site report contains information concerning
the setting, the results of reconnaissance testing, an inventory of
collected artifacts, a site map, and one or more soil profiles.
Maps showing the location of each site on USGS 1:63,360 scale maps
are located in Appendix E. Artifacts specifically discussed in the
text are pres~nted in Figures 78 through 86 at the end of this
section.
34
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During first year reconnaissance level survey the minimal amount of
cultural material needed to document the existence of a site and
provide a basis for evaluating further study was collected. Therefore~
not all cultural material noted was collected. The provenience of
artifacts at each site was recorded in relation to their distance
from the site datum set up at the site. Metal tags inscribed with
the appropriate University of Alaska Museum accession number were
left at each site to mark the site and avoid confusion in site
designations.
To avoid confusion~ the meaning of certain terms as used in this
report are discussed below:
Site:
Locus:
Any location with detectable physical evidence of pre-
historic and early historic human activity in the Susitna
Valley within the confines of a defined topographic
setting. Physical evidence deposited as a result of
human activity includes but is not limited to tools,
lithic debitage, animal bones~ and features (inc1uding
hearths, house pits, cairns~ etc.).
One of two or more concentrations of cultural material
within a site which is spacially discrete from other
concentrations of cultural material.
Scatter: A concentration or cluster of cultural material at a site
or within a locus.
Probe: Shovel probe. A subsurface testing method using a shovel.
For this project probes were excavated in each survey
locale in 5 em arbitrary levels and were excavated to at
least 50 em when possible.
35
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Test: A systematic excavation conducted with a trowel. Tests
varied in· size depending on the terrain. In some cases
probes were turned into tests when cultural material was
encountered. All profiles of tests presented in the
report have equal horizontal and vertical scales.
cmbs:
asl:
Survey
Locale:
Flake:
Centimeters below the surface.
Above sea level.
One of the 60 areas selected for testing during the
1980 field season based on the application of archeologic,
ethnologic, historic, and geologic data (see Appendix E}.
A fragment of rock culturally removed from a parent rock
by percussion or pressure flaking. The remains of lithic
tool manufacturing or repair, usually characterized by a
bulb of _percussion, a striking platform, and radiating
ripples or force lines from the point of impact or pressure
on the ventral surface.
Retouch: The occurrence of small flake scars along the edge of a
lithic artifact.
Component: The manifestation of a given archeological phase at a
site (Willey and Phillips 1070}. Sites may be single
component (representing only one cultural period) or
multicomponent (representing two or more distinct cultural
periods}.
Level: The vertical subdivision of an excavation unit, generally
a naturally deposited stratigraphic unit.
36
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Horizon: In soil science, a natural developmental zone in a soil
profile.
UA80-XX: Each site is represented by a University of Alaska accession
number. All artifacts from a given site are numbered
with this site number. Individual specimens receive
consecutive numbering, i.e. UA80-68-1, UA80-68-2, etc.
TLM XXX: State Heritage Resource Survey site numbers are also
assigned to sites discussed in this report. The first
three letters reflect the USGS quadrangle in which the
site is located; in this case TLM represents Talkeetna
Mts. The following three digit number represents the
speci fie site.
Phase I (reconnaissance survey}: In terms of the archeological
section of the Susitna Project Phase I refers to recon-
naissance level testing. It is not the same as phase I,
pre-licensing studies for the overall project. Phase I
has been specified by BLM to indicate archeological
studies conducted at the reconnaissance level.
Phase II {intensive testing}: In terms of the archeological section
of the Susitna Project Phase II refers to intensive
testing of sites located during reconnaissance testing
(phase I}. It is not the same as phase II post-licensing
studies for the overall project. Phase II testing has
been sepcified by BLM to indicate intensive testing of
archeological sites.
A discussion of individual sites follows:
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3.2.1.1 -Site UA80-68, State Number TLM 021
Area: 1 km NW of confluence of Kosina Creek and Gilbert Creek
Area Map: Figure 103; Location Map: Figure 176
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. C-2, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 449700 Northing 6953850 (Locus A)
Easting 449500 Northing 6953750 (Locus B)
Easting 449050 Northing 6953800 (Locus C)
Latitude 62°42'52" N. ' Longitude 147°58'55 11 W.
(Locus A)
Latitude 62°42' 48" N. ' Longitude 147°59'25"
(Locus B)
Latitude 62°42'50" N. ' Longitude 147°59'52"
(Locus C)
T. 30 N., R. 8 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 5, SE~SE~S~ {Locus A)
Sec. 5, SW~SE~SE~ (Locus B)
Sec. 5, SW~SW~S~ (Locus C)
w.
w.
Locus A: Site Map: Figure 5; Soil Profile: Figures 7 and 8
Locus B: Site Map: Figure 6
Setting: Three distinct loci {A, B, C), are located along the
exposed rocky crest of an east-west trending ridge at an elevation
of 884 m (2900 feet asl) (Figure 176). Locus A is situated at the
extreme eastern end of the ridge overlooking Kosina Creek approximately
1 km downstream from the confluence of Kosina Creek and Gilbert
Creek. Kosina Creek is approximately .5 km east and 122 m (400 feet)
lower than the elevation of locus A. Loci B and C are located
.5 km and 1 km, res'pectively, to the west of loci A on high points
38
l ..
..
of the ridge which offer unobstructed views to the north and south
of low kettle and kame topography (Figure 176).
The ridge upon which the site is located is one of the most prominent
features in the area and is the highest elevation within 8 km.
Kosina Creek is easily accessible from the site but is only visible
from locus A. Vegetation at loci A and B is limited to dwarf
birch, Labrador tea, various low bush berries, and lichens. Vege-
tation in the vicinity of locus C consists primarily of tundra and
scattered black spruce. Locus C is situated at a point where the
ridge is less well defined and is truncated by a north-south stream
channel .
Phase I 7esting: Phase I testing was concentrated at locus A
(Figure 5). Helicopter scheduling limited the time available for
recording loci B and C, and testing was restricted at each of ·those
loci. All three loci have tentatively been recorded as representing
a single site.
Locus A: Locus A consists of four flake scatters naturally exposed
on the deflated, rocky crest of the ridge (Figure 5). Approximately
half the surface material observed was collected. Two scrapers and
a retouched flake were found spacially isolated from the flake
scatters (Figure 79; b, c, d). Four test pits were excavated but
only test 4 (Figure 5) produced cultural material from the surface
to 5 cmbs. Artifact lithologies include rhyolitic tuff, chert, and
basalt.
Locus B: Locus B consists of six flake scatters exposed in a
blowout on the crest of the ridge at a point slightly higher than
the general ridge line (Figure 6). Scatter 1 included the medial
39
l
L
[
section of a projectile point (Figure 79, f). All observed surface
artifacts were collected including a scraper and a biface (Figure 79,
e and g). Test 1 (Figure 6) produced one chert flake associated
with burned bone fragments and charcoal at a depth of 9 cmbs. A
radiocarbon determination of 1,160 ± 100 years B.P.: 790 A.D.
(DIC-1878) was obtained from this charcoal (UA80-68-1a). A single
flake (not collected) was observed~ situ in the edge of a blowout
adjacent to test 1 at the same depth as the bone and charcoal
horizon in test 1. It is possible that the radiocarbon date obtained
on the charcoal from test 1 may date the surface artifacts exposed
by deflation.
Locus C: Locus C consists of a single flake scatter exposed in a
blowout. The scatter consisted of 21 brown chert flakes, 6 basalt
flakes, and 2 rhyolite flakes clustered within a 1m diameter. All
21 chert flakes and 4 basalt flakes were surface collected. Test 1,
located at the locus datum, produced 1 grey chert flake directly
below the vegetative mat, between the surface and 5 cmbs. The
distinctive dark brown chert from locus C was not observed at the
other site loci.
Inventory of Collected Artifacts
Locus A
Scatter 1
Surface:
116 Light brown rhyolite flakes
1 Grey-white rhyolite flake (possible burin spall)
1 Grey rhyolite flake
1 Grey chert flake
1 Mottled rhyolite flake
Subsurface:
Test 4
191 Light grey rhyolite flakes
44 Dark grey rhyolite flakes
1 Grey chert flake
3 Dark grey chert flakes
ca. 200 Very small rhyolite flakes
40
Scatter 2
7 Light brown rhyolite flakes
1 Grey rhyolite flake
1 Grey chert flake
Scatter 3
4 Light brown rhyolite flakes
1 Grey-white rhyolite flake
1 Light brown chert flake
1 Grey chert flake
1 Green chert flake
Scatter 4
2 Light brown rhyolite flakes
Isolated Finds
1 Grey-white rhyolite flake
1 Grey basalt flake
1 White chert scraper
1 Light brown rhyolite scraper
1 Grey-white rhyolite retouched flake
Locus B
Scatter 1
19 Light brown rhyolite flakes
19 Grey rhyoljte flakes
1 Black basalt flake
2 Grey chert flakes
1 Grey rhyolite flake (retouched)
1 Dark grey rhyolite projectile point, medial section
1 Bone fragment
Scatter 2
2 Grey chert flakes
Scatter 3
1 Grey-white rhyolite flake
Scatter 4
3 Grey-white rhyolite flakes
4 Grey-white rhyolite flakes (retouched)
1 Tuffacious rhyolite biface
1 Cherty rhyolite scraper
Scatter 5
7 Light brown rhyolite flakes
1 Grey rhyolite flake
1 Black basalt flake
41
....
..
Scatter 6
2 Light brown rhyolite flakes
Test 1
1 flake
Carbon sample with burned bone fragments
Locus C
Scatter 1
21 Dark brown chert flakes
2 Black basalt flakes
Test 1
1 Black basalt flake
Inventory of Faunal Material
Locus B
Scatter 6
Surface:· 1 long bone fragment, calcined, medium-large mammal
Subsurface:
Test 1, 9cmbs: long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
1 phalanx fragment, 1st or 2nd, large mammal,
· possibly caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
42
.....
r •
!.
' ..
Test
Flake Scatter
Site Datum
2 scrapers
234° @ 15 M
deflated
blowout
0 ,·--, {_ __ ,
X
0
mat and
cushion
tundra
2
METERS
Contour Interval: 50
Talkeetna Mts. C-2
T.30N R.8E
SE l/4 of SE l/4 Sec.
Figure 5.
Site map UA80-68 {TLM 021), locus A.
43
~
N
l
4
em.
5
...
.
l
L ..
Flake 3
deflated
area
Locus C
Site datum
Test
Flake
+
+ +
__ ... /
X
5
+
/
/
0
+
l
~
T 1
' \
\
\
\
/ ;
\
' I
~FS2'
,. ,
/
I
I
0 1 2
METERS
Locus A
3
Scale is approximate
4
Flake concentration -~-
Talkeetna Mts. C-2
T.30N R.8E Sec. 5 S.M.
SWl/4 of SEl/4 of SEl/4
Flake scatter
Deflated area
CJ
boundary , .... , .,' .. ,
Figure 6
Site map UAS0-68 (TU1 021), 1ocus B.
44
!
D
1
2
3
4
5
Unit 1
Dark Brown Humus
Unit 2
Charcoal/Burned earth
Unit 3
Grey Leached Silt
WEST WALL
Figure 7.
0
s
10
15
Unit 4
Red/Brown Mottled Silt
Unjt 5
Grey Sandy Silt, Pebbles &
Cobbles (Glacial Drift)
Soil Profile UAB0-68 (TLM 021), locus A, test 2.
45
, ..... u
ll u
1
2
4
6
7
EAST WALL
Unit 1
Humus D . Unit 5
Clayey Silt
Unit 2
Charcoal
Unit 3
White Ash
Unit 4
Mottled Light Brown/Yellow/
Brown Silt
Figure 8.
Unit 6
Grey Gravelly Sand
Unit 7
Red Brown Sand with
Cobbles
Soil Profile UAB0-68 (I~M 021), locus A, test 3.
L
, ....
L
3.2.1.2 -Site UA80-69, State Number TLM 022
Area: Borrow E,
Area Map:
USGS Map:
Survey Locale 15
Figure 100; Survey Locale Map: Figure 119
Talkeetna Mts. 0-4, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 417900 Northing 6966850
Latitude 62°49'28 11 N., Longitude 148°36'35" W.
T. 32 N., R. 4 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 36, SW~NE~N~
Site Map: Figure 9; Soil Profile: Figure 10
Setting: The site located in Borrow Area E, is situated on the
east bank of Tsusena Creek at its confluence with the Susitna River
(Figure 119). At this location Tsusena Creek is a shallow, fast
flowing, clear water stream approximately 15 m wide. The site· is
on the bank of a flat alluvial terrace overlooking the creek and
the Susitna River to the south and southwest. The alluvial terrace,
which has been downcut by Tsusena Creek at its eastern end, extends
southwestward along the north bank of the Susitna River for 3.2 km,
varies from approximately 400 to 800 m in width, and is 451 m (1480
feet asl). From the site location both the north and south banks
of the Susitna River are in view for approximately 800 m to the
west. The terrain rises steeply to the north and northeast of the
site where the elevation is 61 m (200 feet) higher than the site.
Immediately to the northeast, Tsusena Creek emerges from a deep
canyon with almost vertical bedrock walls. Travel upstream is
extremely difficult or impossible due to the narrow canyon and a
30 m·waterfall approximately 3 km upstream from the mouth of the
creek. The site is mantled by a mature forest of mixed white
spruce, birch, aspen, and cottonwood. Some black spruce occurs in
-47
[
1
..
. .
.....
poorly drained areas. Thick mat ground cover consisting of sphagnum
moss, 1 ichens, and grasses covers the floor of the forest.
Phase I Testing: There are no surface indications of a site at
this location, however a shovel probe revealed charcoal and burned
bone at 15 cmbs. This initial probe was expanded to test 1 (Figure
9) which was excavated to a depth of 35 cmbs and revealed a charcoal
lens and fragments of burned large mammal bone between 14 and
15 crnbs (Figure 10). Test 1 also exposed three river cobbles at
the same depth, and this feature may be a hearth. The cobbles were
left ...i!l situ. No lithic material other than the cobbles was revealed
by test 1. A total of five tests were excavated at the site (Figure
9). Both tests 3 and 4 (Figure 9) produced subsurface charcoal and
test 4 exposed a possible fire cracked rock in the humus layer
which was left in situ. Tests 2 and 5 (Figure 9) did not reveal
charcoal or cultural material. A radiocarbon determination on a
charcoal sample (UAB0-69-la) from test 1 produced a modern date.
Inventory of Faunal t~aterial
Test 1, 0-5 cmbs: 10 long bone fragments, medium-large animal
1 phalanx fragment, 1st or 2nd, large mammal,
possible caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
5-10 cmbs: 25 long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
1 phalanx, 3rd, caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 canine tooth fragment, calcined, possible
bear (Ursus spp.)
7 tooth fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
14-15 cmbs: 6 long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
48
I ~
'I''
I'"'
,
f'
f
L
u
.-:
'J:
•
Ol
Test
Test {probe) ·-Site Datum
I
Q T 3
(probe)
(probe)
/:::::) T 1
T 5
0
0
X
mosses, berries,
birch, white spruce,
cottonwood
0 T 2
(probe)
0
I
2
METERS
Contour Interval:
Talkeetna Mts. D-4
T. 32N R. 4E
4
I
so
SW 1/4 of NE 1/4 of
Sec.
Figure 9.
Site map UA80-69 (TLM 022).
49
36
em.
NE l/4
..
j ....
[
,~
•-
Hearth
WEST WALL
Unit 1 (Cultural)
Humus with Charcoal
anu Bone
.
.
25
Unit 5
Yellow Brown Coarse
Sand
II Unit 6
Brown Grey Fine
Sandy Clay II Unit 2 (Cultural).
Lt. Brown Sandy Clay
with Charcoal and Bone
Unit 3 {CUltural)
Charcoal and Bone
Figure 10.
Radiocarbon S~ple on
Charcoal (UAB0-69-la)
Modern Date.
Soil profile UAB0-69 (TLM 022), test 1.
50
..
f .
i
L
r· L
...
3.2.1.3 -Site UAB0-70, State Number TLM 023
Area: Borrow E
Area Map:
USGS Map:
Figure 100; Location Map: Figure 173
Talkeetna Mts. D-4, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 416950 Northing 6966800
Latitude 62°49'27 11 N., Longitude 148°37'50" W.
T. 32 N., R. 4 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 36, NW~S~NW~
Site Map: Figure 11
Setting: The site, a collapsed trapper's cabin, is located in
Borrow Area E approximately 1 km west of the mouth of Tsusena Creek
at the mouth of an unnamed clear water creek which joins the Susitna
River from the north (Figure 173). The cabin remains, not visible
from the river, are located on a relatively flat alluvial terrace
approximately 50 m east of the braided mouth of the creek and about
15m north of the Susitna River. The terrain in the vicinity of
the site has little topographic relief although immediately west of
the cabin a narrow dry 1.5 m deep abandoned channel cuts into the
terrace. The alluvial terrace is approximately 1.2 km wide at the
site location and is bounded to the north by the main river valley
wall which rises steeply 152m {500 feet) and then continues to
rise at a more moderate slope. Vegetation in the vicinity of the
site consists of large white spruce, cottonwood, and birch. Ground
cover consists of high brush with thick moss, blueberry, wild rose,
grasses, and a litter of fallen logs and upturned stumps.
51
l
' L-
Phase I Testing: This cabin is collapsed and the wall logs are
partially decomposed and covered with soil and vegetation. The
soil accumulation is probably due to a fallen sod roof~ The lowest
course of logs remains~ situ and enabled approximate measurement
of the cabin to be made. The dimensions are 3.5 m by 5 m (11 by
16 feet) with the long axis oriented 306° north (Figure 11). The
rE!Tiains of a door measuring 66 em by 140 em (26 by 55 inches) is
evident in the southwest wall facing the Susitna River. The logs
exhibit saddle notching at the ends. The ground in the immediate
vicinity of the cabin is littered with historic cultural debris
(Figure 11), which includes a frying pan, coffee cans, metal plates
and dishes, glass jars, stove pipe, canvas, cans, milled lumber,
nails, wire, a #6 trap, the rubber sole of a shoe, and various
wooden and metal pieces of what appear to be the remains of a dog
sled. One glass jar with the inscription "NUXATED IRONi' was collected.
All other historic artifacts were left in place. There is no
evidence of outbuildings or a cache in the immediate vicinity of
the site. Four shovel probes were dug in the vicinity of the cabin
{Figure 11) but none produced historic or prehistoric cultural
material.
Winston Hobgood, a biologist and trapper involved in fur-bearer
studies for the Susitna Hydroelectric Project, reported that this
cabin was built by Oscar Vogel who trapped along the Susitna River
in the 1930's and 1940's. This cabin, according to Hobgood (1980,
oral communication), was one of a string of 10 line cabins approxi-
mately 10 miles apart with Vogel's main headquarters cabin located
on the Ta'l keetna River. Vogel, primarily a wolf trapper, quit
trapping in 1949 and died in Anchorage in 1979. The r1ay 1972 issue
of Alaska r~agazine contains an article by Oscar H. Vogel entitled
"My Years with the Wolves". A photograph of one of Vogel's line
cabins illustrates the above article and is probably representative
of what the cabin at site UA80-70 looked like prior to its collapse.
52
Inv·entory of Collected Artifacts
1 Glass bottle (NUXATED IRON)
Number key to UA80-70 (historic cabin) site map:
1. 6" stovepipe sections
2. frying pan
3. metal pan
4. 5 gallon can
5. round can
6. square can with round screw lid
7. oil can
8. coffee can
9. Hills Brothers coffee can
10. baking powder can
11. Wild Rose lard can
12. glass jar bottom
13. bottle {iron)
14. metal bucket
15. wire loop
16. metal plate
17. rubber shoe sole
18. wood/metal frame part (dog sled)
19. canvas/wood
[ . -'
' '
53
. . '
f
L
T 2 <grebe)
@ 310
O T 3
(probe)
1
Test (probe)
Surface Artifact
Site Datum
17
0
+
X
Figure 11.
T 1 (probe)
@ 68°
10.8 m.
0 2
METERS
Talkeetna Mts. D-4
T.32N R.4E
18 +
I 5
-~-
4
NW l/4 of.SE l/4 of NW l/4
Sec. 36
Site map UA80-70 (TU1 023)
54
-
3.2.1.4 -Site UA80-71, State Number TLM 024
Area: Borrow E
Area Map: Figure 100; Location Map: Figure 172
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-4, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 416400 Northing 6966900
Latitude 62°49'33" N., Longitude 148°38'12" W.
T. 32 N., R. 4 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 36, SW~NW~NW~
Site Map: Figure 12; Soil Profile: Figure 13
Setting: The site, located approximately 1 km west of Tsusena
Creek in Borrow Area E, is about .5 km upstream from the mouth of a
small unnamed creek which joins the Susitna River from the north
(Figure 172). It is situated on the end of a ridge approximately
150m west of the creek, and overlooks an alluvial terrace to the
south (Figure 172). The site is located about 3m below the point
of the ridge on a small bench and is about 30m above the level of
the alluvial terrace. To the northwest the ridge rises gradually for
about 400 m and then becomes part of the slope of the main valley
which rises steeply to the 762 meter (2500 foot asl) elevation.
The site is situated in a dense stand of birch, white spruce, and
alder which restrict the view from the site, and a thick carpet of
moss covers the ground. However, in the absence of trees the creek
and most of the alluvial terrace between the site and the Susitna
River would be visible. Other ground vegetation in the vicinity of
the site includes forbes, Labrador tea, and high bush berries.
Black spruce are present on the alluvial terrace below the site.
55
' j"
r·' I ,
1
l-
Phase I Testing: There is no surface indication of a site at this
location; however, a shovel probe produced a single cortex flake at
a depth of 20 to 30 cmbs. This black basalt flake has a white
patina on the dorsal surface. The shovel probe was expanded (test 1)
but no additional cultural material was found although some charcoal
was present between 5 and 10 cmbs in the humus layer (Figure 13).
It was probably not cultural in origin because charcoal was found
in all other tests. A total of five tests were excavated at the
site, four of which were located on the small bench where the
cortex flake was found and one (test 2) on the point of the ridge
(Figure 12). The cortex flake from test 1 was the only cultural
specimen found at the site. Six rock fragments, three of which
exhibit facets that appear polished, were collected from test 1.
Laboratory analysis indicates that these rocks are silicious meta-
sedimentary types and that the facets are natural cleavage planes.
Collected Artifact Inventory
1 Black basalt cortex flake
6 Silicious metasedimentary rock fragments
56
..
. "
L
L
Test
Test (probe)
Site Datum
0 T 2
(probe)
!) T 5
0 T 3
(probeO T 1
OT 4
0 1 2
I I I
METERS
D Contour Interval:
0 Talkeetna Mts. D-4
X T.32N R.4E
3
I
1 rn.
NW l/4 of NW 1/4 Sec.
Figure 12.
Site map UAB0-71 (TLM 024).
57
~
N
l
3f.
..
, '
1...;
r" ' . -
D
NORTH. WEST WALL
Unit 1
Dark P.rown Humus
with Charcoal
Unit 2
Lt. Grey Silty Clay
Unit 3
Lt. Reddish Brown
Silty Clay
Figure 13.
Unit 4
Whitish Grey Ash
Unit 5
Orange Red Fine Sandy
Silt with Pebbles & Cobbles
(Glacial Drift)
Soil profile UA80-71 (TLM 024), test 1.
58
I
L~
3.2.1.5 -Site UA80-72, State Number TLM 025
Area: Summit of Drumlin
Area Map: Figure 101; Location Map: Figure 177
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-3, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 434900 Northing 6963300
Latitude 62°48'04" N., Longitude 148°17'10" W.
T. 31 N., R. 6 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 2, N~SW~SW~
Site Map: Figure 14; Soil Profile:-Figure 15
Setting: The site, located 3.6 km south of the Susitna River and
3.5 km southwest of the mouth of Watana Creek, is located at the
northeast end of a ridge at the highest elevation of a streamlined
knob (Figure 101). Site topography exhibits sharp relief from the
surrounding terrain which is 91 to 122 m (300 to 400 feet) lower in
elevation. The view from the top of the hill is excellent in all
directions for a distance of over 10 km, however, the view from the
site is oriented to the southwest, overlooking a small valley. To
the north a long stretch of the Susitna valley is visible, although
the river itself cannot be seen. The Fog Lakes are visible 4 km to
the west, as is the mouth of Watana Creek to the northeast. Bedrock
is exposed at the summit of the hill and on the slopes to the north
and southeast. Mosses, Labrador tea, and low brush are the common
vegetation on the site, with higher brush dominating the slopes
below. Vegetation on the surrounding plain 100m below is open
moist tundra with black spruce adjacent to seasonal or former
stream channels. More extensive stands of black spruce and birch
are located on better drained slopes to the south and north with
areas of treeless tundra to the east and west.
59
i
l.
Phase I Testing: The site contains both surface and subsurface
cultural material. A surface flake scatter covering an area 4 m
north-south by 35m east-west is exposed in a blowout (Figure 14).
Within this larger scatter, a concentration of flakes occupies an
area of 4 m square. Twelve flakes and a banded chert core tablet
(Figure 79, h) were surface collected. Other observed surface
flakes were left.!!!. situ. Three tests were excavated, two of which
produced cultural material (Figure 14). A single rhyolite flake
was found in test 1 at 11 cmbs (Figure 15). Test 2 produced two
black basalt flakes between 7 and 10 cmbs. Artifact lithologies
represented at the site are quite diverse and include rhyolitic
tuff, basalt, quartizite, chert, and obsidian.
Collected Artifact Inventory
1 Grey black banded chert core tablet
1 Brown chert flake
1 Black obsidian flake
1 Clear obsidian flake
1 Grey chert flake
3 Grey rhyolite flakes
6 Grey basalt flakes
1 Yellow brown quartzite flake
1 Grey chert rock fragment
60
+
[
C"
Test
Bedrock
Surface Flake
Site Datum
4 +s +
X
+
Figure 14.
6
blowout
0 2
METERS
Talkeetna Mts. D-3
T.31N R.6E
NE 1/4 of sw 1/4 of sw 1/4
Sec. 2
Site map UA80-72 (TLM 025).
61
4
Flake
' . l
i
·~
Unit l
Humus
Unit 2
EAST WALL
Brown Si ~ ty Clay with
Discrete Gravel
Unit 3
Grey Brown Sandy Silt
gure 15.
Unit 4
Coarse Dark Brown
Sandy Silt
Unit 5
Cr.>arse Brnwn Silty Sand
with Gravel and Cobbles
(Glacial Drift)
Soil profile UAS0-72 (TLM 025), test 1.
62
3.2.1.6 -Site UA80-73, State Number TLM 026
Area: Survey Locale 45
Area ~·1ap: Figure 104; Survey Locale Map: Figure 156
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. C-1, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 478150 Northing 6945900
Latitude 62°38'40 11 N., Longitude 147°25'35 11 W.
T. 30 N., R. 11 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 32, NW~NE~SE~
Site Map: Figure 16; Soil Profile: Figure 17
Setting: The site is located on the north side of the Susitna
River directly across from the mouth of Goose Creek (Figure 156).
It is situated a~ the 677 m (2222 foot asl) elevation at the south-
western point of a 1.5 km lo.ng peninsula. ,!\t this point the Susitna
forms a tight bend, flowing almost completely around the site. Two
abandoned stream channels cut across the point, one immediately
northeast of the site and the other approximately 900 m northeast
in the vicinity of site UA80-149 (TLM 042). The site is 46 m above
the Susitna with the point increasing in elevation to the northeast
to 762 m (2500 feet asl). The view to the northeast is excellent
for 3 .km downriver and 4 km upriver. The view across the river
encompasses approximately 1 km of the Goose Creek drainage. In
this area the Susitna is wide and shallow with gravel bars and
islands in sight. Several small kettle lakes are located 2 to 3 km
northeast of the site and are easily accessible from it. The site
area is level and open with scattered spruce, willow, Labrador tea,
blueberry, mosses and lichens fo~ing the major vegetation. The
slopes leading down to the Susitna are steep, eroded, and poorly
63
vegetated. Spruce are present at the bottom of the slope and
increase in density with proximity to the river.
Phase I Testing: The site consists of isolated surface artifacts
and a possible hearth, or other feature, all of which are exposed
at the top of an eroded bank overlooking the Susitna River (Figure
16). All observed surface artifacts were collected from the exposure
and include an endscraper (Figure 79, a), flakes, and two river
cobbles observed out of geologic context and possibly the partial
remains of a cultural feature. All of these artifacts were found
on active erosional surfaces. Intensive surface reconnaissance did
not locate any~ situ artifacts and nine tests (Figure 16) revealed
no subsurface artifacts. Two large river cobbles in the bluff
exposure overlooking the river to the northwest were located in
silt deposits where no other gravels or cobbles were present.
Their position in a silt matrix may be the result of human activity.
In an attempt to determine if these cobbles were part of a hearth,
or other feature, the bank was troweled back (test 9} and a soil
profile drawn (Figure 17}. No other cobbles, charcoal, or cultural
material was observed while preparing the bank to draw a soil
profile. However, two volcanic ash samples (UAB0-73-5 and 6) were
collected between 22 and 35 cmbs (Figure 17}.
Collected Artifact Inventory
1 Light reddish-brown chert endscraper
1 Black chert flake
1 Light brown-white chert flake
1 Grey rhyolite flake
2 Ash samples
2 Cobbles
64
of
geologic context
QTS
Test
Test (probe)
Surface Flake o+ Tool
Site Datum
~
N
0Tl l
0 T 2
QT 4
0
0
X
xQ T 6
Figure 16.
0 50
METERS
Contour Interval: 15 m.
Talkeetna Mts. C-1
T. 30~ R.llE
NW 1/4 of NE 1/4 of SE 1/4
Sec. 32
Site map UA80-73 (TL~1 026}.
65
100
sa
~ ~. ~
6
r·
i
L 5b
~ -·-,
7
...
Unit 1
Humus with Silt and Ash
Unit 2
Red Brown Silt
Unit 3
Ash (Sample UAS0-73-6)
Unit 4
Medium Brown Sand
Figure 17.
Unit Sa and Sb
Grey Brown Sand
Unit 6
Grey Brown Sandy Silt
Unit 7
Ss..11d with Gravel
Soil profile UAS0-73 (TLM 026), test 9.
66
(.
I .
3.2.1.7-Site UA80-74, State Number TLM 027
Area: Survey Locale 14
Area Map: Figure 100; Survey Locale Map: Figure 118
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-4, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 414800 Northing 6965100
Latitude 62°48'30 11 N., Longitude 148°40'20 11 W.
T. 31 N., R. 4 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 3, N~SE~NE~
Site f,1ap: Figure 18; Soil Profile: Figure 19
Setting: The site is located on the south side of the Susitna
River at the mouth of an unnamed stream which joins the Susitna
from the east, approximately 4 km upriver from the mouth of Fog
Creek (Figure 100). ·Situated on the summit of a discrete cone
shaped knoll approximately 100m from the river margin, the site
overlooks both the Susitna and the mouth of the small clear water
stream approximately 50 m to the south. The knoll forms the end of
a ridge which extends northeast towards higher ground. In all
other directions the 30m high knoll slopes steeply to the level of
the Susitna River. The top of the knoll is approximately 20m
square, sparsely vegetated, and commands a good view in all directions,
which is limited only by the tops of several trees rooted on the
steep slopes below. The Susitna is in view for 5 km downstream and
1.6 km upstream. The views westward across the river and eastward
along the ridge system behind the site are restricted by hills
about 800 m asl. Below the site there is evidence of terracing by
67
J.
' ll .~·
r~
L
the Susitna. Tree growth on the slopes of the knoll is dense but
only a few birch and aspen grow on top, along with dwarf birch,
blueberry, Labrador tea, low bush cranberries, mosses, and lichens.
The vegetation at the base of the knoll changes from birch and
aspen to black spruce, high bush cranberries, grasses, and sphagnum
moss.
Phase I Testing: No surface indication of the site was observed,
however cultural material was found in each of three test pits
excavated on the relatively flat summit (Figure 18). Test 1
(Figure 18) produced two distinct lithologies, each associated with
a different soil horizon. Three basalt flakes were discovered
between 3 to 5 cmbs at the contact between the humus layer (unit 1)
and a whitish-grey volcanic ash (unit 2). Between 19 to 24 cmbs,
and associated with the contact between a dark grey volcanic ash
(unit 4) and glacial drift (unit 5), 11 large patinated light green
tuffacious flakes. (Figure 78, a-g and s-j), and a possible flake
core {UA80-74-10; Figure 78, j}, were found. Due to the weathered
and extremely soft nature of these artifacts, it is uncertain
whether or not the larger flakes have been retouched. These specimens
recovered from test 1 appear to be associated with a subsurface
scatter which was only partly exposed by this test. Three ash
samples were collected from test 1, on~ (UA80-74-36} from the upper
ash horizon 3 em to 7 cmbs {Figure 19, unit 2} and two (UA80-74-37
and 38} from the lower ash horizon 17 em to 21 cmbs {Figure 19,
unit 4). Test 2 (Figure 18} produced 12 flakes 20 to 25 cmbs which
appear to be struck from the same tuffacious material as the specimens
recovered between unit 4 and unit 5 in test 1. Test 3 {Figure 18)
produced 2 basalt flakes and 6 tuffacious flakes 22 to 28 cmbs.
Results from the preliminary testing suggest that the site may
encompass the entire top of the knoll and may contain vertically
stratified cultural materfal bracketed by deposits of volcanic ash.
68
Collected Artifact Inventory
29 light green tuffacious flakes (7 with possible retouch)
1 Possible light green tuffacious flake core
5 Black basalt flakes
3 Ash samples (test 1)
69
L
,~
L
Test
Birch Tree
Site Datum
0
0
X
Figure 18.
0
I
3
I
NE'!'ERS
Contour Interval: 1 m.
Talkeetna Mts. D-4
T.31N R.4E
~
N
l
6
J
NE l/4 of SE 1/4 of NE l/4
Sec. 3
Site map UA80-74 (TLM 027).
1n
1
2
3
4
5
~.~,
! ' '
-----------···--·-
NORTH
Unit l
Humus (Cultural)
Basalt Flake
Unit 2
Whitish Grey Ash
below dark stain
Unit 3
WALL
Red Brown/ Yellow Brown
Mottled Silt
Figure 19.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Unit 4
Dark Grey Ash (Cultural)
Patinated tuffacious
flake
Unit 5
Orange Coarse Sand with
Gravel and Cobbles
(Glacial Drift)
Soil profile UAB0-74 (TLM 027), test 1.
71
. '
3.2.1.8 -Site UA80-75, State Number TLM 028
Area: Esker downriver from the mouth of Tyone River
Area Map: Figure 104; Location Map: Figure 178
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. C-1, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 487850 Northing 6950700 (Locus A)
Easting 487200 Northing 6950300 (Locus B)
Latitude 62°41'18 11 N. ' Longitude 147°14'15 11
(Locus A)
Latitude 62°41'09" N. ' Longitude 147°15'00 11
(Locus B)
T. 30 N., R. 12 E., Sewar~ Meridian
Sec. 17, SW~N~S~ (Lo~us A)
Sec. 17, NW~SE~SW~ (Locus B)
Site Map: Figure 20; Soil Profile: Figure 21
w.
w.
Setting: The site, consisting of two loci (A and B), is located on
the north margin of the Susitna River approximately 2.5 km downriver
from the mouth of the Tyone River (Figure 104). The two site loci
are situated on a long esker which parallels a bend of the river
for approximately a kilometer (Figure 178). The esker is a discrete
topographic feature with a 2 m wide flat crest approximately 30 m
above the level of the Susitna River. A well used game trail runs
the entire length of the ridge.
Locus A is located a few m below the highest elevation at the
northeast end of the esker (Figure 178). The outlet stream from a
small lake 1.2 km northwest of locus A joins the Susitna River
approximately 200m north of locus A at the terminus of the ridge.
The mouth of this stream is not visible from locus A due to dense
vegetation.
72
I
''
Locus B is located approximately 750 m southwest of locus A on the
level crest of the same ridge line. The view from both loci is
good in all directions although limited by the relatively low
elevation of the esker. The view includes the Susitna River and
the lowlands to the south and southwest for a distance of several
kilometers. Other eskers of various lengths and elevations are
located in the area on both sides of the Susitna River. Vegetation
at both site loci ·includes black and white spruce, dwarf willow,
bearberries~ mosses~ and lichens. To the southeast the terrain is
characterized by poorly drained areas predominantly vegetated with
black spruce, birch, and sphagnum moss including areas of muskeg
and standing water. The Susitna River borders the site to the
southeast.
Phase I Testing: Surface reconnaissance along the top of the esker
resulted in the collection of two isolated flakes. At locus A one
rhyolite flake was found in a blowout approximately 10m south of
the highest elev•tion on the ridge line (Figure 20). Intensive
surface reconnaissance and three tests in the vicinity of the
blowout did not result in the location of any additional cultural
material. Test 1 (Figure 20) was placed at the edge of the blowout
where the flake was found and tests 2 and 3 were placed at the
highest elevation of the ridge. At locus B a basalt waste flake
was surface collected from the middle of the game trail which
follows the ridge crest. Again, intensive reconnaissance and a
single test {test 1) in the area where the flake was found failed
to produce any additional cultural material. Further survey and
testing are needed to determine whether the two flakes found at
this site are isolated finds or are associated with other material.
Collected Artifact Inventory
Locus A 1 Grey rhyolite flake
Locus B 1 Black basalt flake
73
L
r
L
Test
Test (probe)
Blowout
Spruce Tree
Site Datum
0
0
~
* ®
Fi 9ure 20.
0
•
3
METERS
6
I
9
I
~
N
l
Contour Interval: 50 em.
Talkeetna Mts. C-1
T.30N R.l2E
NE 1/4 of SE 1/4 Sec. 17
Site man W~B0-75 (TLM 028) locus A.
74
l
L
,-
i
L
1
2
3
4
5
Unit 1
Humus
Unit 2
Brown Sandy Silt
Unit 3
NORTH WALL
Organic Black Clayey
Silt (Paleosol)
Figure 21.
Unit 4
Brown Grey Clayey Sand
Unit 5
Gray Sand
Soil orofile UA80-75 (TLM 028), test 1, locus A.
7r:.
. -
3.2.1.9 -Site UA80-76, State Number TLM 029
Area: Survey Locale 14
Area Map: Figure 100; Survey Locale Map: Figure 118
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-4, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 414800 Northing 6964900
Latitude 62°48'25" N., Longitude 148°40'20" W.
T. 31 N., R. 4 E., Seward Meridian
Sec . 3 , S El.iS El.iN El.i
Site Map: Figure 22; Soil Profile: Figure 23
Setting: The site is located on the south side of the Susitna
River at the mouth of an unnamed stream which joins the Susitna
from the east, approximately 4 km upriver from the mouth of Fog
Creek (Figure 100). The site is appro~imately 200 m south of site
UA80-74 and is situated on the edge of an alluvial terrace on the
south side of the stream at a point where the direction of the
ridge changes from a north-south to an east-west orientation
(Figure 118). The elevation of the site above the level of the
river is approximately 30m and both the stream mouth and the knoll
upon which site UA80-74 is located are in view. The Susitna River
is approximately 150m west of the site and the deep, fast flowing
stream lies approximately 100m to the north. Both the Susitna
River and the stream are visible and easily accessible from the
site. The view to the east is restricted by the terrace in that
direction. Views in all other directions encompass the terrain
immediately accessible from the site with some visual restriction
76
-
due to fairly dense black spruce. The primary orientation of the
site is to the northwest overlooking the stream and stream mouth.
Sign of moose (Alces alces) and other game is abundant and a well
used game trail crosses the site. Vegetation at the site includes
scattered birch, black spruce, high bush cranberry, Labrador tea,
blueberry, sphagnum moss, and lichens. Surrounding vegetation
varies between dense and open lowland spruce-hardwood forest with
some white spruce and alder in the vicinity of the stream mouth.
Sphagnum moss is thick near the stream and there are several moss-
covered bedrock outcrops adjacent to the stream channel approximately
100 m upstream from the mouth.
Phase I Testing: There is no surface indication of the site on
this terrace, and cultural material was revealed by a shovel probe
(test 1). A total of five subsurface tests were excavated, four of
which were on the terrace and one on a bench above the terrace
(Figure 22). Only test 1 produced cultural material. A total of
224 flakes were excavated from test 1 which exposed a portion of a
large flake scatter 14 to 34 cmbs (Figure 23). The stratigraphy of
the site is somewhat distorted by solifluction, however, the flakes
seem to be associated with a light orange silty clay stratigraphic
unit mottled with grey ash (Figure 23, unit 3). This grey ash
appears to be similar in color and texture to the grey ash (Figure
23, unit 4) associated with the artifacts from the lowest cultural
level at site UAS0-74. Unfortunately no datable radiocarbon samples
were obtained at either site and further testing will be required
to clarify their temporal and spacial relationship. Three distinct
lithic types were represented in the flakes from test 1: basalt,
light brown chert, and translucent chalcedony. The majority of
flakes are basalt, 10 are chert, and one is chalcedony. The frequency
and lithic diversity of flakes from test 1 suggests the site may be
more extensive than initial testing indicates.
77
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L
[
Collected Artifact Inventory
213 Black basalt flakes
10 Light brown chert flakes
1 Translucent chalcedony flake
78
I·
r .
i
L~
( ..
Test
Site Datum
l
OT 3
0
X
mixed spruce and
birch forest
Figure 22.
0
I
5
l
10
I
METERS
15
Contour Interval: 2 m.
Talkeetna Mts. D-4
T.31N R.4E
SE l/4 of SE l/4 of NE l/4
Sec. 3
Site map UA80-76 (TLM 029).
79
I
I
I
i.
Unit 1
Brown Humus
Unit 2a
Grey Leached Silt below
Black Peat
Unit 2b
Red Organic Rich Silt
Unit 3 (Cultural)
Lt. Orange Silty Clay
Mottled with Grey Ash
Figure 23
D Unit 4
Lt. brown silt
~Unit 5
~ ~1itBrown Fine Sandy
Unit 6
Yellow Grey Coarse Sand
with Cobbles (Glacial
Drift)
Soil profile UAB0-76 (TLM 029), test 1.
an
[
3.2.1.10-Site UA80-77, State Number TLM 030
Area: Survey Locale 13
Area Map: Figure 100; Survey Locale Map: Figure 117
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-4, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 413350 Northing 6961400
Latitude 62°46'15" N., Longitude 148°41'50" W.
T. 31 N., R. 4 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 15, SW~NW~SW~
Site Map: Figure 24; Soil Profile: Figures 25 and 26
Setting: The site is located at an elevation of 457 m (1500 feet
asl) on the south margin of Fog Creek approximately 900 m upstream
from the confluence of Fog Creek and the Susitna River (Figure
117). Situated on the point of an alluvial terrace, the site is
approximately 46 m above Fog Creek and overlooks the deeply incised
bedrock canyon through which Fog Creek emerges to join the Susitna
River. Fog Creek drains a large area including the Fog Lakes
region and is a major tributary of the Susitna River. Below the
site the creek is shallow with braided channels and is approximately
10 m wide. The site occupies the rounded bend of a continuous
terrace where it changes from an east-west orientation, parallel to
Fog Creek, to a north-south orientation parallel to the Susitna
River. East of the site the terrace joins a ridge which rises
parallel to Fog Creek. West of the site the terrace edge drops off
steeply for 30m to a broad, relatively flat alluvial flood plain.
The view from the site is primarily northeast up Fog Creek and west
down Fog Creek to its mouth, encompassing a distance of approximately
1.5 km. Visibility in other directions is limited by the terrain
81
and dense spruce forest. Both Fog Creek and the Susitna are easily
accessible from the site. A deeply incised game trail traverses
the terrace on which the site is located and continues up the ridge
east of the site. A recent moose {Alces alces) kill is located on
the alluvial plain immediately below the site where a grizzly bear
{Ursus arctos) has partially eaten and buried an adult moose {Alces
alces). Scattered spruce and birch are present at the site but do
not block the view. Low bush cranberry, blueberry, Labrador tea,
mosses, and lichens form the principal ground vegetation. The
surrounding vegetation is a relatively dense lowland spruce-hardwood
forest with white spruce and alder present along the creek.
Phase I Testing: The site contains both surface and subsurface
cultural material. Artifacts are eroding out of the game trail
that traverses the site. A complete side-notched basalt projectile
point (UA80-77-520; Figure 80, h) was surface collected from the
trail. Flakes observed along the game trail were left in place,
and total of five tests were excavated at the site, four of which
produced cultural material {Figure 24). Only test 2, placed on a
bench below the main terrace near the surface flake scatter, did
not produce cultural material. All tests on the main terrace
produced cultural material, and it appears that the site occupies
an area at least 20m square including portions of the terrace
several m from the edge. Over 500 flakes and 6 tools are represented
in the artifact assemblage, and radiocarbon determinations and
stratigraphy from tests 1 and 4 suggest that the site may be multi-
component.
Test 1 {Figure 24) produced 356 flakes, a complete side-notched
basalt biface (UA80-77-327; Figure 80, b) and a slightly concave
base of a side-notched chert projectile point (UA80-77-89; Figure
80, a). The artifacts from test 1 (Figure 24) appear to be associated
with a light grey volcanic ash (unit 2b and 2c; UA80-77-539) and an
82
[
..
. .
orange brown pebbly silt (unit 4) at a depth of 1~ to 17 cmbs. A
radiocarbon determination of 2310 ± 220 years B.P.: 360 B.C. (DIC-1877)
was obtained on charcoal (UA80-77-1a) 10 to 13 cmbs in test 1
(Figure 25). Test 3 {Figure 24) produced 105 flakes, three basalt
blade fragments (UA80-77-427, 428, and 429; Figure 80, c and d),
two of which articulate to form the proximal portion of a blade, a
basalt blade core fragment (UA80-77-430; Figure 80, e) and a large
black arg·illite blade-like flake (UA80-77-437; Figure 80, f). In
addition, three possible fire-cracked rock fragments {UA80-77-434,
435 and 436) were found in association with the artifacts from
test 3. Cultural material from test 3 was excavated between 16 to
21 cmbs from light brown silt and dark grey volcanic ash. Solifluctio ..
has distorted the stratigraphy, and the s·ilt and ash units lie
directly above glacial drift. Test 4 (Figure 24) produced 65
flakes 25 to 28 cmbs apparently associated with charcoal (UA80-77-2a)
from which a radiocarbon determination of 4720 ± 130 years B.P.:
2770 B.C. (DIC-1880) was obtained. A whitish grey volcanic ash
(Figure 26, unit_5) is 9 em above the charcoal, and a sample of
this ash was collected (UA80-77-538). Test 5 (Figure 24) produced
two flakes and a retouched flake (UA80-77-517; Figure 80, g) at
20 to 22 cmbs. Lithologies represented at the site include basalt,
reddish-brown, brown and grey chert, argillite, tuff and tuffacious
rhyolite. This site has produced the highest frequency of diagnostic
artifacts of any site discovered to date within the impoundment
limit of the Susitna Hydropower Project. Radiocarbon dates from two
charcoal concentrations (tests 1 and 4) may possibly suggest that
this site is multicomponent, however further testing will be required
to clarify the relationship of the two radiocarbon determinations
and to ascertain the temporal and spacial extent of the site .
Collected Artifact Inventory
Surface:
1 Grey basalt side-notched projectile point (complete)
83
I.
Subsurface:
482 Black basalt flakes
17 White tuff flakes
12 Light brown tuffacious rhyolite flakes
1 Grey chert flake
1 Reddish-brown chert flake
1 Brown chert flake
1 Black basalt retouched flake
1 Reddish-brown chert side-notched projectile point base
1 Black basalt side-notched biface
1 Black basalt blade core fragment
3 Black basalt blade fragments
1 Black basalt blade-like flake
3 Fire-cracked rock fragments
2 Ash samples
2 Charcoal samples
84
I ,
I
1 .
-
Test
Birch
-J-flake
scatter
Tree
Spruce Tree
Site Datum
0
0
* X
open clearing with
low shrubby brush
dense black
spruce
dense black
Figure 24.
0 10
METERS
Contour Interval: l m.
Talkeetna Mts. D-4
T.31N R.4E
20
SW l/4 of NW 1/4 of SW l/4
Sec. 15
Site map UA80-?? _(TLM 030).
1
2
3
4
--"'~
5
SOUTH WALL
0
5
10
15
20
25
Unit 4 (Cultural)
Orange-Brown Pebble Silt
Unit 2(2b and 2c Cultural)~ Unit 5
Light Grey Ash (Jet.~:. Red-Brown Coarse Sand
..... 0 .. with Gravel and Cobbles
D Unit 3
Red-Brown Mottled
Gritty Silt
Figure 25.
(Glacial Drift)
Radiocarbon Sample on
Charconl (UAB0-77-la)
2310 ± 220 years: 360 B.C.
Soil profile UAB0-77 (TLM 030), test 1.
86
( .
I t.,
.
Unit 1
Brown Humus
SOUTH WALL
,~~Unit 2 t[~~·~,"~mWhitish Grey Ash
~~~ below peat horizon
Unit 3
Red Organic Rich
Silt with Concretions
D Unit 4
Tan Silt
Figure 26.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40CM
Unit 5
Black Charcoal (Hearth)
(Cultural)
~ Unit 6 .
~ Lt. Orange Silty Sand
Unit 7
Reddish Brown Coarse Sand
with Gravel and Cobbles
(Glacial Drift)
~ Radiocarbon Sample
on Charcoal (UA80-77-2a)
4720 : 130 years: 2770 B.C.
Soil profile UAS0-77 (TLM 030), test 4.
87
3.2.1.11 • Site UA80-78, State Number TLM 031
Area: Survey Locale 30
Area Map: Figure 101; Survey Locale Map: Figure 136
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-3, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 448900 Northing 6963700
Latitude 62°48'02" N., Longitude 148°00'20" W.
T. 31 N., R. 8 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 5, N~S~SW~
Site f4ap: Figure 27; Soil Profile: Figure 28
Setting: The site is located on a high plateau on the north side
of the Susitna River approximately 4 km downriver from the mouth of
Kosina Creek (Figure 136). A 1.5 km wide valley separates this
plateau from higher mountains to the north. The site is situated
approximately 274 m (900 feet) above the level of the river at an
elevation of 823 m (2700 feet asl), in a system of hills and ridges
surrounding several small kettle lakes. The site is located on the
eastern end of the southernmost ridge in this locale, approximately
300m east of the largest of three kettle lakes which lie to the
west of the site (Figure 136). The Susitna River is approximately
1.7 km southwest, and although visible from the site, is not easily
accessible from it. The site appears to be oriented towards the
local accessible terrain rather than the river. The principal view
is to the east and south. The terrain in the vicinity of the site
is glacially scoured kettle and kame topography. Vegetation at the
site consists of low brush with scattered stands of black spruce.
Bedrock is exposed on the ridge and, where not exposed, is generally
within 20 em of the surface. Most ridges in the vicinity are
subject to deflation and there is little soil or vegetation along
88
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, -,
their crests. At lower elevations, off the ridges, vegetation
consists of denser stands of black spruce, sphagnum moss, and
muskeg. In the Susitna Valley to the south, the vegetation is an
upland spruce-hardwood forest.
Phase I Testing: A black chert endscraper (UA80-78-1; Figure 81,
a) was surface collected during reconnaissance along this ridge
system. No other artifacts were observed on the surface although a
black chert pebble fragment {UA80-78-2) of similiar lithology was
surface collected in the vicinity. A total of three tests were
excavated at the site, none of which produced subsurface cultural
material (Figure 27). Test 1, (Figure 27) in the immediate vicinity
of the endscraper, revealed the soil deposition on the ridge to be
20 cmbs. A total of seven archeological sites were found situated
on ridges and knolls within the same topographic setting (Survey
Locale 30) as site UA80-78. Other sites within a 1 km radius of
site UA80-78 are UA80-79, UA80-143, and UA80-144. Each of these
sites is located in an area of high topographic relief offering a
panoramic view of the surrounding terrain. The plateau encompassed
by Survey Locale 30 was probably utilized prehistorically as hunting
terrain and contains the highest concentration of sites found to
date in the vicinity of the impoundment area. However, the deflated
character of the terrain may bias sampling in this area because
sites are naoJrally exposed and consequently highly visible.
Initial reconnaissance and testing at UA80-78 suggests that this
surface site may be limited to an isolated find not associated with
other cultural material. However, further reconnaissance and
testing are required before this can be confirmed.
Collected Artifact Inventory
1 Black chert endscraper
1 Black chert pebble
89
i.-
0 T 3
! -
Test
Test (9robe)
Site Datum
. -
_I_ endscraper
(jT 1
X
0 2
METERS
D Contour Interval: 1 m.
0 Talkeetna Mts. D-3
X T. 31N R. BE
sw l/4 of SW l/4 Sec.
Figure 27._
Site map UA80-78 (TLM 031).
90
~
N
l
4
5
1
3
( .
4
f •
l
~
i ..
r ...
5
D
EAST WALL
Unit 1
Med. Brown Silty Sand
(Deflated surface)
Unit 2
Leached Grey Silt
Unit 3
Black Stain (Peat)
Figure 28.
15
20CM
Unit 4
Lt. Brown/Red Mottled
Sandy Silt
Unit 5
Fractured Rock
Soil profile UA80-78 (TLM 031), test 1.
91
I
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...
!
l.
i
L.
3.2.1.12 -Site UA80-79, State Number TLM 032
Area: Survey Locale 30
Area Map: Figure 101; Survey Locale Map: Figure 136
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. 0-3, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 448200 Northing 6963500
Latitude 62°47'58 11 N., Longitude 148°01'05" W.
T. 31 N., R. 8 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 6, S~SE~S~
Site Map: Figure 29; Soil Profile: Figure 30
Setting: The site is located on a high plateau on the north side
of the Sus i tna River approximately 4 km downriver from the mouth of
Kosina Creek (Figure 136). A 1.5 km wide valley separates this
plateau from higher mountains to the north. Located approximately
274m {900 feet) above the level of the river at an elevation of
823 m (2700 feet asl), the site is situated in a system of hills
and ridges surrounding several small kettle lakes. Six other sites
were identified in this topographic con~ext. This site is located
approximately 200m south of the southern point of the largest of
three kettle lakes at the eastern end of the plateau (Figure 136).
The only other known site within 1 km is site UA80-78, which is
located to the northeast in similar topography, although separated
from the lakes by an intervening ridge. Site UA80-79 is situated
on a point of high relief at the eastern end of an 80 m long discrete
ridge which is part of a longer east-west trending ridge system
which slopes steeply to a small lake 150m to the east. However,
the lake is not visible from the site. The ridge upon which the
site is located is one of numerous glacially abraded ridges charac-
92
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[
, -
teristic of this high plateau. The largest of the kettle lakes is
200m northeast of the-site (approximately six hectares in size)
and is 30 m lower in elevation and easily accessible from the site.
Evidence of terracing approximately 3 m above the present level of
the lake suggests former higher lake levels. Most of the margin of
this large lake and another lake 500 m north of the site is visible
from the site although the westernmost point of the largest lake
and portions of the smaller lake are obscured by intervening topography.
The view from the site is panoramic, but the view to the south is
restricted by the rounded crest of the ridge line. The site location
is unique, in that it is the point of highest topographic relief in
the immediate vicinity of the largest of the three kettle lakes
from which most of the lake is visible. To the east the Susitna
River valley and portions of the river are visible, however, the
site appears to be oriented toward the local accessible terrain.
Due to its location on the deflated ridge crest among exposed
bedrock outcrops, vegetation is limited to dwarf birch, willow
shrubs, and low-bush berries including cranberry, blueberry, and
crowberry among others. A few scattered black spruce occur on the
ridges, but are more numerous in the areas of low relief between
ridges where alders, willows, and shrubs become denser. The terrain
around the lakes is gently sloping to the shorelines where marshy
areas covered with grasses and sedges are present along the lake
margins.
Phase I Testing: The site is a six square m surface lithic scatter
exposed among bedrock outcrops (Figure 29). The scatter is unique
among surface sites discovered during the 1980 survey because it
contains a high proportion of tools in comparison to flakes. All
observed surface artifacts were collected. A single test in the
immediate vicinity of the scatter (Figure 29, test 1) did not
produce subsurface cultural material. A total of 12 artifacts were
surface collected in the vicinity of this test (Figure 29). Several
93
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specimens were also collected that were subsequently determined to
be non-cultural. Cultural material collected at the site includes
six flakes, a white chalcedony core fragment, two chert pebble
fragments, a quartzite endscraper (UA80-79-1; Figure 81, b), a
quartzite endscraper (UA80-79-8; Figure 81, d), a retouched rhyolite
flake (UA80-79-2; Figure 81, c) and a ••notched" cobble that exhibits
battering on one end {UA80-79-16; Figure 82). Lithologies represented
at the site are diverse and include chalcedony, quartzite, basalt,
red and black chert, and a distinctive blue-green chert.
Collected Artifact Inventory
Note: Surface artifacts are keyed to site map (Figure 29).
# on Kex
1 1 Quartzite endscraper
2 1 Grey rhyolite retouched flake
3 1 Quartzite rock
4 1 Grey rhyolite rock
5 1 Grey quartzite rock
6 1 Black chert pebble fragment
7 1 Yellow brown rhyolite rock fragment
8 1 Quartzite endscraper
9 1 Blue-green chert flake
10 1 Quartzite flake
11 1 Quartzite flake
12 1 White chalcedony core fragment
13 1 Red chert pebble
14 1 Black basalt flake
15 1 Black basalt flake
16 1 Basalt notched cobble
94
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+ 14
+
I lQ
blowout T7 ,12
~
dwarf birch
Test
Bedrock
Site Datum X
Surface Artifact
Note: Surface artifacts are
keyed to Museum Accession Nos.
Figure 29.
0 2
METERS
Contour Interval: 50 em.
Talkeetna Mts. D-3
T.31N R.8E
4
SW 1/4 of SE l/4 of SE l/4
Sec. 6
Site map UA80-799 ~TU·1 032) .
1
2
3
1
L
r~
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SOUTH
Unit 1
Humus
Unit 2
WALL
Lt. Brown Silty Fine Sand
Unit 3
Grey Brown Silty C0nrse Sand
with Pebbles and Coubles (Glacial Drift)
Figure 30.
Soil profile UA80-79 (TLM 032), test 1.
96
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40CM
....
3.2.1.13 -Site UA80-80, State Number TLM 033
Area: Survey Locale 31
Area Map: Figure 101; Survey Locale Map: Figure 140
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-3, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 448250 Northing 6961950
Latitude 62°47 1 10 11 N., Longitude 148°00 1 52 11 W.
T. 31 N., R. 8 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 7, SE~S~SE~
Site Map: Figure 31; Soil Profile: Figure 32
Setting: The site is near the outlet of a small lake located 400 m
north of the Susitna River approximately 4 km downriver from the
mouth of the Kosina River (Figure 140). Situated on the point of a
flat terrace approximately 200 m northeast of the mouth of the
outlet stream, the site overlooks the stream drainage to the northwest
and west. Located at an elevation of 549 m (1800 feet asl), the
site is approximately 30 m higher than the river and higher than
most of the terrain in the immediate vicinty. The site is at the
western point of a continuous terrace which lies south and parallel
to the lake outlet stream and extends approximately 400 m northeast
toward the lake outlet. The level, open, well-drained edge of the
terrace forms a natural route for ped.estrian travel from the lake
to the mouth of the outlet stream. A second lower terrace exists
approximately 20m below and south of the site and there is evidence
of additional terraces between the site and the river. The view
from the site is best to the west and northwest overlooking the
next lower terrace and the stream drainage, although the stre~n and
its confluence with the Susitna are not visible. Visibility in
other directions is restricted by topography and trees. The lake
97
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to the east of the site is not visible although it and the stream
are easily accessible from the site. The immediate area around the
site is relatively flat and open with scattered spruce and birch
growing on the terrace edge. Ground vegetation consists of a mat
of lichens and mosses with some low bush cranberry and dwarf willows.
Spruce trees increase in number in all directions from the site.
High brush, aspen, and birch also become dense away from the terrace
edge and the slopes below the terrace. With respect to known sites
in the upper Susitna Valley this site location is unique due to its
proximity to lake outlet and stream confluence and its position on
a point of high relief overlooking a stream drainage and lower
terrace.
Phase I Testing: There is no surface indication of a site at this
location, however a shovel probe (test 1) exposed a brown chert
biface fragment (UA80-80-1; Figure 81, e) at the contact between
two silt units (Figure 32, unit 3 and 4) 13 cmbs. A total of four
tests were excavated along the terrace edge near the point of the
terrace (Figure 31) but no further cultural material was recovered.
Collected Artifact Inventory
1 Dark brown chert biface fragment
98
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Test
Test (probe)
Site Dattllll
0
0
X
T ·2
4
figure 31.
open canopy black spruce
and birch, low brush, lichen
0 8
METERS
Contour Interval: 1 m.
Talkeetna Mts. D-3
T. 31N R. 8E
16
SE 1/4 of SE 1/4 of SE 1/4
Sec. 7
Site map UAS0-80 (TLM 033).
99
L
1
2
3
4
5
D
Unit 1
Humus
Unit 2
WEST WALL
Burned Gritty Silt
Unit 3
Lt. Brown Gritty
Silt
Figure 32.
~
[fi81
Unit 4
Med. Brown Grittv
Silt
Unit 5
Coarse Sand, Cobbles
and Boulders (Glacial
Drift)
Brown Chert Biface
Soil profile UA80-80 (TLM 033), test 1.
100
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3.2.1.14 -Site UA80-141, State Number TLM 034
Area: Survey Locale 11
Area Map: Figure 100; Survey Locale Map: Figure 115
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-4, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 411750 Northing 6960400
Latitude 62°45'57" N., Longitude 148°43'45 11 W.
T. 31 N., R. 4 E2 Seward Meridian
Sec. 21, N~SW~NW~
Site Map: Figure 33; Soil Profile: Figure 34
Setting: The site is located on the west side of the Susitna River
approximately 1.5 km downriver from the mouth of Fog Creek and
600 m upriver from a sharp westward bend of the Susitna (Figure
100). Situated approximately 200 m west of the river margin at an
elevation of 427 m (1400 feet asl), the site is located on an
east-west ridge 30m east of the junction of the ridge with a
higher terrace. A small pond, 10m lower in elevation, is located
approximately 30m northeast of the site (Figure 115). The site
rests on a small, open, relatively flat location on the crest of
the ridge from which the terrain slopes down 30° to the southwest,
dropping 20m to a broad alluvial river terrace. The ridge continues
to the northeast bending around the pond. To the west the ridge
terminates, joining with a slope at an elevation of approximately
40 m above the Susitna River. A game trail follows the crest of
the ridge with side slopes ranging from 20° to 30° and ending on
alluvial fans on either side of the ridge. Vegetation at the site
location is sparse, limited to bog blueberry, sphagnum moss, and
lichen. Scattered black spruce and birch grow on the slopes of the
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ridge and dense forests of predominantly black spruce occur to the
north and south of the site. To the west, a stand of birch marks
the termination of the ridge at which point it joins an uphill
slope •
Phase I Testing: No cultural material was found on the surface at
the site location. A shovel probe (test 1) produced the proximal
end of a pale yellow rhyolite blade-like flake 6 cmbs in an orange-
brown mottled silt directly under the humus (Figure 34, unit 2). A
flake of similar lithology was found 11 cmbs in the same silt unit.
A second test (test 2) did not reveal additional cultural material
(Figure 33). Additional shovel probes along the ridge system away
from the immediate vicinity of the site did not produce additional
artifacts, and the site appears to be limited to the immediate area
of test 1. Additional surface reconnaissance and shovel probes
along the ridge and further subsurface testing at the site will be
required to define site size.
Collected Artifact Inventory
1 Pale yellow rhyolite blade-like flake (proximal end}
1 Pale yellow rhyolite flake
102
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birch,
spruc e
black a nd
whi te spruce
Test
Site Datum
0 10 20
METERS
0 Con tour Interval: 3 m.
Talkeetna Mts. D-4
X T.3lN R .4E
NW l /4 of SW l /4 of NW l /4
Sec . 21
Figure 33.
Site map UA80-)~~ (TLM 034).
1
2
3
4 . -
5
_..~
6
,-,
I
L
~ ·-
EAST WALL
Unit 1
Humus with Charcoal
and Ash
Unit 2 (Cultural)
Orange/Brown Mottled
Silt
D
rn .
.
.
Pale yellow rhyolite flake
Unit 3
Charcoal (Discontin -
uous Lense)
Figure 34.
Unit 4
Light Brown/Grey
Mottled Silt
Unit 5
Medium Brown Silt
with Pebbles
Unit 6
Orange Sandy Silt with
Gravel and Cobbles
(Glacial Drift)
Soil profile UA80-141 (TU~ 034), test 1.
104
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3.2.1.15 -Site UA80-142, State Number TLM 035
Area: Borrow E
Area Map: Figure 100; Location Map: Figure 173
USGS Map : Talkeetna Mts. D-4, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 418050 Northing 6967500
Latitude 62°49 1 52 11 N., Longitude 148°36 1 28 11 W.
T. 32 N., R. 5 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 30, SW~W\S~
Site Map: Figure 35; Soil Profile: Figure 36
Setti~: The site is located on the west side of Tsusena Creek
approximately 1 km upstream from its mouth (Figure 173). Situated
on the rounded point of a high river terrace approximately 300 m
west of Tsusena Creek, the site overlooks the Tsusena Creek drainage.
The elevation of the terrace is 488 m {1600 feet asl) which is
approximately 30m above Tsusena Creek and 61 m above the Susitna
River . The terrace is continuous for 100 m north and 50 m west of
the site where it blends into surrounding slopes .. Ridges to the
north _and west rise to over 610 m (2000 feet asl). Except for
isolated openings in the tree cover, the view in all directions is
severely restricted by the existing vegetation, however. with
decreased vegetation denseness good visibility of up to 2 km eastward
across Tsusena Creek, 1 km southward to the Susitna River, and
along the Susitna westward for 4 km would be possible . The view to
the north is blocked by an ascending ridge behind the site. Both
the Susitna River and Tsusena Creek are in view and easily accessible,
105
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L-
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I .
1 .
although the site appears to be oriented more toward Tsusena Creek.
A well used game trail runs along the edge of the terrace traversing
the site location. Scattered spruce and birch are found on the
rounded 9 gradually sloping terrace with an understory including low
bush cranberry, blueberry 9 Labrador tea, bearberry, sphagnum moss
and lichen. Below the site spruce become denser and there are
stands of birch. Wet marshy areas exist below the site and dryer,
more tundra-like areas characterize the ridge system above the
site.
Phase I Testing: A total of three subsurface tests were excavated
at the rounded point of the terrace (Figure 35). There is no
surface indica·tion of a site at this location 9 however, shovel
probe 3a (test 1) produced a pale yellow rhyolite flake 3 cmbs at
the contact between a dark brown silt and a grey silt (Figure 36,
unit 2 and 3). A second shovel probe (test 2) to the north of
test 1 produced an additional basalt flake. Test 3 did not produce
cultural material. A basalt rock _fragment subsequently detennined
not to be culturally modified was also collected from test 1. Very
little can be said concerning site function(s), spacial extent or
temporal placement without further testing. Cultural material of
two lithologies 9 from tests 10m apart, although limited to only
two flakes, may indicate that the site could be fairly extensive.
Collected Artifact Inventory
1 Pale yellow rhyolite flake
1 Grey basalt flake
1 Grey basalt rock
106
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Test
Site Daturn
·~
·-
0
X
Figure 35.
0
I
2""
1
METERS
4
I
6
Contour Interval : l m.
Talkeetn a Mts. D-4
T·. 22N R. 5E
SW l /4 of NWl/4 of SE l /4
Sec . 30
Site map UA80-142 (TLM 035).
107
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L
1
2
3
4
5
D
Unit 1
Humus with silt
Unit. 2
Dark Brown Silt
Unit 3
Grey Silt
NORTH WALL
-.
.
II
Figure 36.
Unit 4
Red/Brown Sand with
Round Pebbles
Unit. 5
Medium Brown Sand with
Occassional Pebble
Pale Yellow Rhyoli t .e Flake
Soil profile UAB0-142 (TLM 035), probe 3A.
108
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3.2.1.16-Site UA80-143, State Number TLM 036
Area: Survey Locale 30
Area Map: Figure 102; Survey Locale Map: Figure 137
USGS t1ap: Talkeetna Mts. D-2, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 449450 Northing 6964100
Latitude 62°48'22" N., Longitude 147°59'30" ~J.
T. 31 N., R. 8 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 5, NE~N~S~
Site Map: Figure 37; Soil Profile: Figure 38A
Setting: The site is located on a high plateau on the north side
of the Susitna River approximately 3 km downriver from the mouth of
Kosina Creek (Figure 102). A 1.5 km wide valley separates this
plateau from higher mountains to the north. Located approximately
335m {1100 feet) above the level of the Susitna River at an elevation
of 853 m {2800 feet asl), the site is situated on the southwest
side of a small knoll overlooking a south-facing slope leading down
to the Susitna River. This knoll is connected to a higher knoll by
a small usaddle 11 to the northeast. Higher rounded hills to the
northwest mark the eastern border of a lake six hectares in size,
which is not visible from the site. A small pond is located 300m
north but cannot be seen from the site. The ridge upon which the
site is located is part of a regional system of discontinuous
ridges which occur on this plateau above the 762 m {2500 feet asl)
elevation. Each of the knolls and ridges which comprise this
system exhibits numerous bedrock and drift exposures. High rolling
hills above 762 m {2500 feet asl) in elevation exist to the east,
north, west, and southwest within 1 km of the site. The Susitna
109
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River lies approximately 2 km to the south and a small stream flows
in the valley less than .5 km west of the site. The view from the
site is panoramic but the principal view is of the lower open areas
to the east, southeast, south, and southwest. Visibility varies
from 1 km {southwest) to 5 km {southeast). Six additional archeological
sites have been identified to date in the same local topographic
context as UA80-143. The only recorded site within 1 km of UA80-143
is site UA80-151 (TLM 044) located to the northeast. Vegetation at
UA80-143 is transitional alpine tundra, with spruce, dwarf birch,
moss, and lichens. At elevations below 762 m {2500 feet asl)
spruce become more common, and above this elevation low shrubs,
moss, and lichen prevail.
Phase I Testing: The site consists of a surface lithic scatter
exposed in a blowout measuring approximately 8 m by 12 m {Figure
37). A dark red-brown chert unifacially worked scraper with flake
scars over the entire dorsal surface {Figure 81, f) was surface
collected from thjs blowout along with a single light grey chert
flake found 72 em east-northeast (62°) from the scraper. No
other cultural material was observed on the surface. A single test
{Figure 37) at the site did not reveal any subsurface cultural
material and encountered bedrock within 10 cmbs {Figure 38A).
Collected Artifact Inventory
Note: Surface artifacts are keyed to site map (Figure 37)
# on Key
1 1 Dark red-brown chert unifacially worked scraper
2 1 Light grey chert flake
110
L
[
t "
blowout
1
alpine tundra
Test
Exposed Bedrock
Site Datum
Surface Artifact
X
I -,-
Figure 37.
0
I
1
f
METERS
Talkeetna Mts. D-2
T. 31N R. 8E
2
I
NE 1/4 of NW 1/4 of SE 1/4
Sec. 5
Site map UAB0-143 (TLM 036).
111
L
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r
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•
1
2
1
2
WEST WALL
0
5
10CM
Unit l
Medium Brown Gritty Silt
with Angular Rock Fragments
Unit 2
Bedrr>cl~
A UAS0-143 Test l
Unit l
Silt with Roots
Rock Clasts
Unit 2
II
~ Bedrock
B UA80-l44 Test l
Figure 38.
and
Soil profiles UAS0-143 (TLM 036), test 1 and UAS0-144 (TLM 037), test 1.
112
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c
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-
-
3.2.1.17 -Site UA80-144, State Number TLM 037
Area: Survey Loca 1 e 30
Area Map: Figure 101; Survey Locale Map: Figure 136
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-3, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zane 6 Easting 448650 Northing 6964600
Latitude 62°48'36" N., Longitude 148°00'30" W.
'
T. 31 N., R. 8 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 5, SE~NW~NW~
Site Map: Figure 39; Soil Profile: Figure 388
Setting: The site is located on a high plateau on the north side
of the Susitna River approximately 4 km downriver from the mouth of
Kosina Creek (Figure 136). A 1.5 km wide valley separates this
plateau from higher mountains to the north. Located approximately
396m {1300 feet) above the Susitna River at an elevation of 914 m
(3000 feet asl), the site is situated on a southwest slope, 5 m
below the top of the second highest knoll on a ridge approximately
900 m northeast of the largest of three kettle lakes (Figure 136).
The ridge upon which the stie is located is one of numerous east-west
trending glacially scoured ridges with exposed bedrock and drift
characteristic of this high plateau. The site affords an excellent
view of two kettle lakes to the southwest, the smallest lake is
approximately 800 m distant and 61 m lower in elevation, while the
larger lake is approximately 850 m distant and 91 m lower in elevation.
Most of the accessible terrain in view from the site is 30 to 50 m
lower in elevation and consists of undulating ridges and knolls
without high relief. The view from the site is panoramic but the
more accessible terrain to which the site appears to be oriented
lies to the south and west and includes the kettle lakes, the north
113
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•
slopes and crests of a series of ridges running generally east-west
and descending in elevation to the south, and a major northeast-
southwest trending ridge which lies to the southwest of the site.
Six additional archeological sites have been identified to date in
the same local topographic context. Other sites within a 1 km
radius of site UAB0-144 are site UAB0-78 (TLM 031) approximately
1 km to the south, and site UAB0-143 (TLM 036) approximately 900 m
to the southeast. Vegetation at the site is sparse and consists of
low bush cranberry, bearberry, mosses, and lichens with occasional
spruce present in more sheltered locations at lower elevations.
Surrounding vegetation is alpine tundra with low shrubs. In the
site vicinity spruce occur infrequently in saddles and on less
exposed slopes but are generally absent on ridge crests and the
tops of knolls.
Phase I Testing: The site consists of a surface lithic scatter
exposed in a blowout measuring approximately 40 m by 50 m in which
bedrock exposures occur (Figure 39). A total of four flakes were
observed on the deflated surface, two of which were collected
(Figure 39). One of the collected flakes is grey chert and the
other fine grained black basalt. The two uncollected flakes appeared
to be of similar lithology as the grey chert flake. No other
cultural material was observed on the surface. Test 1, excavated
to the north of the blowout, did not reveal any subsurface cultural
material (Figure 39). Soil deposition in the vicinity of the site
is shallow and bedrock was encountered within less than 10 cmbs
(Figure 38B).
Collected Artifact Inventory
1 Grey chert flake
1 Fine grained black basalt flake
114
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[
I.
...
alpine
tu'ndra
Test
Exposed Bedrock
Site Datum
_I_ 2 1 I
blowout
X
Surface Artifact +
Figure 39.
0
I
10
I
METERS
Talkeetna Mts. D-3
T. 31N R. 8E
~
N
l
20
I
SE 1/4 of NW l/4 of NW 1/4
Sec. 5
Site map UAB0-144 (TLM 047).
115
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3.2.1.18 -Site UA80-145, State Number TLM 038
Area: Survey Locale 26
Area Map: Figure 101; Survey Loca 1 e Map: Figure 131
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-3, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 442600 Northing 6974800
Latitude 62°54'02" N., Longitude 148°07.45" W.
T. 33 N., R. 7 E., Seward t4eridi an
Sec. 33, s~s~s~
Site f~ap: Figure 40; Soil Profile: Figure 41
Setting: The site is located approximately 10 km upstream from the
mouth of Watana Creek on the eastern edge of a plain overlooking
the creek from the west (Figure 131). Watana Creek is approximately
600 m east of the site and 152 m (500 feet) lower in elevation. A
major unnamed tributary joins Watana Creek from the north approximately
700 m northeast of the site. Located at an elevation of 762 m
(2500 feet asl), the site is situated on a small discrete lobe of
the continuous edge of the plain which trends east-west for .5 km
before trending northward. The site overlooks a large stream
terrace to the north and northeast approximately 61 m (200 feet)
lower in elevation, and the confluence of the unnamed major
tributary and Watana Creek to the northeast. Approximately 100 m
east of the site the plain terminates and a sharp ridge with a
series of prominent knolls descends 61 m to the level of the large
alluvial terrace below the site. Access to the lower terrace and
Watana Creek is possible but quite steep and difficult or impossible
in places where downcutting has resulted in cliffs and steep bedrock
exposures. The view from the site encompasses the relatively level
a 116
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plain westward from the site and the lower alluvial terrace and
portions of ~4atana Creek and its tributary to the north and northeast.
Only a small portion of Watana Creek above the confluence is visible
from the site. Visibility in other directions is restricted by
spruce forest and by slightly higher terrain to the south. Although
not much higher than the surrounding plain, the site location
affords a better view in more directions than other slightly lower
lobes along the edge of the plain. The difference in view-capability
between this and other lobes (which were tested without finding
cultural material) is subtle but apparently significant in terms of
site location. On the north face of the lobe, a 2 m by 2 m blowout
has exposed whitish-grey sand approximately 2 m below the site .
Vegetation at the site consists of alpine tundra and high brush and
a single isolated black spruce. Dwarf birch and willow, low bush
cranberry, crowberry, bearberry, moss and lichens form the major
ground vegetation. Scattered black spruce occur on the plain
approximately 30m southeast of the site and alder occupy the
ravines between lobes along the edge of the plain. On the lower
terrace to the northeast of the site spruce are denser and areas of
muskeg are present.
Phase I Testing: No surface cultural material was observed at the
site location. However, backdirt from shovel probe 1 revealed 4
calcined long bone fragmen.ts from a medium to large sized mammal.
Three additional probes and a test (test 1) were excavated in the
immediate vicinity of probe 1 and one test (test 2) was placed 11.5
m southwest of test 1 (Figure 40). Probe 2 and test 2 did not
reveal cultural material, however, probes 3 and 4 and test 1
revealed extensive subsurface calcined faunal material in associa-
tion with charcoal. No cultural lithic material was revealed by
any of the subsurface tests. Test 1 revealed 86 long bone fragments,
2 flat bone fragments, 1 metacarpal and 1 carpal fragment, 1 rib
fragment, and 1 tooth in addition to approximately 500 very small
117
bone fragments. The metacarpal fragment was identified as caribou
(Rangifer tarandus) and the tooth as.either caribou (Rangifer
~randus) or moose (Alces alces). These bone fragments were recovered
between 10 to 35 cmbs in a grey and dark brown silty sand (Figure 41,
units 2 and 4). Probe 3 revealed 12 long bone fragments and 1 carpal
fragment, identified as caribou (Rangifer tarandus), between 13 and
20 cmbs. Probe 4 revealed 44 long bone fragments, 1 flat bone
fragment, 1 rib fragment, and approximately 300 very small bone
fragments between 5 and 30 cmbs. The majority of bone fragments
ar·e probably fran a medium to large size mammal(s) although some
small mammals appear to be represented. All of the bone fragments
occur in pockets of charcoal or charred earth within silty sand
units (Figure 41) and most fragments show evidence of burning. Not
enough charcoal was collected to provide a radiometric date for the
site, however the possibility of obtaining a sufficient sample is
quite probable, with further testing. Although test 2 did not
reveal cultural material it did contain a charcoal lens at approxi-
mately the same level as the charcoal noted in test 1. More testing
is required to determine if the charcoal associated with the burned
faunal material represents a hearth or is natural in origin.
Collected Faunal Material
Test 1 (Probe 1)
Backdirt: 4 long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
Test 1, 10-15 cmbs: 14 long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
1 flat bone fragment, calcined, medium-large
mammal
4 long bone fragments, calcined, small-large mammal
ca. 200 very small bone fragments, calcined, small-
1 a rge mamma 1
5 long bone fragments, heavily burned., medium-large
mammal
6 long bone fragments, heavily burned, small-large
mammal
118
Test 1, 15-20 cmbs: 1 rib fragment, heavily burned, large mammal
1 metacarpal, proximal 1/5, heavily burned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
5 long bone fragments, heavily burned, large
mammal
20-30 cmbs:
1 flat bone fragment, heavily burned, large
mammal
9 long bone fragments, heavily burned, medium-
1 a rge mamma 1
5 long bone fragments, heavily burned, small-large
mammal
1 tooth (molar) fragment, large mammal, caribou
(Rangifer tarandus) or moose (Alces alces)
7 long bone fragments, calcined, large mammal
15 long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
6 long bone fragments, calcined, small-large
mammal
ca. 300 small fragments, calcined, small-large
mammal
2 long bone fragments, heavily burned, large
mammal
3 long bone fragments, heavily burned., medium-
1 a rge mamma 1
5 long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
Test 3 (Probe 3), 13-20 cmbs:
1 carpal, heavily burned, large mammal, caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
2 long bone fragments, calcined, large mammal
1 long bone fragment, heavily burned, large
mammal
1 long bone fragment, heavily burned, medium-large
mammal
6 long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
2 long bone fragments, calcined, small-large
mammal
Test 4 (Probe 4), 5-10 cmbs:
10-15 cmbs:
1 long bone fragment, large mammal
1 long bone fragment, calcined, large mammal
1 flat bone fragment, calcined, large mammal
7 long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
8 long bone fragments, heavily burned, medium-
large mammal
ca. 60 small fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
119
f
L
ca. 70 small fragments, calcined, heavily burned,
small-large mammal
1 rib fragment, heavily burned, large mammal
Test 4 (Probe 4), 15-20 cmbs:
5 long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
ca. 90 small fragments, calcined, small-large
mammal
20-25 cmbs: 1 1 ong bone fragment, 1 a rge mamma 1
1 long bone fragment, calcined, large mammal
12 long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
6 long bone fragments, heavily burned, medium-
1 a rge mamma 1
ca. 80 fragments, calcined, small-large mammal
25-30 cmbs: 1 long bone fragment, heavily burned, medium-
1 a rge mamma 1
120
I
L
T 2
11.5 m.
@ 200°
Test
Test (probe)
Blowout
Spruce Tree
Site Datum
0 T 4
(probe)
T l x'::J::J T 3
· (probe)
0T 1
(probe)
OT 2
(probe)
0
0 c
* X
Figure 40.
0
lichens, shrubs,
berries, dwarf
birch
2
METERS
Contour Interval: 50 em.
'I'alkeetna Mts. D-3
T. 33N R. 7E
4
SW 1/4 of SE 1/4 of SE 1/4
Sec. 33
Site map UAS0-145 (TLM 038}.
121
1
2
3
,.-.
L
c
r
5
I
..
..
·-
SOUTH WALL
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40CM
Unit 4 Unit 1
Humus Dark Brown Siltv Sand
II
D
Unit 2 (Cultural)
Gray Sand with.
Bone and Charcoal
Unit 3
Mottled Silty Sand
Approximate contact
Figure 41.
Unit 5
Brown Silty Sand
Soil profile UAB0-145 (TLM 038), test 1.
122
3.2.1.19 -Site UA80-146, State Number TLM 039
Area: Survey Locale 27
Area Map: Figure 101; Survey Locale Map: Figure 132
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-3, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 439800 Northing 6967300
T. 32 N., R. 7 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 29, SW~N~SE~
Site Map: Figure 42; Soil Profile: Figure 43
Setting: The site is located on the western margin of an 18 hectare
lake approximately 3.7 km east of the mouth of Watana Creek on the
north side of the Susitna River (Figure 132). Situated at an
elevation of 610 m ( 2000 feet asl} on top of a knoll at the southern
end of the lake where the shoreline curves to the southwest, the
site is located at the highest point on the perimeter of the lake.
This knoll is at the northeast end of an 800 m long discrete ridge
system oriented northeast to southwest. The knoll rises approximately
20 m above the lake as well as most of the surrounding terrain.
The view from the top of the knoll is panoramic, encompassing the
entire lake and surrounding accessible terrain up to a distance of
approximately 3 km. It is the only location on the lake from which
the entire lake is visible. This lake is the largest one within a
10 km radius and is a natural attraction for wildlife and waterfowl.
Moose (Alces alces), black bear (Ursus americanus), and grizzly bear
(Ursus arctos) were observed around the lake margin and both grayling
{Thymallus arcticus} and trout (Salmo spp. and Salverinus spp.) are
in the lake. The Susitna River is 1.3 km southwest at its closest
123
------------------------
\
l .
r-
L
r ..
point and approximately 152m (500 feet) lower in elevation. An
outlet stream drains the north end of the lake. Access to Watana
Creek, approximately 2.5 km distant, along this stream is relatively
easy. Site UA80-155 (TLM 048) is also located on this lake, at the
northern end near the outlet stream. Vegetation at site UA80-146
consists of scattered spruce, birch, and dwarf willow with ground
vegetation including blueberry, bearberry, Labrador tea, wild rose,
sphagnum moss, and lichen. Exposed soil and rock are found at the
crest of the knoll on the eastern side where deflation is most
pronounced. Surrounding vegetation is generally similar except
that black spruce and birch are denser, especially closer to the
lake margin, and willows are much denser in less well drained areas
between knolls and ridges.
Phase I Testing: The site is comprised of a subsurface lithic
scatter. No cultural material was observed on the surface. A
total of three tests were excavated at the site, test 1 approximately
5 m southeast of_the highest point of the knoll, test 2 at the
highest point of the knoll, and test 3 on the crest of a ridge line
approximately 10m southeast of the highest point of the knoll
(Figure 42). Only test 1 revealed subsurface cultural material. A
total of 14 fine grained quartzite flakes and a primary burin spall
of black chert (UA80-146-1; Figure 83, a) were excavated between
3 to 16 cmbs. Preliminary analysis suggests that the site is
multicomponent with a possible upper component consisting of very
small fine grained dark quartzite flakes occurring in or just under
the humus layer at a depth of 3 to 6 cmbs and a possible lower
component consisting primarily of larger fine grained light grey
quartzite flakes occurring between 12 to 16 cmbs. The deeper
flakes appear to be associated with the contact between a light
brown silt and a grey leached silt (Figure 43, units 4 and 5). The
black chert primary burin spall (UA80-146-1; Figure 83, a) was
found at a depth of 12 cmbs associated with several flakes. Two
124
i '
( l
' : l~
--
sterile silt units (Figure 43, units 2b and 3) may separate the two
possible components, however, further testing is required to determine
if there are two separate components or if cryoturbation or solifluction
may be responsible for the multicomponent appearance of the site.
Collected Artifact Inventory
4 Dark quartzite flakes
10 Light grey quartzite flakes
1 Black chert primary burin spall
125
' .
Test
Birch Tree
Spruce Tree
Site Datum
Test (probe)
0
0
* X
0
grasses,
small birch
0
1
10
I
METERS
20
I
Contour Interval: 3 rn.
Talkeetna Mts. D-3
T. 32N R. 7E
~
N
l
0
SW 1/4 of NE 1/4 of SE l/4
Sec. 29
Figure 42.
Site map UAB0-146 (TLM 039}.
126
1.
3
4
5
6
SOUTH E'AST WALL
Unit -1
Humus (Cultural)
Unit 2a
Dark Peat
Unit 2b
Lt. Grey Leached
Silt
Unit 3
Red Brown Silt
Figure 43.
D
II
Unit 4
Tan Silt
Unit 5
0
5
10
15
20
22CM
Dark Grey Leached Silt
Unit 6
Dark Grey Brown
Silt with Rounded
Pebbles and Cobbles
Cultural Horizons:
I Contact between Units
1 and 2a (3-6 cmbs)
II Contact between Units
4 anrl 5 (12-16 cmbs)
Soil profile UAB0-146 (TLM 039), test 1.
127
'· 3.2.1.20-Site UA80-147, State Number TLM 040
Area: Survey Locale 29
Area Map: Figure 101; Survey Locale Map: Figure 134
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. 0-3, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 445050 Northing 6963350
Latitude 62°47'57" N., Longitude 148°04'35' W.
T. 31 N., R. 7 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 11, NE~NE~NE~
Site Map: Figure 44; Soil Profile: Figure 45
Setting: The site is located at an elevation of 518 m (1700 feet
asl} at the point of highest relief on an old river terrace on the
south margin of the Susitna River, approximately 8 km downriver
from the mouth of Kosina Creek (Figure 134). This terrace is approxi-
mately 80 m long by 10m wide, and is situated approximately 30m
west of the Susitna River. It is approximately 20 m above the
Susitna and primarily oriented northwest-southeast parallel to the
river. The site is approximately equidistant from either end of
this terrace remnant. Degree of slope varies downward in all
directions from the site with a maximum slope of 25° to the east
and a minimum of 5° to the north. The view is obstructed in all
directions by vegetation although the Susitna River is visible to
the north, east, and south through the trees. With lower vegetation
the view would be panoramic. Access to the Susitna, although
possible, is less than ideal due to bedrock exposures and steep
alluvial slopes, however, access may have been easier in the past
when the river flowed at a higher elevation. A small stream .5 m
wide, which drains a marshy area to the northwest, is approximately
128
r .
·50 m south of the site. A lower alluvial terrace to the south is
located approximately 5 m below and parallels the upper terrace.
These two terraces appear to be part of a larger terrace system
visible to the northwest and southeast for approximately 1 km in
either direction from the site. Vegetation in the vicinity of the
site is lowland spruce-hardwood forest with scattered birch and
spruce near the site, however the site itself is clear of trees and
is covered by sphagnum moss, lichens, grasses, Labrador tea and low
bush cranberry. Surrounding vegetation is similar except tree
cover is denser, especially west of the site where a dense stand of
black spruce occupies what appears to be an old river channel.
Phase I Testing: No surface artifacts were observed at the site.
The backdirt from a shovel probe (test 1) revealed a red-brown
chert blade-like flake with retouch on two margins (UAB0-147-1;
Figure 83, b) and a tuffacious rhyolite flake. The chert blade-like
flake came from either a burned soil or a medium brown silt at a
depth of 5 to 22 cmbs (Figure 45, units 2a and 3). A total of two
tests were excavated at the site (Figure 44). The initial shovel
probe was enlarged into test 1 and a second test (test 2) was
excavated 4.1 m northwest of test 1 (Figure 44). No additional
artifacts were recovered from either test, however, charcoal was
present in the northeastern corner of test 1 at a depth of 27 to
34 cmbs (Figure 45, unit 2b). Not enough charcoal was present to
warrant collection for radiometric dating and it could not be
ascertained whether the artifacts recovered from test 1 were
associated with the charcoal. A possible ash layer (Figure 45,
unit 4a) which included a pocket of charcoal was also noted at a
depth of 27 to 34 cmbs in the northeastern corner of test 1. The
possibility of recovering additional artifacts which may be
associated with datable organics make further testing at this site
desirable.
129
Collected Artifact Inventory
1 Red-brown chert blade-like flake with retouch on
two margins -
1 White tuffacious rhyolite flake
( '
r·
130
Test:.
Birch Tree
Spruce Tree
Site Dab.::m
• J
0T2
p T 1
moss, grasses,
shrubs
[]
0
* X
Figure 44.
0
Site map UAS0-147 (TLM 040) .
131
0 3 6
METERS
Contour Interval: 3 m.
Talkeetna Mts. D-3
T. 31N R. 7E
NE 1/4 of NE 1/4 of NE 1/
Sec. 11
' ' ·,
EAST WALL
COBBLE
6
Unit 1
Humus and Peat
0
s
25
30
35
40
45
50
Unit 4a and 4b
Grey Ash or Silt
Unit 5
rcoal
Unit 2a and 2b
Black Burned Soil Mottled Orange/Brown Silt
Figure 45.
Soil profile UAS0-147 (TLM 040), test 1.
132
f '
3.2.1.21 -Site UA80-148, State Number TLM 041
Area: Upper Fog Creek
Area Map: Figure 100; Location Map: Figure 179
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-4, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 417800 Northing 6959750
Latitude 62°45'00" N., Longitude 148°37'25 11 W.
T. 31 N., R. 4 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 25, NE~SW~N~
Site Map: Figure 46
Setting: The site is located on a high flat plain south of the
Susitna River at an elevation of 747 m (2450 feet asl) and approxi-
mately 1.8 km southwest of the confluence of a large tributary
which joins Fog Creek approximately 8 km upstream from its mouth
(Figure 100). The site is situated on a 4 m to 6 m high knob on a
broad northeast-southwest sloping grassy plain (Figure 179). The
terrain slopes to the north, east, and south but rises gradually to
the west to a maximum elevation of 775 m (2542 feet asl) approximately
600 m southwest of the site. Despite low topographic relief, the
site location affords an unobstructed panoramic view of an open
plain 300m to 400 m wide {northwest-southeast) and approximately
1 km long {northeast-southwest). This knob is a discrete topographic
feature, one of a series of four or more such features situated
approximately 200 m apart on the plain. Exposed fractured bedrock
occurs in the immediate vicinity of the site and frost-fractured
rock is evident on the surface. The site is at the highest part of
the knoll which diffuses into the general slope of the ground to
the southeast. The total area on top of the knob is approximately
10m (east-west) by 20m {north-south). Fog Creek is 1.3 km northeast
133
and 183 m (600 feet) lower in elevation at its closest point and
the large unnamed tributary to Fog Creek is 800 m southeast and 91
m (300 feet) lower in elevation at its closest point. The Susitna
River is 5 km distant to the northwest and 335 m (1100 feet) lower
in elevation. Vegetation at the site consists of dwarf birch and
willow on the slopes of the knob and crowberry, moss, and lichens
grow on the surface. The surrounding vegetation on the plain
consists of dwarf willow and birch with berries and grasses. Black ,
spruce occur on the surrounding slopes below the plain.
Phase I Testing: The site was identified by geologist Jerry Williams
of Woodward and Clyde, a subcontractor of Acres American Inc.
Mr. Williams removed a large tuffacious rhyolite flake from the
surface at the site and gave it to the project archeologists.
Mr. Williams later overflew the site with the archeologists and
identified the approximate location at which the flake was found.
A subsequent intensive surface reconnaissance and two subsurface
tests failed to reveal additional cultural material. Test 1
(Figure 46) revealed fractured bedrock to be within 10 cmbs directly
under the vegetative mat. The exact location at which the flake
was found was never identified and because no additional cultural
material was found, this site remains to be verified.
Collected Artifact Inventory
1 Pale green tuffacious rhyolite flake (lichen covered dorsal
surface)
134
I
I' .
' -·
r -,
i .
Test
Site Datum
CJT2
[.l T 1
0 5
I I
METERS
CJ Contour Interval: 3
X
Talkeetna Mts. D-4
T. 31N R.4E
NE 1/4 of SW 1/4 of
Sec.
Figure 46.
Site map UAS0-148 (TLM 041).
135
25
10
I
m.
NE 1/4
3.2.1.22 -Site UA80-149, State Number TLM 042
Area: Survey Locale 45
Area Map: Figure 104; Survey Locale Map: Figure 156
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. C-1, Scal-e 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 478550 Northing 6946400 (Locus A)
Easting 478750 Northing 6946450 (Locus B)
Latitude 62°38'58 11 N., Longitude 147°25'00" W. (Locus A)
Latitude 62°38'59 11 N., Longitude 14J024'52" ~J. (Locus B)
T. 30 N., R. 11 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 33, NW~SW~NW~ (Locus A)
Sec. 33, NE~SW~NW~ (Locus B)
Site t1ap: Figure 47; Soil Profile: Figure 49 (Locus A)
Site M&p: Figure 48; Soil Profile: Figure 50 (Locus B)
Setting: The site, comprised of two loci {A and B), is located on
the north side ~f the Susitna River on a 1.5 km long peninsula
directly across from the mouth of Goose Creek {Figure 156). Located
at an elevation of 686 m {2250 feet asl), both loci are situated on
the southeastern crest of a high river terrace which forms the
peninsula, or point, around which the Susitna River makes a tight
bend, changing its general direction from southwest to northwest.
Eroded and exposed bluffs of 30° to 40° form the northwest and
southeast banks of this terrace, however, the top is relatively
level and varies between 100 m to 300 m in width.
Locus A: Locus A, located approximately 900 m northeast of the
point of the peninsula, is situated on the southeastern edge of the
northeast to southwest trending terrace and overlooks a crescent-
136
shaped alluvial terrace to the southeast which is approximately
46 m lower in elevation. Locus A is on the deflated crest of a
relatively flat continuous terrace edge at a point where there is a
4 m drop resulting in a discrete point of relief overlooking
both the relatively flat .5 km of peninsula above the 686 m elevation
(2250 feet asl) to the southwest and the lower alluvial terrace to
the southeast. The view from the locus is primarily to the southeast
and approximately 1 km of the Susitna River (upriver) is in view.
The view downriver is blocked by the peninsula itself. At its
closest point the Susitna River is 300 m southeast of locus A and
access is fairly easy. Locus A appears to be oriented toward the
al'luvial terrace directly below which is entirely in view and
ea:sily accessible. Vegetation immediately northwest of locus A, on
th•~ level terrace, is composed of black and white spruce, alder,
dwarf birch, willow, and various low bush berries in addition to
moss and lichen. The locus itself is relatively open and well
drained with no vegetation restricting the view to the southeast.
The terrace level below _the site is poorly drained with dense black
spruce and areas of muskeg and marsh containing sphagnum moss,
sedges, and grasses.
Locus B: Locus B, approximately 150 m east-northeast of locus A,
is also located on the edge of the terrace overlooking the same
lmr~er alluvial terrace which, from locus B is to the south and
approximately 60 to 70 m lower. At locus B the terrace edge is
oriented east-west having curved eastward from locus A. Locus B is
located at the highest point on the terrace approximately 50 m west
of a low saddle (possibly a former river channel) to the east of
which the terrace terminates and the terrain rises steeply to the
northeast to an elevation of 762 m (2500 feet asl). To the southwest
the top of the terrace drops slightly in elevation towards locus A .
.-The view from locus B, like that of locus A, is primarily to the -south and southeast overlooking the lower alluvial terrace and the
Susitna River approximately 300 m distant.
137
••
j
L.
{ ..
L
Like locus A, locus B appears to be oriented towards the immediately
accessible lower alluvial terrace and river margin to the south and
southeast. Ground vegetation at locus B is similar to that of
locus A. At locus B a single large white spruce (the site datum)
dominates the other vegetation. Spruce are dense on the descending
slopes east of the locus and also on the top of the terrace to the
west. Willows and other hardwood species are the predominant
vegetation on the slopes surrounding the north and west sides of
the open muskeg and marsh areas on the lower alluvial terrace.
Phase I Testing:
Locus A: At locus A both surface and subsurface cultural rna teri al
was found. Approximately 60 siltstone and basalt flakes were
exposed in the eroding bluff edge encompassing an area approximately
2m by 4 m (Figure 47) on the steep slope below the terrace edge.
Approximately half of the surface artifacts were collected from
this eroded surface. These included a siltstone biface fragment
(UA80-149-2; Figure 83, c), a basalt biface fragment (UA80-149-32),
and two medial fragments of siltstone blade-like flakes {UA80-149-3
and 4; Figure 83, d and e). In addition, 21 siltstone and 2 basalt
flakes were surface collected. A single siltstone flake was surface
collected 9.5 m below the exposure where it had apparently been
transported by slumping or solifluction. Apparently erosion has
transpqrted many, if not all, of the surface artifacts downslope
from the edge of the terrace. Two tests were excavated at the top
of the slope in an attempt to locate the origin of the artifacts
found downslope (Figure 47). Test 2, approximately 5 m from the
edge of the slope, did not reveal any subsurface cultural material,
but test 1, located at the edge of the terrace, revealed 5 flakes
and two fragments of the distal end of a blade-like flake at a
depth of 0 to 3 cmbs, in and just under the humus at the contact
between the humus and a red-grey mottled silt (Figure 49). Apparently
138
I
~· .
' L
r· ' ' l..d
erosion has exposed only part of the activity area and further
testing may reveal additional artifacts in stratigraphic context.
Locus B: Locus B, also consisting of both surface and subsurface
cultural material, is very similar to locus A ·in that surface
artifacts are exposed along the eroding bluff edge on a 35° slope
just below the edge of the terrace {Figure 48). Artifacts surface
collected from locus B include a side-notched basalt projectile
point base (UA80-149-31; Figure 83, g), a chert flake retouched
along one margin {UA80-149-30; Figure 83, f), a basalt flake core
fragment, and a dark grey chert flake.
Five basalt flakes were observed on the surface but not collected.
Flakes were observed on the ground surface outside the perimeter of
the eroding bluff edge (Figure 48} and apparently slumping and
erosion have disturbed the original context of the surface artifacts.
Two subsurface tests were excavated north of the eroding bluff edge
and at a slightly higher elevation (Figure 48}. Test 2 did not
reveal cultural rna terial but test 1 produced a basalt endscraper
fragment (UA80-149-34; Figure 83, h) at a depth of 15 to 16 cmbs in
a light brown silt (Figure 50, unit 2). A possible paleosol
(Figure 50, unit 3) containing charcoal and organics occurs below
unit 2 at a depth of 16 to 20 cmbs. A possible volcanic ash, not
apparent in the east wall profile, was recorded below unit 3 at a
depth of 5 to 10 cmbs in the west wall of test 1.
Collected Artifact Inventory
Locus A
Surface:
1 Black basalt biface fragment
1 Light brown siltstone biface fragment
2 Grey siltstone blade-like flake fragments (medial sections}
7 Grey siltstone flakes
16 Light brown siltstone flakes
2 Black basalt flakes
139
..
'! ..
L
[
f'
)
1
Subsurface:
Test 1: 2
5
Grey siltstone blade-like flake fragments (articulating)
Grey siltstone flakes
Locus B
Surface:
1 Black basalt flake core fragment
1 Grey chert flake
1 Black basalt side-notched projectile point base
1 Dark grey retouched chert flake
Subsurface:
Test 1: 1 Black basalt endscraper fragment
140
.. ··-~~--·----------
I
L
l_;
Test
Spruce Tree
Site Datum
Surface Tools
and Flakes
0
* X
Figure 47.
0 2
METERS
Contour Interval: 50 em.
Talkeetna Mts. C-1
T. 30N R.llE
4
NW 1/4 of SW 1/4 of NW 1/4
Sec.33
Site map UAB0-149 (TLM 042), locus A.
141
_,_
' +
+
Limits of Exposure
Test
Spruce Tree
Flake or Surface Tool
Flake Concentration
Site Datum
0
*
-1-
x
basaltt'
cor~-
l
\
\
\
~--,
/ .......
+
...........
' ' ' " ' '
\ notched
\ biface \ * I
' \
l _._, -----~
..... ---..... ...... _ _,.,...
0 2
METERS
Contour Interval: 1 m.
T?.lkeetna Mts. C-1
'!:. 30N R.llE
4
NE 1/4 of SW 1/4 of w~ 1/4
Sec. 33
Figure 48.
Site map UA80-149 {TLM 042), locus B.
142
..
' I
I
. e
1'.) 3
0
..-1
B
Unit l (CUltural)
Humus
Unit 2 (CUltural)
Mottled Red/Grey
Silt
Unit 3
Grey Leached Silt
EAST WALL
D
Figure 49.
Unit 4
Tan Silt
Unit 5
Medium Brown Fine
Sandy Silt
Silicified Siltstone
Flakes at Contact Between
Units 1 and 2
Soil profile UAB0-149 (TLM 042), locus A, test 1.
143
----·--------------·---
0
10CM
,
2
3
4
5
D
EAST
Unit 1
Humus and Silt
Unit 2 (Cultural)
Tan Silt
WALL
Unit 3 (Paleosol)
Black Organics with
Charcoal and Peat
Figure 50.
0
5
10
15
20
Unit 4
Red Sandy Silt
Unit 5
Sand with Cobbles
Black Basalt Flake
(endscraper fragment)
Soil profile UAB0-149 (TLM 042), locus B, test 1.
144
..
3.2.1.23 -Site UA80-150, State Number TLM 043
Area: Survey Locale 21
Area Map: Figure 101; Survey Locale Map: Figure 126
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-3, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 432800 Northing 6968100
Latitude 62°50'20" N., Longitude 148°19'10" W.
T. 32 N., R. 6 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 27, N~SW~NW~
Site Map: Figure 51; Soil Profile: Figure 52
Setting: The site is located on a river terrace on the north side
of the Susitna River, 200 m west of a tributary creek that joins
the Susitna River from the north, approximately 3 km downriver from
the mouth of Watana Creek (Figure 126). The site is approximately
400 m north of the Susitna River, between 488 m and 518 m asl (1600
to 1700 feet asl), and is approximately 23m above the river. The
orientation of the terrace is northwest-southeast and the site is
located on a relatively flat surface approximately equidistant from
the northeast and southwest edges. A higher ridge system is located
to the north, northwest, and WeSt of the site which is situated
approximately 20 m from the point where these higher slopes meet
the terrace. The site area is open but the view is restricted to
approximately 30m in all directions by trees which limit visibility
to the immediate clearing. Both the Susitna River and the unnamed
tributary creek to the east are easily accessible from the site and
the mouth of the tributary lies approximately .5 km to the southeast.
The clear water tributary is fast but shallow, draining several
lakes northwest and northeast of the site. Vegetation on the site
145
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consists of willow, Labrador tea, blueberry, and sphagnum moss with
black and white spruce scattered around the perimeter. Birch is
present on the slopes of the terrace and birch and spruce become
denser in all directions fr~ the site with the understory becoming
thicker closer to the creek and river.
Phase I Testing: There was no cultural material observed on the
surface at the site location. A shovel probe (Figure 51, test 1)
revealed a dense concentration of bone fragments at a depth of 7 to
11 cmbs in silty sand directly below the humus (Figure 52, unit 2).
A total of 48 long bone fragments, 1 rib fragment, 3 caribou
(Rangifer tarandus) phalanges, and approximately 380 very small bone
fragments were recovered from test 1. A dark stain immediately
below the sediment containing the faunal material appears to be a
paleosol (Figure 52, unit 3). Two additional tests were excavated
in the immediate vicinity of test 1 (Figure 51, tests 2 and 3). No
additional faunal material was recovered from test 2 and only one
bone fragment, found 11 cmbs, was recovered from test 3. None of
the three subsurface tests at the site revealed lithic cultural
material and no charcoal was observed in the tests.
Inventory of Collected Faunal t4aterial
Test 1, 7-11 cmbs: 3 phalanges, distal portions, calcined, large
mammal, caribou (Ranlifer tarandus)
4 long bone fragments, ca cined, large mammal
43 long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
Test 3, 11 cmbs:
1 rib fragment, calcined, medium-large mammal
1 long bone fragment, heavily burned, medium-
large mammal
ca. 380 sma11 fragments, calcined, small-large
mammal
1 small fragment, calcined, small-large mammal
146
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Test
Site •
pT 1
OT 3
birch, spruce
Datum
0 10
METERS
0 Contour Interval: 2
X Talkeetna Mts" D-3
T.32N R.6E
NE 1/4 of St>l l/4 0£
Sec.
Figure 51.
Site map UAS0-150 (TLM 043).
147
27
~
N
l
20
m.
Nw 1/4
r.
I'.
I,
r ·.
1
2
5
Unit 1
Humus
WEST WALL
II Unit
Dark
with
2 (Cultural)
Brown Silty Sand
Bone Fragments
Unit 3 (Paleosol)
Dark Organic Layer
Figure 52.
COBBlE
D
.
0
5
20
Unit 4
Grey Silt
Unit 5
Medium Brown Sandy Silt
Soil profile UA80-150 (TLM 043), test 1.
148
3.2.1.24 -Site UA80-151, State Number TLM 044
·Area: Survey Locale 30
Area Map: Figure 102; Survey Locale Map: Figure 138
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. 0-2, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 450300 Northing 6964800
Latitude 62°48'45 11 N., Longitude 147°58'30 11 W.
T. 31 N., R. 8 E., Seward ~1eridian
Sec. 4, NE~NW~NW~
Site Map: Figure 53; Soil Profile: Figure 54
Setting: The site, reported to project archeologists by Jo Fehyle,
is located on a high plateau approximately 2.5 km north of the
Susitna River about 6 km west of Jay Creek (Figure 138). A 1 km
wide valley and lake system separates this plateau from higher
mountains to the north. The site is situated at an elevation of
884 m (2900 feet asl) at the point of highest relief on the approxi-
mately 80 m long by 35 m wide deflated and exposed top of a discrete
knoll. This knoll is one of a series of similar knolls, oriented
generally northeast-southwest, which comprise a system of glacially
scoured hills and ridges characteristic of this high plateau. The
summit of the knoll is directly exposed to high winds and numerous
blowouts are present. High relief affords a panoramic view of the
surrounding terrain including the valley to the north, 122m (400
feet) lower in elevation, which contains several small lakes
approximately 800 m distant which are easily accessible from the
site. Several kettle lakes are also visible at lower elevations to
the southwest, the closest of which is 1 hectare in size and is
located approximately 400 m southwest and 61 m lower in elevation.
To the south, the Susitna River is not in view, and although access
149
would not be difficult, the site appears to be primarily oriented
towards the wide valley and lake system to the north. Vegetation
is transitional between upland spruce-hardwood and alpine tundra.
Vegetation on the site consists primarily of moss and lichens with
scattered dwarf birch and willow. Black spruce occupy slopes of
the knoll, increasing in density with lower elevation. Areas
between knolls are marshy and poorly drained. Six additional sites
have been identified to date in the same topographic context as
site UAS0-151. Other sites within 1 km are UAS0-152 (TLM 045) and
UAS0-153 (TLM 046), and both are located on knolls immediately
northeast of UAS0-151.
Phase I Testing: Both surface and subsurface cultural material was
observed at the site. Five surface lithic scatters are exposed in
ulowouts near the highest elevation of the knoll (Figur~ 53). A
total of 22 flakes, 1 complete lanceolate projectile point, 1 retouched
flake, 1 biface fragment, 1 uniface fragment, and 19 bone fragments
were surface collected. Test 1, the only subsurface test (Figure
53) at scatter 1, revealed flakes and bone associated charcoal
between the surface and with 8 cmbs.
Scatter 1: A total of 8 flakes were surface collected and 25
observed flakes were lift in situ. Test 1, excavated near the
center of the scatter (Figure 53) produced 14 basalt flakes between
the surface and 5 cmbs associated with burned bone. Dark stained
earth containing concentrated burned bone and a single flake was
found between 5 to 8 cmbs in this test (Figure 54, unit 2). The
dark stain may suggest a hearth or similar feature, however, initial
testing did not reveal charcoal. All of the flakes from test 1
were dark basalt. In addition to basalt, other lithologies represented
in the surface artifacts are rhyolite, chert and chalcedony.
150
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Scatter 2: Scatter 2 (Figure 53) consisted of three flakes only
one of which, a quartzite flake, was collected.
Scatter 3: All of the observed artifacts at scatter 3 (Figure 53)
were surface collected. These consisted of a complete lanceolate
projectile point (UA80-151-1; Figure 84, a) of highly siliceous
rhyodacite and 5 flakes of rhyolite and chert. In addition, 19
bone fragments were surface collected.
Scatter 4: All of the observed artifacts at scatter 4 (Figure 53)
were surface collected. These consisted of only two flakes, a
basalt flake with possible retouch along one margin (UA80-151-40;
Figure 84, b) and a rhyolite flake.
Scatter 5: A total of 8 specimens were surface collected and
1 flake leftl!!. situ at scatter 5 (Figure 53). Collected artifacts
consisted of a.black chert biface fragment (UA80-151-42, Figure 84,
c), a black chert uniface fragment (UA80-151-43, Figure 84, d) and
6 flakes. Brown and grey chert and black basalt are represented in
the lithologies of the flakes.
Inventory of Collected Artifacts
Scatter 1
Surface:
4
2
1
1
Black basalt flakes
Grey rhyolite flakes
Clear chalcedony flake
Black chert flake
Subsurface:
Test 1, 0-8 cmbs:
15 Black basalt flakes
Scatter 2
1 White quartz i te fl a ke
151
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Scatter 3
4 Grey rhyolite flakes
1 Grey chert flake
1 Grey siliceous rhyodacite complete lancoleolate projectile
point
Scatter 4
1 Black basalt flake, possibly retouched
1 Light brown rhyolite flake
Scatter 5
1 Black chert biface fragment
1 Black chert uniface fragment
1 Black chert flake
1 Grey chert flake
4 Black basalt flakes
Inventory of Collected Faunal Material
Scatter 1
Test 1, 0-5 cmbs:
24 small long bone fragments, calcined, small-large mammal
5-8 anbs:
ca. 45 small long bone fragments, calcined, small-large mammal
Scatter 3
Surface: 2 long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large mammal
17 small long bone fragments, calcined, small-large mammal
152
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,.--,-j,
FS J.', T~f'
' _I_CI I
I I I I
I -,-/
I +-'-+ ,/ + _(_ .,.
---..l.-'
FS 2 _ ---""""'--,_
1-'-\---------1 I l , ' -l--r , " ----• ,.,.,.., l,._,.._-.,.,..
FS 4
---------------''~-----------------------------.-~-, .... _ ..
FS 3
0 10 20
METERS
'
30
' ....
Test 0 Contour Interval: 1 m.
Flake Scatter
Birch Tree
Spruce Tree
Site Datum
Flake
,---..... , __ _,
0
* X
Talkeetna Mts. D-2
T.31N R.BE
NE 1/4 of NW 1/4 of
NW 1/4 Sec. 4
Flake Concentration -:-
Figure 53.
Site map UA80-151 (TLM 044).
153
1
3
SOUTH WALL
Unit 1 (Cultural)
Medium Brown Humus with Flakes
and Bone Fragments
Unit 2 (Cultural)
Black Charcoal Stained Silt with
Bone Fragments and Associated Flake
Unit 3
Lt. Brown Silty Clay
Figure 54.
Soil profile UA80-151 (TLM 044), scatter 1, test 1.
154
3.2.1.25-Site UA80-152, State Number TLM 045
Area: Survey Loca 1 e 30
Area Map: Figure 102; Survey Locale Map: Figure 138
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-2, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 450200 Northing 6965050 (Locus A)
Easting 450300 Northing 6965050 (Locus B)
Latitide 62°48'54" N., Longitude 147°58'20 11 W. (Locus A)
Latitude 62°48'54 11 N., Longitude 147°58'15 11 W. (Locus B)
T. 32 N., R. 8 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 33, SW~SE~SW~ (Locus A and B)
Site Map: Figure 55; Soil Profile: Figure 57 (Locus A)
Site Map: Figure 56 (Locus B)
Setting: The general location, elevation and topographic setting
of site UA80-152 (Figure 138) is similar to that of UA80-151 (TLM 044).
The site, consisting of two loci (A and B), is located on the south
and east facing slopes of a knoll approximately 300m northeast of
site UA80-151 and slightly lower in elevation. Both knolls are
connected to the same ridge line by a low broad saddle of approxi-
mately the same elevation as the lower knoll.
Locus A is situated on the southern slope of the knoll, just below
the 10m by 20m flat summit (Figure 138). The northern and north-
western slopes of the knoll drop off steeply approximately 107 m
(340 feet) to the elevation of the valley and lake system to the
north. The view from the immediate vicinity of locus A is to the
south and is limited by intervening topography to less than 100m.
However, from the top of the knoll, only a few m away, a panoramic
155
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view is available which overlooks the broad valley, lakes, and
connecting outlet streams to the north. One possible reason for
locus A to be located slightly below the exposed summit of the
knoll is that strong winds are apparently quite frequent in this
vicinity and prehistoric hunters may have sought shelter from
these.
Locus B is situated 15m lower in elevation and 104.5 m east of the
summit on an east facing slope overlooking a small valley (Figure 138).
The view from this location includes both the valley to the north
and low marshy areas and kettle lakes to the southeast. A 3 hectare
lake is visible and easily accessible approximately 1.3 km to the
southwest. Numerous bedrock and glacial drift exposures are present
in the immediate vicinity of the site. Dwarf willow, crowberry,
grasses, moss, and lichen form the predominant vegetation at the
site and a few isolated spruce are present. Upland spruce forest
occupies the low lying valley to the north with areas of marsh and
muskeg occurring at the lowest elevations in the valley. To the
east and west spruce increase in frequency as elevation decreases.
Site UAS0-153 (TLM 046) is located approximately 200 m to the
northeast.
Phase I Testing: Both surface and subsurface cultural material was
recovered from three flake scatters comprising two loci (A and B)
situated approximately 104m apart (Figures 55 and 56). A complete
projectile point, a complete microblade, a microblade fragment, a
retouched flake, and 62 bone fragments were surface collected at
the site. In addition, a total of 63 flakes were surface collected
and approximately 126 observed surface flakes were left.i!!. situ. A
subsurface test at scatter 1 (Figure 55, test 1) produced 3 flakes,
bone, charcoal, and possible fire-cracked rock at a depth of 5 to
17 cmbs.
156
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' .
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1
1
....
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'
Locus A
Scatter 1: Scatter 1 is located in a blowout 4 m south of the site
datum (Figure 55). One translucent chalcedony microblade fragment
and one complete microblade of the same material (UA80-152-3 and 5;
Figure 84, e and f) were surface collected from this blowout. Four
basalt flakes were also surface collected and six basalt flakes
were left in situ. ---
Scatter 2: Scatter 2 is located in a blowout 7 m southeast of the
site datum (Figure 55). A dark brown chert flake retouched on one
margin (UA80-152-15), 28 flakes, and 22 bone fragments were surface
collected from this blowout and an additional 77 flakes were left
in situ. Most of the collected and observed flakes are basalt but ---
other lithologies represented include brown and grey chert and
rhyolite. Test 1, excavated near the northern edge of the blowout
(Figure 55), produced 1 rhyolite and 2 basalt flakes between 6 and
10 cmbs from a gr~y silt (Figure 57, unit 2) and burned bone and
charcoal between 5 to 17 cmbs were probably associated with the
flakes. In addition, rock exhibiting possible thermal cracking and
discoloration (UA80-152-178) was recovered between 10 to 12 cmbs in
this test. This probable hearth in test 1 extended throughout the
40 em by 40 em test and was more deeply buried in the southwest
corner. Twenty-five small basalt and rhyolite flakes, about 280
very small bone fragments, and charcoal were recovered from four
soil samples (UA80-152-74, 75, 76, and 77) collected from test 1
between 10 to 12 cmbs .
Locus B
Locus B, located in a blowout 104.5 m east of the site datum (Figure 56),
is a surface lithic scatter. A complete grey chert projectile
point (UA80-152-37; Figure 84, g) with a constricted, thinned,
157
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straight base was surface collected from this blowout. In addition,
31 flakes, primarily of light and dark grey chert but including
brown chert and clear obsidian, were surface collected. Approximately
44 light brown rhyolite flakes were left i!!. situ. Faunal material
surface collected consisted of 41 bone fragments. These included
1 unidentified phalanx, 1 phalanx identified as caribou (Rangifer
tarandus), 1 possible caribou (Rangifer tarandus) tarsal fragment,
and a right and left maxilla identified as arctic ground squirrel
(Spermophilus parryi).
Collected Artifact Inventory
Locus A
Scatter 1
Surface:
4 Black basalt flakes
1
1
Distal end translucent chalcedony microblade
Complete translucent chalcedony microblade
Scatter 2
Surface:
21
5
1
1
1
Black basalt flakes
Grey chert flakes
Yellowish brown chert flake
Pale brown rhyolite flake
Dark brown chert flake retouched
Subsurface:
Test 1, 6-17 cmbs:
2 Black basalt flakes
1 Grey rhyolite flake
on one margin
4 Soil samples (containing ca. 290 bone fragments and
25 flakes)
16 Rock fragments (possible thermal fracture and discoloration)
Locus B
Surface:
1
15
7
8
1
Grey chert complete projectile point with a constricted,
thinned, straight base
Grey chert flakes
Yellowish grey chert flakes
Light brown chert flakes
Clear obsidian flake
158
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Collected Faunal Material Inventory
Locus A
Scatter 2
Surface:
2
20
Long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large mammal
Unidentified, calcined, small-large mammal
Subsurface:
Test 1, 5-17 cmbs:
1 Unidentified, calcined, small-large mammal
1 Phalanx fragment, calcined, large mammal
1 Flat bone fragment, calcined, medium-large mammal
1 Tarsal fragment, calcined, large mammal, possibly caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
12 Long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large mammal
ca. 280 small fragments, calcined, small-large mammal
Locus B
Surface:
1
1
1
22
Phalanx, proximal 1/5, large mammal, caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
Maxilla right fragment with teeth, small mammal, Arctic
ground squirrel (Spermophilus parryi)
Maxilla left fragment with teeth, Arctic ground squirrel
(Spermophilus parryi))
Small fragments, calcined, small-large mammal
159
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Test
Site Datum
Blowout Perimeter
Flake
Boulder
D'warf Birch
Locus B
------104.5 m. @ 90° from ------•
site datum
CJ
X
... -.... , . ... _.,.
a
0
Figure 55.
0 2 4 6
METERS
Contour Interval: 1m.
Talkeetna Mts. D-2
T. 32N R. 8E
SW l/4 of SE 1/4 of
SW 1/4 Sec. 33
Site map UAB0-152 (TLM 045), locus A.
160
1
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1.
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---Site datum is
104.5 m. @ 270°
from datum for
Locus B
scattered clumps
of dwarf birch,
mosses and lichens
Elevation of Locus B
is 10-15 m. lower than
site datum
Datum
Flake
Flake scatter perimeter
Spruce tree
X
--.. I J ,,., ..
Figure 56.
,.-, ,,--'~' I I '\
I ' I -._._.,
I '
I + ' ' ' \ + \
\ \ \ + X \
\ I \ ..,
\ --' .., , ___ .,.,...,
LOCUS B
0 2
METERS
4 6
Contour interval: 1 m.
Talkeetna Mts. D-2
T.32N R.BE
SW 1/4 of SE 1/4 of
SW 1/4 Sec. 33
Site map UAB0-152 (TLM 045), locus B.
161
f •
1
2
3
'
4
c
i
D
SOUTH WALL
Unit 1
Dark Brown Humus
Unit 2 (Cultural)
Grey Silt with Basalt
Flakes, Bone Fragments and
Possible Fire Cracked Rock
Figure 57.
~ ~
0
5
10
15
20
COBBLE 25
28CM
Unit 3 (Cultural)
Dark Red Brown Sandy
Silt with Bone Fragments
~~d Possible Fire Crack-
ed Rock
Unit 4
Medium Brown Sand with
Gravel, Pebbles and
Small Cobbles
Soil profile UAS0-152 (TLM 045), locus A, test 1.
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3. 2 .1. 26 -Site UAB0-153, State Number TLM 046
Area: Survey Locale 30
Area Map: Figure 102; Survey Locale Map: Figure 138
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-2, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 450750 Northing 6965100
Latitude 62°48'58" N., Longitude 14]058'00" W.
T. 32 N., R. 8 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 33, E~SE~SW~
Site Map: Figure 58; Soil Profile: Figure 59
Setting: The general location, elevation, and topographic setting
of site UAS0-153 (Figure 138) is similar to that of UAS0-151 (TLM 044)
and UAB0-152 (TLM 045). Site UAB0-153 is situated on the top of
the easternmost and highest of three knolls, all of which are
slightly above the 884 m (2900 feet asl) elevation. Sites UAB0-151
(TLM 044) and UAB0-152 (TLM 045) are located on the lower knolls to
the southwest and are both within 500 m of site UAS0-153 (Figure
138). All three knolls are part of the same general landform and
the western slope of the highest knoll joins the ridge upon which
the two lower knolls are situated. Site UAS0-153 is located at the
northern end of a north-south oriented knoll which affords the most
commanding panoramic view of any of the surrounding terrain features.
The view encompasses both the valley to the north with its series
of interconnected lakes, and the lower elevations to the east and
southeast with kettle lakes approximately 1 km southeast and 700 m
southwest. All of the lakes and streams visible from the site are
eas·ily accessible. Like the other knolls in the vicinity, exposed
bedrock and deflated surfaces occur over much of the site.· There
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are no trees on top of the knoll and what vegetation there is
consists of moss, lichen, and very low brush. Vegetation becomes
denser with decrease in elevation in all directions. Scattered
spruce are present in low wet areas below the site with alder and
willow forming the primary vegetation on better drained areas on
the slopes of ridges and knolls.
Phase I Testing: Both surface and subsurface cultural material was
recovered from four flake scatters covering an area approximately
40 m by 110 m at the summit of the knoll (Figure 58). Two projectile
point bases, an endscraper fragment, 48 flakes, and about 200 bone
fragments were surface collected at the site. Some surface bone
and 43 observed flakes were left in situ. Three subsurface tests ---
were excavated, only one of which (test 2) produced cultural material
(Figure 58). Test 2, at scatter 1, revealed a possible hearth
associated with flakes and burned bone. Artifact lithologies at
the site include basalt, red and grey chert, rhyolite, quartzite,
and obsidian.
Scatter 1: Scatter 1, exposed on the deflated edge at the extreme
northern end of the knoll, is approximately 20m northwest of the
site datum (Figure 58). A total of 17 flakes were surface collected
at scatter 1 and two basalt flakes were left in situ. Test 2 ---
{Figure 58) produced 30 flakes between the surface and 16 cmbs and
revealed charcoal and burned bone between 5 to 16 cmbs (Figure 59).
A radiocarbon determination of 2340 ± 145 years B.P.: 390 B.C.
(DIC-1903) was obtained on a charcoal sample (UA80-153-38a) from
this hearth. Three black obsidian flakes were recovered from the
same depth as the hearth (Figure 59) and a fourth black obsidian
flake was found between 5 and 10 cmbs. Other lithologies present
at scatter 1 include basalt, grey and white chert, and rhyolite.
164
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Scatter 2: Scatter 2, located 15 m southwest of .scatter 1 and just
north of the site datum (Figure 58), contains both lithic and bone
material on the surface. No test was excavated at this scatter.
Surface collected artifacts include the concave base of a basally-
thinned basalt projectile point (UA80-153-50; Figure 85, a), a
fragment of a grey chert projectile point. base (UA80-153-53; Figure
85, b), one basalt flake, one quartzite flake, and about 100 small
bone fragments. Two basalt flakes and a single rhyolite flake were
left in situ.
Scatter 3: Scatter 3, located 15 m south of the site datum, consists
of surface lithics and bone (Figure 58). Test 1, excavated at the
northwestern edge of the scatter did not reveal subsurface cultural
material (Figure 58). Artifacts collected from the surface of
scatter 3 include a unifacial black basalt endscraper fragment
(UA80-153-55; Figure 85, c), 28 flakes, and about 100 small bone
fragments. Artifacts leftl!!. situ include 29 basalt, 5 rhyolite,
and 3 chert flake_s in addition to faunal material.
Scatter 4: Scatter 4, located 107 m southeast of the site datum,
was a surface lithic scatter from which all of the observed cultural
material was collected. A black chert endscraper fragment
(UA80-153-87) and 3 flakes were surface collected. Lithologies
represented at scatter 4 include basalt, chert, and rhyolite.
Test 3 exc~vated at scatter 4 produced no subsurface cultural
rna teri al .
Collected Artifact Inventory
Scatter 1
Surface:
8
4
2
1
1
1
Black basalt flakes
Whitish grey rhyolite
Grey rhyolite flakes
White chert flake
Banded chert flake
Grey chert flake
165
flakes
·-
Test 2,
21
1
2
1
1
4
0-16 cmbs:
Scatter 2
Surface:
1
1
1
1
Scatter 3
Surface:
1
5
16
3
1
3
Scatter 4
Surface:
1
1
1
1
Black basalt flakes
Whitish grey rhyolite flake
Grey rhyolite flakes
Grey chert flake
Light brown rhyolite flake
Black obsidian flakes
Black basalt projectile point base (basally-thinned,
concave base)
Grey chert projectile point base fragment (basally-
thinned)
Black basalt flake
White quartzite flake
Black basalt unifacial endscraper fragment
Black basalt flakes
Whitish grey rhyolite flakes
Grey rhyolite flakes
Translucent quartz flake
Red chert flakes
Black chert endscraper fragment
Black basalt flake
Light brown rhyolite flake
Dark red chert flake
Collected Faunal t·1aterial Inventory
Scatter 1
Test 2, 5-10 cmbs:
4 long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large
mammal
10-16 cmbs:
Scatter 2
Surface:
4 small long bone fragments, 2 calcined,
2 heavily burned, medium-large mammal
7 Long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large mammal
1 Long bone fragment, calcined, small-large mammal
ca. 100 small fragments, calcined, small-large mammal
Scatter 3
Surface:
1
4
ca.
Carpal and tarsal fragment, calcined, medium-large mammal
Long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large mammal
100 small fragments, calcined, small-large mammal
166
L
[
( -
Test
Site Datum
Flake
T 1 ,_,..~:---...... ~.>~ "/'<-lt'i\1 -...... ' ' '
l-i7'T"r~-' I ~I I ' \ ~ FS 3 ->
' _I_ --\ ' ....... -...,...,..,. __ ...,..
..... --
0
X
F'lake Concentration
Flake Scatter Perimeter
Figure 58.
0
I
10
I
METERS
15
I
Talkeetna Mts. D-2
.T.32N R.BE
E 1/2 of SE 1/4 of
· SW 1/4 Sec. 33
Site map UAB0-153 (TLM 046).
167
1
4
SOUTH WALL
Unit l (Cultural)
Humus in Matrix of Medium
Brown Silt
Unit 2 (Cultural)
Charcoal (Hearth) with
Bone Fragments and Flakes
Obsidian Flakes at Contact
Between Units 1 and 4
D
Note:
....... Charcoal Sample (UA80-153-38a)
2340 ! 145 vears: 390 B.C.
Figure 59.
Unit 3
Lt. brown silt
Unit 4
Medium Brown Silt with
Fractured Rock
Test Extends 5 em. West
Soil profile UAB0-153 (TLM 046}, scatter 1, test 2.
168
3~2.1.27-Site UA80-154, State Number TLM 047
Area: Survey Locale 34
Area Map: Figure 103; Survey Locale Map: Figure 144
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. C-2, Scale 1:63,360
Site location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 465100 Northing 6954600
latitude 62°43'20 11 N., longitude 147°40'58 11 W.
T. 30 N., R. 9 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 1, NW~SW~N~
Site Map: Figure 60; Soil Profile: Figure 61
Setting: The site is located at an elevation of 853 m (2800 feet
asl) on the west side of the Susitna River approximately 9 km
downstream from Vee Canyon (Figure 103). Situated on the north end
of a north-south oriented bedrock ridge approximately 274 m (900
·feet) above the Susitna River, the site is approximately 800 m west
of the river. To the west of the site a sheer bedrock cliff drops
approximately 30 m to an old river channel which is occupied by a
small pond surrounded by marsh. The pond is directly below and
southwest of the site (Figure 144). Located on the western edge of
the northern point of the ridge overlooking this pond, the site is
situated on the only relatively level part of the ridge. The site
location is also the only part of the ridge where there is appreciable
soil accumulation. The rest of the ridge crest, which extends
south for approximately 125 m, is primarily exposed bedrock.
Beyond the deeply incised old stream channel immediately west of
the site, the terrain continues to rise to an elevation of 1040 m
(3422 feet asl). To the east a steep slope descends to the Susitna
River. The Susitna River valley and the river itself is visible to
169
the north, east, and south but the view to the west is restricted
by bedrock cliffs and higher terrain. The site is located on a
deflated gravel exposure with dwarf willow, low berry bushes, moss,
and grasses scattered along the ridge where soil is sufficient to
support vegetation. Vegetation is sparse on the sheer western
slope of the ridge, but where the slope can support them, both
birch and spruce are present. To the east spruce become denser
with decrease in elevation and proximity to the river.
Phase I Testing: The site consists of a 3 meter by 10 meter surface
lithic scatter exposed on the deflated crest of a bedrock ridge
(Figure 60). Artifacts surface collected from the site include a
grey chert biface fragment (UA80-154-5; Figure 85, d), the distal
end of a light brown chert microblade {UA80-154-5; Figure 85, e)
and a light brown chert flake retouched along one margin (UA80-154-14;
Figure85, f).
In addition 24 flakes were surface collected and about 70 light
brown rhyolite flakes were left l!! situ. Two tests excavated at
the site (tests 1 and 2) did not reveal subsurface cultural material
(Figure 60). Test 2 (Figure 60) revealed glacial drift and fractured
rock at a depth of 25 to 30 cmbs overlain by 20 to 25 em of silt
and sandy silt. Intensive surface reconnaissance and subsurface
testing (where pos~ible) along the entire ridgetop failed to reveal
additional cultural material and the site appears to be limited to
only the extreme northern end of the ridge.
Collected Artifact Inventory
1 Light grey chert biface fragment
1 Light brown chert microblade fragment, distal end
1 Light brown chert flake with retouch on one margin
21 Light brown rhyolite flakes
1 Grey rhyolite flake
2 Black basalt flakes
170
Steep slope
1......,..-J'--r--f ,,-.... '
I I ' ........_....--......_, I -,-. ..L \
\ -'--'~ ,'
' I 1 ....... .:t-,.1' ..--,
/ \
I I
\ I .... _.,
.... ,
I I ... ~
+ ,. .. ,
I I ,.,
-----.
--'--.-..J._..-\ I
I
I
I
,...-J----.-__L_-1-----...!
Brush
;:::
ill
;:l
!-1
til
Figure 60.
~
N
~
0 1 2
METERS
Talkeetna Mts. C-2
T.30N R.9E
3
NW 1/4 of SW 1/4 of
of NE 1/4 Sec. 1
Site Datum
Test
Flake Concentration
Artifact(s) Collected
Spruce Tree
Bedrock Exposure
Limit of
Exposure
Site map UA80-154 (TLM 047).
171
X
D ,-,
\ I .......
1
2
3
4
5
-----------------
Unit 1
Humus
Unit 2
NORTH
Leached Sandy Silt
Unit 3
Medium Brown Sandy Silt
WALL
Figure 61.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Unit 4
Mottled Grey/Red Brown Silt
Unit 5
Red Brown Silt with Fractured
Cobbles and Gravel
Soil profile UAS0-154 (TLM 047), test 2. 172
I '
3.2.1.28-Site UA80-155, State Number TLM 048
Area: Survey Locale 27
Area Map: Figure 101; Survey Locale Map: Figure 132
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. 0-3, Scale: 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 439650 Northing 6967950
Latitude 62°50 1 18" N., Longitude 148°11 1 10 11 w.
T. 32 N., R. 7 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 29, SW~NW~NE~
Site Map: Figure 62; Soil Profile: Figure 63
Setting: The site, at an elevation of approximately 640 m (2100
feet asl), is located at the northern end of an 18 hectare lake
approximately 3 km east of Watana Creek and 1.1 km north of the
Susitna River (Figure 132). Situated at the top of a 20m high
discrete rounded knoll, approximately 100m east of the lake•s
outlet stream, the site is located at the point of highest relief
on the relatively flat summit at the northwestern end of the knoll.
The knoll itself is approximately 100m long by 40 m wide and .is
oriented to the northwest. The view from the site is panoramic and
varies in distance from .5 krn to 1 km depending on topography. To
the west and south, the view encompasses the outlet stream and the
entire northern margin of the lake and to the northeast it includes
a low marshy area where the lake outlet stream joins a small slow-
moving creek. Access to the lake, outlet stream, and all of the
immediate surrounding terrain is excellent and access to Watana
Creek would be fairly easy by following the outlet stream which
joins Watana Creek approximately 2.6 km northwest·of the site. The
knoll upon which the site is located is one of several knolls
173
! .
i
I.
around the lake which offers excellent views of the lake and the
surrounding kettle and kame topography. Site UAB0-146 (TLM 039) is
located at the southeastern end of the lake on the highest knoll on
the lake margin (Figure 132). The immediate vicinity of the site
is well drained with ground vegetation consisting primarily of
dwarf birch, Labrador tea, low bush cranberry, crowberry, and a
deep mat of moss and lichen. A few scattered white spruce and
birch occupy the top of the knoll. Brush on the slopes of the
knoll is higher and much denser than on the relatively open summit.
The surrounding terrain varies from well drained ridges and knolls
with white spruce, birch, and high brush to low marshy areas with
muskeg, sphagnum moss, grasses, and dense black spruce.
Phase I Testing: No cultural material was observed on the surface
at the site location. A total of three shovel probes and two tests
were excavated on the summit of the knoll (Figure 62). Shovel
probes 1 and 2 did not produce cultural material, however, shovel
probe 3, expanded into test 1, produced a grey chert biface (UAB0-155-1;
Figure 85, g) between 15 to 20 cmbs associated with a dark grey
volcanic ash (Figure 63, unit 6). Glacial drift was encountered
below the ash. An ash sample (UAB0-155-2) was collected. A dark
organic lens, possibly a paleosol, was present directly above the
ash between 12 to 17 cmbs (Figure 63, unit 5). Test 2, located 6 m
northwest of test 1, did not reveal additional cultural material.
The relatively flat summit of this knoll makes available a large
surface area which could have been utilized and the site may be
more extensive than initial testing indicates.
Collected Artifact Inventory
1 Grey chert biface
1 Ash sample
174
(.
I
I
"' I
\
\
;-.----.............
QT2
\ mat inside \ $ dashed line
',, ~v>vv
'-• 0
' v ' ~ , I+JT 1/ ' r---p 3 ' ' birch ani
PrE~ dominant on-site
veqetation: lichen,
brush
crowberry, labrador tea,
lmvbi.lsh cranberry, dwarf
birch, birch and white spruce
Site Datum
Test
Probe
Bifacial Tool
Birch Tree
Spruce Tree
I
I
I
I
I
' \
X
0
0
-:-
0
*
Figure 62.
0
I
2
I
4
I
METERS
N
~
Contour Interval: 50 em.
Talkeetna Mts. D-3
T. 32N R. 7E
sw 1/4 of NW 1/4 of
NE 1/4 Sec. 29 S.M.
Site map UA80-155 (TLM 048).
175
L.
r~
i
II
Unit 1
Humus
Unit 2
Black Peat
Unit 3
NORTH WALL
Grey Leached Silt
Unit. 4
ReJ. Brown/Tan
Mottled Silt
Figure 63.
Unit 5
Black Peat (Paleosol)
Unit 6
Dark Grey Ash
Unit 7
Red Brown Coarse Sand with
Pebbles and Cobbles (Glacial
Drift)
Bedded White Chert Biface
Soil profile UA80-155 (TLM 048), test 1.
176
3.2.1.29 -Site UA80-156, State Number TLM 049
Area: Survey Locale 48
Area Map: Figure 104; Survey Locale Map: Figure 159
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. C-1, Scale 63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 482025 Northing 6945250
Latitude 62°38'23 11 N., Longitude 147°21'00" W.
T. 29 N., R. 11 E., Seward Meridian
Sec • 2 , N E~N\~~NW~
Site Map: Figure 64; Soil Profile: Figure 65
Setting: The site, situated approximately 732 m asl (2400 feet
asl), is located south of the Susitna River and approximately
1.5 km east of the mouth of the Oshetna River (Figure 159). The
site occupies the-pointed summit of a discrete knoll located on-a
north-south trending continuous ridge. This knoll is a prominent
feature on the crest of the ridge and is separated from the higher
ridge crest to the south by a slightly lower saddle. In all other
directions the knoll is higher than the surrounding terrain and
affords a panoramic view. To the north of the site the knoll
slopes gradually down to a small flat bench approximately 8 m below
the summit and then drops off steeply to a northeast-southwest
trending terrace approximately 30m below the elevation of the
site. The Susitna River, flowing in a serpentine course, is approxi-
mately 350 m northwest of the site at its closest point. The
confluence of the Susitna River and the Oshetna River is not visible
from the site, although sections of both rivers are in view. The
site overlooks a broad alluvial terrace to the west, north, and
east which is approximately 15 m abo~ the Susitna and approximately
177
1 I ,
f
I
L
45 m to 60 m below the site. Much of this alluvial terrace is
relatively flat and poorly drained. Two lakes are located on the
terrace west of the site (Figure 159). The northernmost and smaller
of the lakes, approximately 3 hectares in size, is approximately
·600 m west of the site and in view. The southernmost lake, and
equal distance southwest of the site, is not visible. These two
lakes, the Susitna, and Oshetna are easily accessible from the
site. Other large lakes lie 1 km to 2 km south of the site at a
higher elevation and would also be accessible by ascending the
ridge upon which the site is located. Much of the surface of the
knoll in the vicinity of the site is deflated with numerous small
blowouts occurring on the southwest slope. Vegetation at the
summit consists of grass, fireweed, moss, and lichens with willow,
alder, and dwarf birch occurring on the slopes below the site.
Scattered white and black spruce are also present, increasing in
density with a decrease in elevation.
Phase I Testing: Cultural material was observed on the surface and
in subsurface tests at this site. A total of four tests were
excavated on the knoll, two of which were placed at the highest
elevation and two on the relatively level bench immediately to the
north (Figure 64). Only one of these tests (test 1) produced
c~1tural material. A single basalt flake was found in test 1
between the surface and 5 crnbs in the humus layer below which
glacial drift was encountered (Figure 65). A small mammal mandible
fragment discovered between the surface and 5 cmbs in the humus at
test 2 (Figure 64). Two additional flakes were noted, but not
collected, in a blowout on a narrow portion of the ridge top approxi-
mately .5 km south of the site datum.
Collected Artifact Inventory
Test 1, 0-5 cmbs:
1 Black basalt f1ake
178
Collected Faunal Material Inventory
Test 2, 0-5 cmbs:
1 Mandible, left fragment with teeth, small mammal
179
Predominant site vege-
tation: moss, lichen,
lowbush cranberry,
labrador tea, wild
rose, aspen, fire-
weed, shrub birch,
white spruce
Site Datum
Test
Spruce Tree
Shrub Birch Tree
X
0
* 0
Figure 64.
'15 em. diameter
spruce tree is
4.5 m. @ 250°
to datum
01234567
I 1
METERS
Contour Interval: 50 em.
Talkeetna Mts. C-1
T. 2 9N R. llE S • M.
NE 1/4 of NW 1/4 of
NW 1/4 Sec. 2
Site map UAB0-156 (TLM 049).
180
1
2
SOUTH EAST WALL
Unit 1
Dark Brown Humus (Cultural)
Unit 2
Lt. Brown Coarse Sandy Silt
with Pebbles, Cobbles and
Fractured Rock
Basalt Flake
Figure 65.
Soil profile UA80-156 (TLM 049), test 1.
181
0
5
10
15
20
25
30CM
1 ..
i
!
L
' .
fii,,..
. -
3.2.1.30-Site UA80-157, State Number TLM 050
Area: Survey Locale 29a
Area Map: Figure 101; Survey Locale Map: Figure 135
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-3, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: LITM Zone 6 Easting 445200 Northing 6963700
Latitude-62°48'05 11 N., Longitude 148°04'20 11 W.
T. 31 N., R. 7 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 1, NW~SW~SW~
Site Map: Figure 66; Soil Profile: Figure 67
Setting: The site is located at 518 m asl (1700 feet asl) near the
mouth o.f an unnamed creek which joins the Susitna River from the
northeast, approximately 8 km upriver from the mouth of Watana
Creek (Figure 135). Situated on a small alluvial bench on the east
bank of the 4 meter wide creek) the site is approximately 40 m
upstream from the mouth of the creek and 4 m east of the creek
margin. This small bench, the only relatively flat area in an
otherwise irregular ground surface, makes an excellent camping
place overlooking the creek. The bench is approximately 2 m above
the creek and 4 m above the Susitna. The site is in an area of low
topographic relief in relation to the surrounding terrain which
slopes steeply upward to the northeast towards a high plateau
(Survey Locale 30) approximately 3 km distant, where a total of
seven sites have been identified to date. A ridge crest ascends to
the west-northwest from the immediate vicinity of the site, and
appears to be the easiest access route between the river and the
higher terrain to the northeast. The creek near the site is fast
and shallow and emerges from a narrow bedrock canyon containing
182
l.,
r" .
·-
cascades and falls upstream from the site. The view is limited to
the immediate vicinity of the site and encompasses the creek and
the opposite bank for a distance of 30m to 40 m. Approximately
100 m of the north bank of the Susitna River is visible to the
southwest, although the view is largely obstructed by trees.
Even with less dense vegetation the view would be restricted by
topography to less than 100 m except to the southwest across the
relatively shallow river which is approximately 200m wide at this
location and contained numerous forested islands. Vegetation is
dense in the immediate vicinity of the site and consists of large
white spruce, birch, and alder with low bush and high bush cranberry,
wild rose, Labrador tea, blueberry, equisitum, and various grasses.
Surrounding vegetation is similar but includes cottonwood and
willow along the bank of the Susitna River and greater concan-
trations of white and black spruce to the southeast toward the
river.
Phase I ~~~~T~e~st~l~·n~g: No cultural material was observed on the surface
at this site, however, a shovel probe (probe 1) revealed thermally
fractured rock approximately 10 cmbs associated with burned bone
and charcoal. Probe 1 was expanded to test 1 (Figure 66) which
revealed a concentration of charcoal, burned bone, and thermally
fractured rock between 14 to 30 cmbs between the humus and a yellow
sand (Figure 67, units 1 and 5). A lens of light brown silt
(Figure 67, unit 3) also containing bone occurs approximately
15 cmbs within the charcoal concentration and it appears that more
than one activity area may be present at the site. Hearth #1 which
in the north wall soil profile (Figure 67, unit 2) occurs between
13 to 15 cmbs, is located between the humus and the light brown
silt. A radiocarbon determination of 280 ± 110 years B.P.: 1670 A.D.
183
I
,--......
'
(DIC-1905) was obtained on a charcoal sample (UA80-157-3; Figure 67,
b) from this hearth collected betweem 18 to 27 cmbs above the light
brown silt. Hearth #2 (Figure 67, unit 4} at a depth of 16 to
30 cmbs is located between the light brown silt (Figure 67, unit 3)
and a culturally sterile yellow sand (Figure 67, unit 5). A
concentration of burned bone, charcoal, and thermally cracked rock
are associated with this hearth. Another charcoal sample (UA80-157-1)
collected from hearth #2 between 28 and 35 cmbs (Figure 67, c) was
considered too small, after cleaning, to give a reliable date, but
was run and produced a date of 280 ± 245 years B.P.: 1670 A.D.
(DIC-1904}. A third charcoal sample (UA80-157-2), a mix of charcoal
from hearth #1 and hearth #2 (Figure 67, a) was not submitted for
radiocarbon dating. The presence of two hearths was not recognized
until the north wall of the test was prepared for a soil profile
and consequently part of the faunal material from the two hearths
was mixed. Test 1 was then extended 17 em west and additional
faunal material and charcoal was collected. In addition to 6 long
bone fragments and 17 small bone fragments recovered from the
initial shovel probe, test 1 produced 2 skull fragments, 2 rib
fragments, 3 caribou (Rangifer tarandus) phalanges, 3 metatarsal
fragments (1 bird, 2 caribou Rangifer tarandus), 1 tibia fragment
{possibly caribou Rangifer tarandus), 54 long bone fragments, and
about 227 small fragments. One of the bone fragments (Lot UA80-157-7)
recovered between 17 to 30 cmbs exhibits a distinct cut mark.
Other than 34 thermally fractured rock fragments, no lithic material
of cultural origin was found in test 1. Two additional tests
(tests 2 and 3) excavated to the northeast and southeast of test 1
(Figure 66) did not reveal additional cultural material. Only part
of the hearths exposed by test 1 were excavated and additional
testing at the site may clarify the relationship of the subsurface
features at the site.
184
I ' l .
Inventory of Collected Faunal Material
Probe 1, 0-29 cmbs:
5
1
17
Test 1,
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
6
2
3
ca.
Long bone fragments, calcined, medium-large mammal
Long bone fragment, heavily burned, medium-large mammal
Small fragments, calcined, small-large mammal
14-30 cmbs:
Skull fragment, large mammal
Skull fragment, calcined, medium-large mammal
Rib fragment, medium-large mammal
Rib fragment, heavily burned, medium-large mammal
3rd phalanx, calcined, large mammal, caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
2nd phalanx, proximal 1/5, calcined, large mammal,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1st phalanx, proximal 1/3 , calcined, large mammal,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Metatarsal fragment, distal 1/10, calcined, bird
Long bone fragment, heavily burned and calcined, medium-
1 a rge mamma 1
Long bone fragments, medium-large mammal
Long bone fragments, heavily burned, medium-large mammal
Long bone fragments, 1 rodent/canid gnawed, calcined,
medium-large mammal
Long bone fragments, 1 rodent/canid gnawed, calcined,
medium-large mammal
100 small fragments, calcined, small-large mammal
Test 1, West 17 em of test, 18-27 cmbs:
7 Fragments, 1 calcined, small-large mammal
22-30 cmbs:
2 Metatarsal fragments, proximal 1/6, proximal 1/10,
heavily burned, large mammal, caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
1 Tibia fragment, proximal 1/20, heavily burned, large
mammal, possibly caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
5 Long bone fragments, heavily burned, medium-large mammal
1 Long bone fragment, calcined, medium-large mammal
ca. 20 Small fragments, calcined, small-large mammal
185
Confluence of
creek with Susitna
River ca. 25 m. SW
of sfte
Site Datum
Test
Game Trail
Spruce Tree
Birch Tree
Alder Tree
0T2
0
Susi tna River
ca. 35 m. s of site
X
0
-------
* 0
0
Figure 66.
Site map UA80-157 (TLM 050).
186
0 2 4 p 8 10
I ' ,
METERS
Contour Interval: 2 m.
Talkeetna Mts. D-3
T. 31N R. 7E
NW l/4 of SW l/4
of SW l/4 Sec. 1 S.M.
[
-
NORTH WALL
1
Radiocarbon Dates:
UAB0-15 7-3 (b)
280 ~ 110: 1670
UAB0-157-1 (c)
280 ± 245: 1670 A.D.
UAB0-157-2 (a)
not submitted
D
Unit 1
Dark Brown Humus
Unit 2 and 4 {Cultural)
Charcoal with Bone and
Fire Cracked Rock (Hearth)
Unit 3 (Cultural)
Brown Silt with Bone
_I_
I
Unit 5
Yellow Sand
Unit 6
Brown Silt
Fire Cracked Rock
~ Charcoal Sample a, UAB0-157-2 b, UAB0-157-3 c, UAB0-157-1
Figure 67.
Soil profile UA80-1{~7 (TLM 050), test 1.
0
5
10
15
CM
3.2.1.31 -Site UA80-158, State Number TU~ 051
Area: Borrow F
Area Map: Figure 100; Location Map: Figure 174
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-4, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 422800 Northing 6970500
Latitude 62°51'36 11 N., Longitude 148°31 1 00 11 W.
T. 32 N., R. 5 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 16, NW~SE~SE~
Site Map: Figure 68; Soil Profi'l e: Figure 69
Setting: The site is located near the southeastern boundary of
Borrow Area F (Figure 100), approximately 700 m east of Tsusena
Creek and approximately 6.2 km northeast of the confluence of
Tsusena Creek and the Susitna River (Figure 174). Located at an
elevation of 701 m asl (2300 feet asl) on a 50 m long by 15 meter
wide bench which forms the northern extension of the summit of a
knoll, the site lies at the northwest corner of the bench 2m to 3m
lower than the point of highest relief on the knoll. This knoll,
one of the highest in the vicinity, is located in kettle and kame
topography where numerous knolls and ridges and approximately
17 lakes and ponds are located within a 1 km radius of the site
(Figure 174). The site location provides a view of many of the
kettle lakes to the south, east, and north, however, the principal
view is to the south overlooking a 7 hectare lake with a long finger
of the lake extending to the northwest. The lake margin, located
approximately 100 m south of the site and approximately 30 m lower
in elevation at the closest point, is entirely in view and easily
accessible from the site. Tsusena Creek, approximately 90 m lower
188
I~ in elevation, is not visible from the site. Much of the Tsusena
Creek canyon to the west is deeply incised vertical bedrock with
numerous cascades and a major waterfall. Access to the creek,
while possible, would require descending greater than 30° slopes.
The site appears to be oriented more towards the surrounding lakes
which are easily accessible. One other site (UA78-65, TLM 015),
identified in 1978 by Glenn Bacon, is located in the same topographic
context, approximately 600 m to the south on a similar but slightly
lower knoll. The ground surface at site UA80-158 is smooth and
sloping with vegetation consisting primarily of dense shrub birch
with open clearings where ground cover consists of lichen, moss,
and low heath species. Scattered spruce are present on the knoll
and increase in density in lower elevations where alder thickets
are present.
Phase I Testing: No cultural material was observed on the surface
at the site, however, a shovel probe (Figure 68, test 1) revealed
four tuffacious rhyolite flakes approximately 20 cmbs, one of which
(UA80-158-1) exhibits retouch along one margin. This probe was
expanded into test 1 (Figure 68) which produced an additional
tuffacious rhyolite flake 17 cmbs in a possible paleosol lens
(Figure 69, unit 5c) contained within a matrix of yellow brown sand
and gravel which was interpreted as glacial drift (Figure 69,
unit 6). All of the flakes recovered from the initial probe and
test 1 show a light to dark brown staining on one side. A possible
volcanic ash layer (Figure 69, units 3a and 3b) is present in
test 1 between 5 and 10 cmbs.
Four additional tests (Figure 68, tests 2, 3, 4, and 5) were
excavated at the site but did not reveal additional cultural material.
Collected Artifact Inventory
1 Light brown tuffacious rhyolite retouched flake
4 Light brown tuffacious rhyolite flakes
189
Lake is less than
100 m. SW of site
Site Datum
Test
Clearing
clearings
lichen,
moss and
heath
X
[J
,-~ . ' . . . -.
Figure 68.
0 3 6 9 12
METERS
Contour Interval: 1 m.
Talkeetna Mts. D-4
T.32N R.SE
NW1/4 of SE1/4 of SE 1/4
Sec. 16 S.M.
Site map UA80-158 {TLM 051).
190
I
t.
NORTH EAST WALL
Unit l
Humus
Unit 2 ~
Dark Brown/Black Silt ~
Unit 3a and 3b
Ash
Tuff Flake (17cmbs)
Figure 69.
0
5
10
15
20
25CM
Unit 4
Lt. Brown Sand
Unit Sa,Sb and Sc
Oxidized zone (Possible
Paleosol)
Unit 6
Yellow Brown Coarse Sand
and Gravel (Glacial Drift)
Soil profile UAS0-158 (TLM 051), test 1.
191
3.2.1.32-Site UA80-159, State Number TLM 052
Area: Survey Loca 1 51
Area Map: Figure 102; Survey Locale Map: Figure 162
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-2, Scale 1:634360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 453500 Northing 6964100
Easting 453550 Northing 6964200
Latitude 62°48 1 24 11 N.' Longitude 147°54 1 50 11
(Locus A)
Latitude 62°48 1 28 11 N. , Longitude 147°54'42 11
{Locus B)
T. 31 N., R. 8 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 2, S~SW~NW~ (Locus A and B)
(Locus
(Locus
w.
w.
Site Map: Figure 70; Soil Profile: Figure 71 (Locus A)
A)
B)
Setting: The site, consisting of two loci (A and B), is located on
a southeast-northwest trending ridge at an elevation of 884 m asl
(2900 feet asl) approximately 2.5 km north of the Susitna River and
3 km west of Jay Creek (Figure 102). This ridge is the highest of
numerous deflated ridges and knolls characteristic of the glacially
scoured ice stagnation terrain in this vicinity and affords an
excellent vantage point overlooking lower areas of tundra. The
ridge slopes gradually in all directions from the site location,
except to the southwest along the ridge crest, where it is relatively
level. The view from the ridge crest is panoramic ranging in
distance from approximately 5 km to the south to less than 2 km to
the north and west. Both site loci are located at the northeastern
end of this discrete ridge (Figure 162) and overlook the largest
kettle lake in the area, an 8 hectare lake (Laha Lake) approxi-
192
' ;
L.
mately 600 m southeast of the site and 91 m (300 feet) lower in
elevation. Also visible from the site is the lake's inlet stream,
·located approximately 500 m east of the site, which drains higher
terrain to the north. A 3 hectare lake, not visible from the site,
is located 1.6 km to the west. Both of these lakes and the stream
drainage are easily accessible from the site, as is all of the
surrounding terrain within 5 km. Locus A is situated at the edge
of the deflated crest of the ridge on the southern slope and locus B
is located 138m to the northeast on the rounded crest of the
ridge. Most of the crest of the ridge is deflated and consequently
vegetation is sparse. What vegetation there is includes dwarf
willow, low bush cranberry, moss, and lichen. A few scattered
spruce grow on the ridge and increase in density in all directions
as elevation decreases. The surrounding lower terrain is poorly
drained and consists primarily of tundra and low brush with areas
of marsh and grass in the vicinity of the lake margins.
Phase I Testing: Both surface and subsurface cultural material was
found at the site including a surface lithic scatter (locus A)
exposed on the south slope of the ridge crest at the edge of a
large deflated area, and two isolated surface artifacts (locus B)
observed approximately 130 to 150 m northeast of locus A on the
rounded and largely deflated crest of the northeastern end of the
ridge (Figure 70). Artifacts surface collected from the site
include three projectile point bases, seven flakes, and a chalcedony
pebble fragment possibly cultural in origin. Thirty-four flakes
observed on the surface were left~ situ.
Locus A: Surface artifacts were observed at the southern edge of
the deflated ridge crest during surface reconnaissance. The exposed
portion of the flake scatter measures approximately 5 by 15 m
(Figure 70). Artifacts surface collected from this scatter include
a straight, edge ground base portion of a black chert projectile
193
point {UA80-159-1; Figure 85, h), and a simil iar but smaller fragment
of a grey chert projectile point exhibiting the same characteristics
{UA80-159-4; Figure 85, i). In addition, four banded chert and
three basalt flakes were surface collected. Approximately 30 black
basalt and 3 banded chert flakes were left jrr situ. Test 1 (Figure 70),
excavated immediately southwest of the largest concentration of
flakes, produced a single black basalt flake 7 cmbs at the contact
between the humus and a grey leached silt {Figure 71, unit 2). No
other cultural material was revealed by test 1.
Locus B: Two isolated artifacts located on the surface outside of
the immediate vicinity of locus A comprise the cultural material
observed at locus B. The rounded edge ground base of a grey basalt
projectile point {UA80-159-12; Figure 85, j) was surface collected
138.6 m northeast of the datum at locus A (Figure 70). A datum for
locus B was established at this location. The only other cultural
material observed on the surface at locus B was a single black
basalt flake located 33.8 m southeast of the locus B datum {Figure 70).
Time limitations did not permit subsurface testing at locus B.
Collected Artifact Inventory
Locus A:
1
1
2
2
3
1
Straight, edge ground black chert projectile point base
Straight, edge ground grey chert projectile point base
Whitish-grey banded chert flakes
Yellow-brown banded chert flakes
Black basalt flakes
White chalcedony pebble fragment
Test 1, 7 em:
1 Black basalt flake
Locus B: ----r-Rounded, edge ground grey basalt projectile base
194
( '
!
L
r
l
•• •• ••
+
Deflated Area
•• •• ••
+
+
+
•• .. -~,
•• I .. .,
• l '
•• I ' .. \ \ .. \ -:-' •e ' I 8···~~:. ...... _ ... )
i •• -,-.. •• •• ••
Site Vegetation: dwarf willow,
low bush cranberry, moss and
+
•• ••
LOCUS
B
Deflated Area
•• •• +
•• _1_
•• 1 •• lichen. •• • • ......................
Site Datum
Test
Flake Concentration
Artifact
Blowout Boundary
0 1
X
D METERS
, ..... Talkeetna Mts. '-'-} ' ... ' .... T.31N R.BE -:-SEl/4 of SWl/4
•••••••• Sec • 2 S.M.
Figure 70.
Site map UAB0-159 (TLM 052).
195
2
D-2
of NWl/4
...
1
2
3
NORTH WALL
Unit l
Dark Brown Humus
Unit 2
Gray Leached Silt
Unit 3
Lt. Brown Silt with Rock
Figure 71.
Soil profile UAB0-159 (TLM 052), locus A, test 1.
196
......
[
3.2.1.33 -Site UA80-160, State Number TLM 053
Area: Survey Locale 51
Area r~ap: Figure 102; Survey Locale Map: Figure 163
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-2, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTI~ Zone 6 Easting 456000 Northing 6964700 (Locus A)
Easting 455850 Northing 6964650 (Locus B)
Latitude 62°48'45" N. ' Longitude 147°51'48 11
(Locus A)
Latitude 62°48'43 11 N. ' Longitude 147°51'59"
(Locus B)
T. 31 N., R. 8 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 1, NW~NE~N~ (Locus A)
Sec. 1, NE~NW~N~ (Locus B)
w.
w.
Site Ma-p: Figure 72; Soil Profile: Figure 73 (Locus A)
Setting: The site, consisting of two loci (A and B), is located
approximately 3 km northeast of the confluence of Jay Creek and the
Susitna River and approximately 1.5 km west of Jay Creek (Figure 102).
Situated on a 150 m to 200m long discrete northeast-southwest
trending ridge line at an elevation of 975 m asl (3200 feet asl),
the site is located in glacially scoured terrain characterized by
numerous deflated ridges and knolls which overlook poorly drained
areas of tundra and high brush (Figure 163). The Susitna River
valley is visible approximately 3 km to the south, although the
river is out of view. The two site loci are situated approximately
240 m apart on the opposite ends of the ridge.
197
r ,
L
Locus A: Locus A, at the northeastern end of the ridge, is situated
at the point of highest relief on the ridge which slopes gradually
upward from the southwest to the northeast (Figure 163). The
northeastern end of the ridge terminates abruptly and locus A is
situated on a relatively flat 20 m by 25m deflated area just
before the ridge slopes steeply downward and continues to the
northeast at a lower elevation. The principal view from the site
is to the east encompassing the deeply incised canyon downcut by
Jay Creek and portions of the creek itself to the south-southeast.
Over half the ground surface is deflated in the vicinity of locus A
and what vegetation there is consists primarily of dwarf and shrub'
birch, low bush cranberry, crowberry, ptarmigan berry, moss, and
lichen. Scattered black spruce and alder are present on the slopes
of the ridges and, along with dense shrub birch and tundra, form
the principal vegetation at lower elevation.
Locus ~~__..;;.8: Locus B, situated at the southwestern end of the ridge,
is on the slope slightly below the end of the relatively level
crest of the ridge (Figure 163). Like locus A, this part of the
ridge is deflated and consists almost entirely of exposed gravel
and fractured rock. Locus B overlooks a broad expanse of tundra to
the southwest and the view encompasses an eight hectare lake (Laha
Lake) located approximately 2 km southwest of the site. The larger
of two small lakes immediately east of Laha Lake is also visible
from locus B. Vegetation in the vicinity of locus B is similar to
that of locus A.
Phase I Testing: Surface and subsurface cultural material occur
primarily at locus A (Figure 72). All observed surface artifacts
were collected at both loci.
Locus A: Locus A consists of a surface lithic scatter covering an
area of approximately 6 m by 8 m (Figure 72). Artifacts surface
collected from locus A include a chert flake bifacially retouched
198
on the right lateral margin with a graver spur at the distal end
(UA80-160-4; Figure 86, b), a whitish-grey chert flake with retouch
on the left and right margins and the distal end (UA80-160-6;
Figure 86, c), a large tuffacious rhyolite flake (UA80-160-1;
Figure 86, a), and two additional flakes, one of basalt and the
other of chalcedony. Test 1 (Figure 72), excavated at the west
edge of the blowout in which the artifacts are exposed, produced a
single light brown tuffacious rhyolite flake 10 cmbs in a dark grey
leached silt (Figure 73, unit 3). Glacial drift was encountered in
test 1 between 10 and 19 cmbs {Figure 73, unit 4).
Locus 8: A single grey chert flake retouched on the dorsal surface
(or possibly scraper) was surface collected approximately 240m
southwest of locus A (Figure 72). Intensive surface reconnaissance
in the vicinity of locus B and along the ridge crest between the
two loci did not reveal any additional cultural material. Almost
the entire area in the vicinity of locus B is deflated and no
subsurface testing was initiated.
Collected Artifact Inventory
Locus A:
1 Whitish-dark grey chert flake, bifacially retouched on
the right lateral margin, a graver spur at the distal
end
1 Whitish-dark grey chert flake with continuous retouch on
all margins
1 Light grey tuffac ious rhyolite flake
1 Black basalt flake
1 Grey chalcedony flake
Test 1, 10 cmbs:
1 Light brown tuffacious rhyolite flake
Locus B:
1 Grey chert flake retouched dorsally (possible scraper)
199
' !
I
( J
Locus
B
Site datum
Test
F'lake
vegetated
area
deflated area
X
0
-:--
+
+
0 1 2 3 4 5
METERS
Talkeetna Mts. D-2
T.31N R.BE Sec. 1 S.M.
NWl/4 of NEl/4 of NEl/4
Deflated area boundary
, . , , .,..,
Alder bush <>
Figure 72.
Site map UA80-160 (TLM 053), locus A.
200
.....
1
2
3
4
I
L_
WEST WALL
D Unit 1
Medium Brown Humus
Unit 2
Black Stain (Peat)
Grey Tuff Flake
Figure 73.
Unit 3
Dark Grey Leached Silt
with Cobbles
Unit 4
Red Brown Sandy Silt
with Rounded Pebbles and
Cobbles (Glacial Drift)
Soil profile UAS0-160 (TLM 053), locus A, test 1.
201
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[~:
"
The following four sites were found during a brief (one day) aerial
reconnaissance and survey conducted after the field season and cannot
be discussed in depth in this report, because field time did not permit
adequate survey, testing, or data recording procedures to be implemented.
r' /
3.2.1.34 -Site UA80-252, State Number TtM .054
Area: North shore of Deadman Lake
Area Map: Figure 105
USGS Map: Healy A-3, Scale 1:63,360
Setting: The site is located on a low flat deflated area on the
north shore of Deadman Lake.
Phase I Te~ting: No phase I testing was conducted at this site and
only a few surface artifacts were collected.
Inventory of Collected Artifacts:
1 Sidescraper
1 Basalt blade-like flake
3.2.1.35-Site UA80-253, State Number TU1 055
Area: Southwest portion of Butte Lake
Area Map: Figure 105
USGS Map: Healy A-2, Scale 1:63,360
Setting: The site is located on a low but elevated ridge adjacent
to Butte Lake. The site appears to extend along the lake shore for
approximately 100 m.
202
Phase I Testing: No phase I testing was conducted at the site and
only a few surface artifacts were collected.
Inventory of Collected Artifacts
1 Light green rhyolite microblade fragment
1 Basalt biface fragment
3 Basalt flakes
3 Grey rhyolite flakes
2 Rock fragments
3.2.1.36 -Site UAS0-254, State Number ftM 0~6
Area: Between Deadman Lake and Big Lake
Area Map: Figure 105
USGS Map: Healy A-3, Scale 1:63,360
.
Setting: The site is located on a low rise between Deadman Lake
and Big Lake and is surrounded by low marshy terrain.
Phase I Testing: No phase I testing was conducted at this site and•
only a few surface artifacts were collected.
Inventory of Collected Artifacts:
1 Basalt flake
3 Chert flakes
1 Rhyolite flake
3.2.1.37 -UAS0-255, State Number TLM 057
Area: East shore of Big Lake
Area Map: Figure 105
USGS Map: Talkeetna r~ts. D-3, Scale 1:63,360
Setting: The site is located on a knoll at the mouth of a small
stream that flows into Big Lake from the east.
203
L
! J
Phase I Testing: No phase I testing was conducted at this site and
only a few ~urface artifacts were collected.
Inventory of Collected Artifacts
1 Retouched flake
1 Rhyolite flake
204
1-
[
i .
' -·
3.2.1.38-Site UA78-65, State Number TLM 015
Area: .6 km southeast of Borrow Area F
Area Map: Figure 100; Location Map: Figure 180
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. 0-4, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 423050 Northing 6970100
Latitude 62°51'21" N., Longitude 148°30'40 11 W.
T. 32 N., R. 5 E., Seward t1eridian
sec. 15, s~sw~sw~
Setting: The site, at an elevation of approximately 639 m asl
(2275 feet asl), is located southeast of Borrow ~rea F (Figure 100)
approximately 1.7 km east of Tsusena Creek and 2.7 km north of the
Susitna River (Figure 100). Situated on ice stagnation terrain
characterized by kettle and kame topography, the site is located at
the top of a kame with large kettle lakes to the north, west,
and south {Figure 180). A low ridge extends from this knoll approxi-
mately 200m southwest terminating in a lower knoll. Numerous
other knolls and ridges and over 20 kettle lakes lie within a 1 km
radius of the site. The elevation of the knoll on which the site
is located is the highest point of relief within approximately 800
m. The view from the site is unrestricted and encompasses a radius
of 1.6 km of accessible terrain including portions of five kettle
lakes to the north, northeast, west, and south. These lakes are
between 10m to 30m lower than the site and are all easily accessible
from it. Much of the area between the lakes is poorly drained
muskeg and marsh and the numerous ridges and knolls in the vicinity
provide natural travel routes and vantage points overlooking the
lakes and ponds. The lakes in the vicinity of the site vary from
1 hectare to 18 hectares in size with the northern end of the
205
I.
' l
r L ....
/-
largest lake located approximately 250 m southeast of the site.
Many of the lakes are interconnected by their outlet and inlet
streams and a lake approximately 200 m southwest of the site has an
outlet to Tsusena Creek. Tsusena Creek, which lies approximately
1 km northwest of the site at the closest point, is approximately
90 m lower in elevation and is not in view. Vegetation at the site
consists primarily of shrub birch, low bush cranberry, blueberry,
Labrador tea, moss, and lichen. Dense stands of black spruce are
present at lower elevations especially around the lake margins. A
great deal of bear (Ursus spp.) and moose (Alces alces) sign was
observed in the vicinity of the site and the area appears to be
excellent wildlife habitat. Site UA80-158 (TLM 051), situated near
the top of a slightly higher kame and located approximately 600 m
to the north near the boundary of Borrow Area F, is in a similar
topographic context.
Phase I Testing: This site was identified by Glenn Bacon during a
preliminary reconnaissance conducted in 1978 prior to the establish-
ment of Watana Camp {Bacon 1978b). It was revisited during the 1980
reconnaissance survey in order to check locational data and
environmental information. No further testing was done at the site
although three previously excavated test pits on the lower knoll
approximately 200 m southwest of the site were reopened in an
attempt to determine the provenience of the cultural material
reported by Bacon. No cultural material was observed in these
tests or in surface reconnaissance in the area. Initially it was
assumed that the site location was on the lower knoll where the
test pits were found and it was not until after the field season
that it was learned that the site was located on the higher of the
two knolls as indicated on the original site map (Bacon, personal
communication). Intensive surface reconnaissance on the higher
knoll failed to identify earlier testing at that location and more
systematic and intensive subsurface testing is scheduled for 1981.
206
r·
L
Bacon (1978b} reports that subsurface testing at the site produced
two flakes from different soil units in a single test and suggests
that the site is multicomponent. One flake was recovered at a
depth of 34 cmbs associated with a dark brown/black loess unit and
a second flake was recovered between 34 and 49 cmbs and associated
with an orange sandy silt with pebble intrusion (Bacon 1978:22}.
207
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L
3.2.1.39-Site UA78-66, State Number TLM 016
Area: 1.5 km north of Borrow Area 0
Area Map: Figure 101; Location Map: Figure 181
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-3, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 424350 Northing 6970050
T. 32 N., R. 5 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 22, SW~NE~NE~
Site Map: Figure 74
Setting: Located at an elevation of 732 m (2400 feet asl) approxi-
mately 1.5 km east of site UA78-65 (TU1 015), site UA78-66 is
located in the area of kettle and kame topography bordered to the
west and east by Tsusena and Deadman Creeks and to the south by the
Susitna River (Figure 101). The site is situated at the top of a
relatively low rounded kame which is the highest point of relief
within a 600 m radius. A 1978 Corps of Engineers Survey Monument
(WA 16) is located on the knoll at the site location (Figure 181).
This knoll is fairly difficult to locate from the air as it slopes
very gradually eastward, blending into the relatively flat terrain
in that direction. The slope is steepest to the west where it
approaches an angle of 15° to 20°. To the northwest the slope is
more gradual and several relatively flat benches occur, possibly a
result of solifluction. The view from the top of the knoll is
panoramic but the principal view is to the west and north encompassing
portions of four lakes. These lakes vary in distance from 150m to
1.5 km from the site and in size from 1 hectare to 14 hectares. A
marsh, which appears to formerly have been a small pond 30 m to
208
' l ~
40 m in diameter, lies approximately 50 m to the southwest of the
site. Deadman Creek, the closest creek to the site, lies approximately
2 km to the east but is not visible. Like Tsusena Creek, Deadman
Creek is deeply incised in a bedrock canyon with at least one major
waterfall prior to its confluence with the Susitna River approximately
2.8 km southeast of the site. Access to both of these creeks, the
Susitna River, and the kettle lakes in the vicinity is across low,
poorly drained tundra which is best traversed by staying on the
knolls and low ridge systems that comprise the higher ground. Site
vegetation consists primarily of tundra, shrub birch, and willow
but includes dwarf birch, low bush cranberry, crowberry, blueberry,
Labrador tea, and lichen. Shrub birch and willow are denser on the
slopes of the knoll and lower elevations contain stands of black
spruce and muskeg especially in the vicinity of the lakes.
Phase I Testing: Surface and subsurface cultural material at this
site, was identified by Bacon {1978b). It was revisited during the
1980 reconnaissance survey in order to check locational data and
environmental information but no further testing was done. The
site was initially identified by the presence of flakes exposed in
a blowout at the top of the knoll next to a Corps of Engineers
Monument {WA 16). Six basalt and rhyolite fiakes were collected by
Bacon from this blowout in 1978 and one additional basalt flake was
observed but not collected in 1980. Subsurface testing in 1978
revealed a 1 em thick concentration of charcoal at 16.5 cmbs in
test 1. Forty bone fragments were excavated in association with
the charcoal and three charcoal samples were collected, one of
which was submitted for radiometric dating. A radiocarbon deter-
mination of 3675 ± 160 years B.P.: 1725 B.C. {GX-5630) was obtained
from the sample that was submitted {Bacon 1978:24). In addition to
the bone, six flakes were excavated from test 1 between 7.5 and
17.5 cmbs and were associated both with the charcoal stained level
and with an overlying grey/brown loess·level (Bacon 1978:24). Two
209
I
L •. ~
1 t~
'.
L
other tests in the site vicinity produced cultural material in
1978. Test 2 produced a unifacially retouched rhyolite pebble
{UA78-66-3} and test 5 produced six flakes {Bacon 1978b: 26, 38}.
Two of the earlier tests {Figure 74, tests A and B} were relocated
in 1980.
210
·,
' ; ,_ '
r
!
L
1978 Test
1978 Site Datum
Blowout Boundary
D
X
,."'-)
~-.....
Figure 74.
Corps of Engineers
WA 16
Site Vegetation: Shrub
birch, blueberry, crowberry
labrador tea, lowbush
cranberry. dwarf birch,
lichen
0 1 2 3 4 5
r
Meters
Contour Interval: 50 em
Talkeetna Mts. D-3
T. 32N R. SE
sw 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of
the NE 1/4 Sec. 22
Site map UA78-66 {TLM 016)
?11
L
3.2.1.40-Site UA78-67, State Number TLM 017
Area: 2.1 km northeast of confluence of Tsusena Creek and the
Sus i tna River
Area Map: Figure 100; Location Map: Figure 182
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-4, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 419600 Northing 6967500
Latitude 62°49'55" N., Longitude 148°34'35" W.
T. 32 N., R. 5 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 29, SW~NW~SW~
Site Map: Figure 75; Soil Profile: Figure 76
Setting: Located at an elevation of 610 m asl (2000 feet asl), the
site is approximately 900 m north of the Susitna River and 1.2 km
east of Tsusena Creek (Figure 182). The site is situated on a
level bench near the top of a northwest facing slope which descends
to Tsusena Creek which is approximately 122 m (400 feet) lower in
elevation. The bench upon which the site is located is a discrete
feature oriented northeast-southwest and is approximately 75 m long
by 30 m wide. Several other similar benches are located at about
the same elevation on the northwest slope in the vicinity of the
site. To the east the terrain continues to rise for approximately
61 m (200 feet) after which it becomes a relatively flat undulating
plain of glacial drift characterized by kettle and kame topography.
The confluence of Tsusena Creek and the Susitna River is located
approximately 2.1 km southwest of the site and approximately 152m
(500 feet) lower in elevation. A 180° field of view from the
· southwest to the northwest encompasses the Tsusena Creek drainage
for a distance of several km although the creek itself is not
212
\ -
--
visible. Portions of the Susitna River approximately 2 km to the
southwest are in view and although access to the Susitna to the
southwest is reasonably good, access to Tsusena Creek to the west
and southwest is much better even though it is restricted in places
by sheer bedrock walls. Terrain on the west side of Tsusena Creek
is visible from the site but the difficulty of crossing the deeply
incised canyon and the deep, fast-flowing creek makes accessibility
to this area difficult. Vegetation at the site is relatively open
with scattered black spruce, birch, and a ground mat of moss and
lichen covering most of the bench. Other vegetation at the site
includes Labrador tea, blueberry, low bush cranberry, crowberry,
and willow. Several large boulders, apparently glacial erratics,
are conspicuous in the vicinity of the site. The site is located
at the transitional zone between dense black spruce, which begin
thinning out approximately 150 m below the site to the west, and a
more open tundra and brush environment which becomes the dominant
vegetation at about the elevation of the site and extends eastward.
Phase I Testing: This site was identified by Bacon in 1978 during
a preliminary reconnaissance survey prior to the establishment of
Watana Camp (Bacon 1978b). No surface cultural material was observed
by Bacon at the site but one of his tests next to a large boulder
near the center of the bench (Figure 75, test 1) produced 372 basalt
flakes, a large number of which were cortex flakes (Bacon 1978:43).
The flakes excavated by Bacon were recovered from a dark brown/black
loess/clay unit 1 em thick located 23 to 24 cmbs and just above a
1 em thick loess/clay unit which overlies the sandy silt and unsorted
pebbles characteristic of glacial drift (Bacon 1978:27). Only a
portion of this subsurface flake scatter was excavated by Bacon.
This site was revisited in 1980 and the 1978 test which produced
cultural material was relocated (Figure 75). No additional cultural
material was revealed by the eight additional shovel probes dug in
1980 and the site appears to be limited to the immediate vicinity
213
~
I
I
(.
of Bacon's test 1. This test was reexcavated in 1980 to positively
identify the provenience of the flakes recovered by Bacon and to
draw a soil profile {Figure 76). During the removal of backdirt
from test 1 and the preparation of the west wall of the test for a
drawing of the soil profile an additional 285 basalt flakes were
recovered from this test. The flakes excavated during the preparation -of the west wall of the test were associated with what appears to
be a dark grey paleosol varying in depth from 11 to 24 cmbs {Figure 76,
unit 4). Flakes were concentrated at depths of 14 and 24 cmbs in
association with this soil unit. A charcoal sample (UA80-164-1)
was also collected during the preparation of the soil profile but
was not submitted for radiometric dating. The subsurface flake
scatter partly excavated by test 1 is a very dense concentration of
flakes which appears to be limited spacially to the immediate
vicinity of the large boulder which forms the southern wall of the
test. The flakes are actually found concentrated at the base of
this boulder {Figure 75). Additional systematic excavation is
planned for this site and should help define the spacial extent of
this scatter.
Collected Artifact Inventory
1 Charcoal sample
285 Black basalt flakes
214
0
Test 7
(probe)
Site Datum (Birch)
Birch
Spruce
1978 Test (Bacon)
1980 Shovel Probe
Glacial
0
()
®
0
0
Figure 75.
0 Test 10
(probe)
0Test 3 0Test
(probe)
'e,Test 1
""-Boulder
Site Vegetation: White spruce,
shrub birch, low bush cranberry,
blueberry, labrador tea, fireweed,
birch, crowberry, tundra and
lichen~
0 2 4 6 8
I I I
Meters
Contour Interval: 50 em
Talkeetna Mts D-4
T. 32N R. 5E Sec. 30
NE l/4 of SE 1/4 of SE 1/4
Site map UA78-67 (TLM 017)
215
WEST WALL
2
3
COBBLE
5
115
I
I 20 I
I
I
5 25CM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~----L---------~
Unit 1
Humus
Unit 2
Whitish grey ash
Unit 3
Reddish brown
mottled silt
Figure 76.
Unit 4
Dark grey organic silt
(possible paleosol)
Unit 5
Reddish organge coarse
sand, gravel and cobbles
(glacial drift)
---X-section outline of
large boulder forming
south wall of test.
-1-Basalt waste flake
Soil Profi 1 e UA78-6J16( TLM 01 7) • test 1 .
L
3.2.1.~1 -Site UA78-60, State Number TLM 018
Area: 1.6 km southwest of Watana Camp
Area Map: Figure 100; Location Map: Figure 183
USGS Map: Talkeetna Mts. D-4, Scale 1:63,360
Site Location: UTM Zone 6 Easting 421550 Northing 6967450
Latitude 62°49'50 11 N., Longitude 148°32'20 11 W.
T. 32 N., R. 5 E., Seward Meridian
Sec. 28, NW~SW~SW~
Site Map: Figure 77
Setting: The site is located at an elevation of approximately
716 m asl (2350 feet asl) and is 3 km east of Tsusena Creek and
800 m north of the Susitna River (Figure 100). Situated on a
discrete kame which is a part of a 1 km long east-west trending
ridge, the site is located approximately 800 m east of a 1978 Corps
of Engineers Camp on one of the highest points of relief along this
ridge. The site is exposed in a blowout on the north and east
slopes just below the top of the easternmost knoll. A terrace is
located at the base of the slope to the north of the knoll approxi-
mately 15m to 30m lower than the elevation of the site. Beyond
this terrace a glacially scoured plain capped by drift extends for
several km to the northeast. West of the site the slope descends
for approximately 50 m until it levels out and forms the portion of
the main ridge extending westward. The highest elevation on this
ridge is 729 m asl (2391 feet asl) which is located approximately
400 m west-southwest of the site (Figure 183). To the north and
east the ground slopes continuously, affording an expansive view of
the broad plain extending northeast of the site which is characterized
217
'·
r
by kettle and kame topography. A concentration of kettle lakes is
situated approximately 2 km to 4 km to the northeast. The closest
of these lakes, approximately 8 hectares in size and 1.5 km distant,
is in view, as is a small .5 hectare pond located approximately 800
m to the northeast. To the southeast the ground is fairly flat for
approximately 40 m to the edge of the Susitna Valley shoulder where
it begins to slope steeply down towards the river located approximately
274 m (900 feet) below the site. Direct access to the Susitna
River is difficult because the steep valley walls are sheer bedrock
cliffs in places. Vegetation at the site consists of scattered
black spruce, shrub and dwarf birch, and includes several varieties
of low berry bushes, moss, and lichen. Large blowouts occur on the
uorthern slope of the knoll where much of the ground surface is
deflated. In the lower drainages and on the plain to the north,
open white and black spruce forest occurs with muskeg, den~er black
spruce stands are in the poorly drained areas, and white spruce and
shrub birch are located on the better drained ground. Much of the
plain extending to the northeast is moist tundra and ice stagnation
terrain.
Phase I Testing: This site was the last and the most extensive of
the prehistoric sites identified by Bacon during his 1978 preliminary
survey (Bacon 1978b:28). The site is partly exposed by blowouts
covering an area of approximately 10 m by 20 m on the north and
northeast slopes near the top of a low knoll (Figure 77). Bacon
surface collected 29 flakes from these blowouts in 1978 and excavated
an additional 138 flakes from a 20 by 20 em test at the northern
edge of one of the blowouts. The subsurface flakes were excavated
from a depth of 20 cmbs and appeared to be associated with a buried
paleosol (Bacon 1978:28). A single tool was surface collected at
the site in 1978. This is a complete bifacially flaked triangular
basalt projectile point exhibiting a ground concave base (UA78-60-1).
Two distinct lithologies are represented by the artifacts from the
218
, .
i ··.
I
i l_.l
site: a fine grained black basalt and a low-grade blue-grey chert
(Bacon 1978b:28).
rhe site was revisited in 1980. No additional subsurface testing
was conducted in 1980, however, three additional artifacts were
surface collected at the site. These include the medial portion of
a black basalt biface (UAS0-165-1), a blue-grey chert flake with
what appears to be a facet resul t·ing fran ranoval of a blade or
blade-like flake (UAB0-165-2), and a blue-grey chert burin spall
(UAS0-165-3). A high density of flakes was observed in blowouts at
the site. Basalt flakes are concentrated on the southwest side of
the knoll and chert f1 akes on the northwest side with a lower
concentration of flakes between the two main scatters (Figure 77).
Some f1 akes were observed downslope to the northeast of the rna in
blowout, but whether the site extends further in that direction or
the flakes were transported downslope in that direction by soil
movement is not known.
219
' L-
!
I
t ~
.... -... ,
,.. E "' , ....
I _, t'C' \ .... ,.. '1: :I
\..,.. 'o' -~ ---c. ... :~1' ..... --~-\.
B '1> "
~~ -----,c,'1>
0
e;,""' a
\...,. vv# ", C -<i>-'1} \ -orps of Engineers ---J 1~------=::..:..::.:.:::_::::~~T~r:a::_i:_I_:e_:r:.__-.:_---
Site Datum X
E'lake Concentration
--,/ -X """ .... ...._ / ..... _ _,
,,
/ '
/ ' ,' A \
I I ' I I '--I , I ,.
... _,
0 5
Meters
Talkeentna Mts. D-4
T. 32N R. SE Sec. 28
10
NE 1/4 of SW 1/4 of SW 1/4
Blowout Boundary
Figure 77.
5ite Map UA78-60 (TLM 018}
220
N
I
1
( .
KEY TO FIGURES 78-87
Figure 78
Figure 79
Figure 80
Figure 81
Figure 82
Figure 83
a UA80-74-6, large flake
b UA80-74-3, large flake
c UA80-7 4-1 , 1 a rge fl a ke
d UA80-74-8, large flake
e UA80-74-4, large flake
f UA80-74-2, large flake
g UA80-74-9, large flake
h UA80-74-10, possible flake core
i UA80-74-5, large flake
j UA80-74-7, large flake
a UA80-73-1, endscraper
b UA80-68-144, locus A, scraper
c UA80-68-238, locus A, retouched flake
d UA80-68-239, locus A, scraper
e UA80-68-147, locus B, scraper
f UA80-68-190, locus B, projectile point, medial section
g UA80-68-194, locus B, biface
h UA80-72-10, core tablet
a UA80-77-89, side-notched projectile point base
b UA80·77-327, complete side-notched biface
c UA80-77-427, blade fragment
d UA80-77-429, blade fragment
e UA80-77-430, blade core fragment
f UA80-77-437, blade~like flake
g UA80-77-517, retouched flake
h UA80-77-520, side-notched projectile point
a UA80-78-1, endscraper
b UA80-79-1, endscraper
c UA80-79-2, retouched flake
d UA80-79-8, endscraper
e UA80-80-1, biface fragment
f UA80-143-1, unifacially worked scraper
a UA80-79-16, notched cobble with battering
a UA80-146-1, primary burin spall
b UA80-147-1, blade-like flake with retouch
c UA80-149-2, locus A, biface fragment
d UA80-149-3, locus A, blade-like flake fragment, medial
section
e UA80-149-4, locus A, blade-like flake fragment, medial
section
221
~igure 84
Figure 85
Figure 86
Figure 87
-
f UA80-149-30, locus B, retouched flake
g UA80-149-31, locus B, side-notched projectile point base
h UA80-149-34, endscraper fragment
a UA80-151-1~ 1anceolate projectile point
b UA80-151-40, retouched flake
c UA80-151-42, biface fragment
d UA80-151-43, uniface fragment
e UA80-152-3, microblade fragment~ distal end
f UA80-152-5, microblade
g UA80-152-37, projectile point
a UA80-153-50, projectile point base
b UA80-153-53~ projectile point base fragment
c UA80-153-55, unifacial endscraper fragment
d UA80-154-4, biface fragment
e UA80-154-5, microblade fragment, distal end
f UA80-154-14, retouched flake
g UA80-155-1, biface
h UA80-159-1, projectile point base
i UA80-159-4, projectile point base
j UA80-159-12, projectile point base
a UA80-160-1, large flake
b UA80-160-4, bifacial1y retouched flake with graver spur
c UA80-160-6, retouched flake
Mammoth-(?) bone
222
-----------------
r ,
I
L
Figure 78.
Artifacts from site UA80-74 (TLM 027).
f
Figure 79.
Artifacts from sites UA80-73 (TU1 026) a, UAB0-68 (TLM 021) b-g,
UA80-72 (TLM 025) h.
223
• a
"
f
Figure 80.
Artifacts from site UA80-77 (TLM 030).
a
d
b
e
0 l 2 3 4 5 CM., -~ __ L_-
Figure 81.
f
Artifacts from sites UA80-78 (TLM 031) a, UA80-79 (TLM 032} b-d,
UA80-80 (TLM 033) e, UA80-143 (TU~ 036) f.
224
( '
l.
Figure 82.
Artifact from site UA80-79 (TLM 032).
1 a a
d e
a c
b
9
Figure 83.
Artifacts from sites UA80-146 (TLM 039) a, UAS0-147 (TLM 040) b,
UAB0-149 (TLM 042) c-h.
225
i
l_
. '
c d
b
0 I 2 3 CM., •:::J L-
'•
~·
;:;
J ""
e g a
Figure 84. /
Artifacts from sites UA80-151 (TU1 044) a-d, UA80-152 (TU4 045) e-g.
a
e
I
)
f
c
CM~
I
Figure 85.
d
9
Artifacts from sites.UA80-153 (TLM 046) a-c, UA80-154 (TLM 047) d-f,
UA80-155 (TLM 048) g, UA80-159 (TLM 052) h-j.
226
. -
f •
!
, __ ..
c
b
Figure 86 .
Artifacts ·from site UA80-160 (TLM 053).
Figure 87.
Marrunoth (?) bone from near mouth of Tyone River.
227
/ .,
r
I.
3.2.2 -Airstrip Survey--Watana Base Camp
Proposed borrow areas, parking apron, and runway for the Watana
airstrip were surveyed during the 1980 field season. Surface
reconnaissance and subsurface testing were conducted along the
entire length (6000 feet) and width (500 feet) of the airstrip.
Five transects, one directly on the centerline and two on each side
and paralleling the centerline, were examined (Figure 88). Subsurface
tests were placed every 200 feet along each transect. Prior to
archeological investigation survey markers were placed along the
centerline as well as along the outer perimeter clearly delineating
the airstrip. A total of 155 subsurface tests were excavated to a
depth of 50 em where possible. However, in most cases water or
gravel was encountered before reaching 50 em. In addition to the
transect tests, 11 tests were placed in areas that provided some
topographic relief from the-surrounding low marshy terrain. Five
other tests were made on the proposed runway in connection with
transect testing in Borrow Area D (see Figures 170 and 171,
Appendix E), which crosses the airstrip.
No cultural material was observed on the surface or in any of the
subsurface tests. Therefore, archeological clearance is recommended.
However, in the event that cultural resources, missed by the above
sampling method, are uncovered during construction or use of the
airstrip, TES and the project archeologist should be contacted so
that the necessary action can be taken in a timely manner and
unnecessary delays avoided.
228
r
\ .
l<
-0 lXI -=>q, 0
0 -\D u
CD :< <n c co ...
1-
l< (/) a: l< UJ 1-1-UJ w UJ :E Ll.
0 0
\t) 0 Ul Ul
~ ~ .j..l .j..l .... Ul Ill
l<
ill t:. E-t
.j..l "'"" u Ill
(1) c::
(.) Ul 0 c:: .,..; -:.:-\t) 0 II:! .j..l
0 u ('II 0 ~ .,..;
0 CD ('II E-t '0
0 <n ...... '0
("') c (1) ..:::
C'CI u ... Ill
:<I-4-1
)..j
::3
Ill
..0
~
:< 0 0 tJi
...
a. ~ ·-... J: --
<n 0 0 ... ... 0 ... . 0
~ 0
lXI
C'CI c
C'CI -C'CI
3=
"CC
CD
<n
0 0
a. 0 .
0 ... a.
Figure 88.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing at the proposed Watana airstrip.
229
~·
L.
3.3 -Geology
3.3.1 -Geo-Archeologic Terrain Unit Mapping
After regional reconnaissance mapping, which was partly illustrated
in the August 5 semi-annual report (Subtask 7.06), the geo-archeologic
units were revised and remapped. Although the revised maps are not
complete at this time the unit descriptions are included as Appendix C.
Units were crudely divided by age (Glacial and Holocene) into two
first order categories. Second order categories include rock surfaces
(R), drift (0), ice contact terrain (I), outwash (0), lacustrine (L),
valley wall features (V), alluvium (A), slope deposits (S), and
marshy bog areas (M).
Units mapped as glacial (G) in age include all erosional or depositional
surfaces modified by ice during glaciation. The highest peaks in the
study area, many of which stood above the limit, are also included as
glacial units because their surfaces were intensely effected by frost
shattering and mass movement at that time. Units mapped as Holocene
(H), include all those of non-glacial origin that clearly post-date
final ice wastage in the valley bottoms.
Rock surfaces (R) include all those modified by glacier erosion.
Surfaces are commonly rounded, but include some open flat areas, and
some very steep slopes. Drainage is usually excellent, and soil
cover minimal. Tundra vegetation is usually thin and patchy. Unit R
is divided into four subunits: hills {h), surfaces {s), valley walls
(b), and drift covered (d). Subunit h indicates that the rock unit
described occurs as part of an isolated hill or complex of hills.
Subunit~ indicates where horizontal or sloping bedrock exists in
varying relief from i 1 (low local relief) to i 3 (high local relief).
Subunit~ is used where rock occurs as part of a broadly sloping
valley wall, most commonly that of an abandoned glacial trough.
Subunit d indicates where patchy drift occurs on rock surfaces, but
where the bedrock structure still controls the local relief.
230
( <
L
I -
Drift surfaces (D) are those areas of low local relief thickly mantled
with glacial till. Because the till is commonly dense, silt rich,
and impenneable slopes are typically poorly drained and tussock
covered. Subunit 1 indicates where the drift is thick, obscuring all
bedrock structures. Local relief is very low, but gullying is common.
Subunit R refers to patchy drift. Poorly drained areas dominate, but
they are interspersed with well drained, usua·lly high relief bedrock
areas. Subunit~ refers to undifferentiated drift. Surfaces generally
are nearly flat and poorly drained, but commonly contain irregular
zones of hummocky ice contact stratified drift (icsd) that are locally
well drained.
Unit (I) indicates concentrations of ice contact stratified drift,
which formed over broad areas by deposition associated with stagnant
ice. Surfaces are generally gravelly, windswept, free of dense
vegetation, and very well drained. Ridges and mounds of irregular
pattern are the most common, but elongate features such as individual
glacial moraines and eskers are also included within this group
because all features grade one into another. Subunit o refers to
open hummocky areas where the icsd has subdued local relief. Broad
swales and mounds form the dominant pattern. Surfaces are only
moderately well drained and generally brush-covered. Subunit 1
indicates areas of tightly nested ridges and swales in a dense well-
drained chaotic pattern. Subunit Q refers to patchy areas of well
drained gravelly icsd overlying bedrock. Relief is generally low,
but sharp.
Glacial outwash ( 0) mantles areas of low gradient with 1 ittl e surface
relief. Surfaces are generally well-drained and forest-or brush-covered.
Subunit~ indicates broad areas of continuous outwash plains. Subunit
v indicates valley train deposits consisting of low flat valley-bottom
outwash. Subunit f indicates fans of outwash, commonly at the mouths
of tributaries that carried glacial meltwater.
231
r "
I
I
l,...
("""
Lacustrine (L) surfaces are generally low, very poorly drained areas
mantled with fine grained lake deposits. Earthflows typically occur
where slopes are greater than several degrees, but generally the
surfaces are stable, and tussock-covered. The subunit~ is used
where lacustrine deposits mantle the underlying land forms, but not
obscure them. Subunit~ is used where the deposits are thick enough
to obscure the underlying land forms completely.
Areas mapped as (V) indicate those steep slopes which resulted from
either Holocene downcutting or from Holocene modification of existing
steep slopes by colluviation. These areas are typically cut into
bedrock, but thick deposits of drift form the upper parts of the
valley walls in many areas. Subunit~ is used where the valley walls
along the Susitna River or in tributaries are densely dissected by
gullies. Terrain is very steep and irregular. Subunits indicates
where steep valley walls are not greatly dissected. These areas
often contain a thick mantle of colluvium at the bases of slopes.
Alluvium (A) indicates coarse gravel surfaces of low relief that
formed from fluvial deposition. Surfaces are generally well drained,
thickly sloping, and exhibit gentle gradients. Subunit s refers to
alluvial terraces along the Susitna River. These terraces commonly
exhibit well defined overflow drainage channels. Recent alluvium
that forms the forested gravel bars of the Susitna River was not
mapped separately. Subunit! refers to tributary floor and fan
alluvium. These terraces discontinuously mantle the floors of many
tributaries.
Slope deposits (S) indicate those large areas thickly mantled by or
modified by slope deposits or processes, respectively. These areas
are invariably poorly drained, and are mantled by non-sorted mixed
deposits. Subunit£ indicates colluvial slopes, commonly near the
base of steep valley walls. Subunits indicates areas overlain by
solifluction deposits.
232
I.
I .
' I ..
Areas mantled by organic accumulations which occur in expansive bogs
are indicated by Unit (M). These areas are still essentially undrained,
and contain numerous small ponds.
3.3.2 -Stratigraphic Framework
River bluff exposures provided an excellent opportunity to partially
interpret the evolution of the Susitna Valley. A brief description
of the sediments exposed in the region is followed by a more detailed
discussion of those exposures that have been radiocarbon-dated.
Portage Creek was the farthest west tributary studied. The creek
exposes little sediment more than 20 km upstream, but sediments were
common between 5 and 15 km upstream. They consisted of dense silty
till, clay-rich lacustrine sediments, and coarse outwash, and suggest
that Portage Creek was at one time covered by a preglacial lake.
Between Portage and Devil Creeks the valley walls are composed almost
entirely of bedroc~, but significant thicknesses of glacial sediment
mantle the valley bottom and are exposed at river level. Just downstream
from Devil Creek 5-20 m of coarse bouldery gravel overlies glacial
till and oxidized fluvial sediments. Eskers are common at the surface.
Just upstream from the proposed Devil Canyon damsite 30-40 m of
silty icsd and possibly till occur to river level. These sediments
collectively indicate that Devil Canyon was carved some time before
glaciers left the area, and that much of the valley may have been
carved prior to glaciation. The valley here carried glacial meltwater
westward during subsequent ice stagnation.
Between Devil Creek and Fog Creek morainal deposits and till mantle
the broadened valley floor. Eskers and ice contact drift are common,
but exposures are generally poor. Between Fog and Tsusena Creeks
exposures are better, but generally exhibit only lacustrine and
morainal icsd over a dense till and bedrock substrate. Good exposures
of glacial sediment become even more rare between Tsusena and Watana
Creeks, as the valley walls steepen and bedrock occurs at the surface.
233
Near and upstream in Watana Creek significant thick masses of surficial
sediment are present and excellently exposed. Lacustrine deposits
typically occur above till throughout this area but large masses of
icsd are also present. Between Watana Creek and the drainage of
Clarence Lake, the valley is very broad, hence exposures are generally
low. They exhibit lacustrine and morainal icsd, till, and outwash,
and become better exposed to the east. Between the Clarence Lake
drainage and the steep V-shaped canyon (Vee-Canyon) exposures of
deltaic and ice contact sediments extend nearly the full height of
the valley in some areas. Clearly the receding glaciers deposited
much material here, much of it in proglacially ponded lakes.
Between Vee-Canyon and Goose Creek sediments are exposed only near
the base of the valley walls. There they exhibit interlayered till,
lacustrine, and gravel units that suggest a complicated glacial
history for this area. In the area of intense meandering of the
Susitna River near the Oshetna River a number of excellent exposures
are present. They contain lacustrine deposits, outwash, icsd, and
till and indicate a prolonged glacial history in which outwash
deposition was dominant. Deposition has been the rule here, rather
than glacial erosion. East of the meander zone the valley opens up
into a broad basin floored with glacial moraines and lacustrine
deposits. Sandy deltaic and silty glaciolacustrine deposits are
widely exposed.
Four exposures contained organic horizons that have been radiocarbon-
dated (Table 1). These dated sediments provide a chronologie framework
to which undated sediments and inferred events can be correlated.
Tyone Bluff is a 200m long river bluff that exposes 53 m of deposits
of variable origin (Figure 89). The oldest layer (Unit 1) is layered
with rhythmically bedded silt and fine sand which is interpreted to be
glaciolacustrine. Unit 2 is 13 m of ripple marked, cross bedded, and
interbedded fine sand and silt that gradationally overlies Unit 1 and
is interpreted as basin-margin lacustrine sediment.
234
TABLE 1.
RADIOCARBON DATES PERTAINING TO REGIONAL STRATIGRAPHY -
SUSITNA VALLEY .
14 c yr BP MATERIAL LOCATION SIGNIFICANCE
2210 ± 70 Can pressed Earthfl ow Bluff Minimum age for valley-floor drift.
(DIC-1858) Wood (2 km South Fog
Creek)
3200 ± 195 Woody Peat Tyone Bluff (1 km Close minimum age for tephra.
(DIC-1860) up Tyone River)
N 11,535 ± 140 Peaty Silt Thaw Bluff (2 km Close minimum age for last glaciation.
w (BETA-1821) upstream from ()1
Tyone River)
21,730 ± 390
(DIC-1861}
Woody Peat Tyone Bluff Maximum age for last glaciation.
24,900 ± 325 Large Wood Oshetna Mouth Recessional ice contact stratified drift.
(BETA-1822) Fragment (0.5 km west
Oshetna River)
29,450 ± 610 Co 11 agen from
( BETA-18~9) Mammoth(?) bone
Tyone Bluff Interstadial gravel deposition.
N w m
+260
30,700 -1230
(DIC-1859)
31,070 ~~~~
(DIC-1862)
32,000 ± 2735
(BETA-1820)
Large Wood
Fragments
Detrital Wood
Fragments
Detrital Wood
Fragments
TABLE 1. continued
Earthflow Bluff
Tyone Bluff
Thaw Bluff ·
Maximum age for last glaciation.
Fluvial reworking of basin-margin glaciolacus-
trine sediments.
Fluvial reworking of basin-margin glaciolacus-
trine sediments.
1.
50
Figure 89.
Generalized stratigraphic section of Tyone Bluff.
237
I•
( .
Detrital wood fragments from an allochthonous peat horizon in a
fluvial lens near its top yielded a date of 31,070 ~~~g 14 c yr BP.
Fine gravels of Unit 3 may represent continued fluvial deposition in
the basin after it filled or possibly after it drained. The collagen
fraction from a mammoth (?) limb bone from near the top of Unit 3
yielded a radiocarbon date of 29,450 ± 610 14 c yr BP. Unit 3 grades
upward into the cross-bedded sand of Unit 4. · The upper 2 m of Unit 4
is silty possibly reflecting glaciolacustrine deposition. A date of
21,730 ± 390 14 c yr BP was obtained from a peat horizon in Unit 4.
Unit 5 is a 9 m-thick massive dense lodgment till. Unit 6 is laminated
silt and clay with dropstones, indicating a glaciolacustrine origin.
Unit 7 consists of silty organic colluvium that contains a white
vitric volcanic ash layer near its top. The ash is overlain by a
dense surface peat which yielded a basal radiocarbon date of 3200 ±
195 14 c yr BP.
These deposits are interpreted to indicate the progressive
filling or draining of a large preglacial lake followed by fluvial
deposition and overriding of the area by glacial ice. During deglacia-
tion the area was submerged below a vast preglacial lake. Reworking
of the older sediments and ash deposition characterized Holocene
time. The four radiocarbon dates indicate that glaciation may have
been initiated sometime before about 31,000 yr BP but that the Tyone
lowland was not ice covered until .sometime after about 21,700 yr BP.
Glaciers probably occupied the area for a long time, but clearly
retreated prior to 3200 yr BP.
Thaw Bluff lies along the Susitna River about 1 km north of
Tyone Bluff (Figure 90). It exposes a lower massive unit of varved
glaciolacustrine sediments (Unit 1), the top of which was slightly
reworked and contained small wood fragments that yielded a date of
32,000 ± 2735 14 c yr BP. The cross-bedded fluvial sand of Unit 2
overlies the lacustrine deposits in sharp angular unconformity. The
upper unit (3) is interpreted to be thaw lake sediments or organic
fluvial silt that was deposited after glaciation of the region. It
yielded a date of 11,535 ± 140 14 c yr BP.
238
I.
r
'
m
30
20
32,000±2735
X -BEDDED SAND
PEATY
SAND-SILT
INTERBEDDED
SILT-CLAY
Fi9ure 90.
Generalized stratigraphic section of Thaw Bluff.
239
3
2
1
' ' '
--
The lower lacustrine sediments of Thaw Bluff are clearly correlative
to similar deposits in Tyone Bluff, and indicate glaciolacustrine
conditions as early as 32,000 yr BP. The fluvial sand unit probably
represents reworking of the bluff area during deglaciation. The date
of about 11,500 yr BP indicates that this broad area, which was
-covered by at least several hundred meters of ice was completely
deglaciated prior to Holocene time.
Oshetna-mouth Bluff, which lies along the southern Susitna Valley
wall just downstream from the Oshetna River, is an enigmatic exposure
(Figure 91). The bulk of the sediments to the upstream side are
poorly sorted and bouldery, and are interpreted as ice contact drift
deposited in a northerly direction from an active glacier. Discrete
organic layers in the drift contained several large wood fragments
which yielded a date of 24,900 ± 325 14 c yr BP. These deposits grade
downslope into sandy well washed, faulted deposits interpreted as
ice-contact deltaic in origin. These sediments are underlain by a
till layer interpreted as lodgmen"t in origin, which in turn overlies
clearly varved deformed glaciolacustrine deposits. A thin and poorly
defined till layer occurs near the top of the bluff, but it cannot be
determined whether this is a lodgment till or flow till layer. A
large cut-and-fill wedge of coarse bouldery gravel to the north end
of the exposure is interpreted as outwash that was deposited during
deglaciation.
The drift containing the dated wood sample is interpreted as recessional
in origin, yet it indicates active glaciation at a time in which
nonglacial conditions were present at Tyone Bluff. It is possible
that the Oshetna Valley glacier acted as a separate and out of phase
glacier system with respect to glaciation of the lowland to the east.
The till at the top of the exposure may be all that remains of a once
more extensive till layer that may have formed when glacier ice
inundated the entire area some time after 21,000 yr BP.
240
.... ....
....
0
C') 0
N
Figure 91.
. . . . . . . .
0 ...
Generalized stratigraphic section of Oshetna-mouth Bluff.
241
w
~
< 0
(fJ
0 ....
....
0 z
-~
Earthflow Bluff is located 2 km south of the mouth of Fog Creek,
about 70 km west of the other dated exposures (Figure 92). Oxidized
sandy fine fluvial gravel near the base of the exposure contains
abundant pieces of large wood, and is interpreted as interstadial in
character. A date of 30,700 :i~~O 14 c yr BP was obtained from near
the base of this unit. The interstadial sediments are overlain by
thin horizons of well washed medium sand and laminated clay which are
interpreted as separate recessional ice contact facies. The bulk of
the sediments at Earthflow Bluff are poorly sorted, bouldery and
poorly washed sediments with a slight westerly dip. They are inter-
preted as a massive accumulation of ice contact drift deposited in
the valley bottom during eastward glacier recession. Cut into and
overlying the massive drift is an outwash terrace composed of bouldery
gravel, which is interpreted to have been deposited during the final
phases of glacial retreat from the valley. Overlying the gravel is a
lens of organic-rich silty sand which is interpreted as pond sediments.
A radiocarbon date of 2210 ± 70 14 c yr BP from this horizon indicates
that these sediments are late Holocene in age.
The oldest date from Earthflow Bluff indicates that nonglacial conditions
there continued more recently than in the areas near the Tyone and
Oshetna Rivers. Glacial conditions were not evident there until some
time well after 30,700 yr BP. Glaciers advanced from the east,
covering much of the valley free of interstadial sediments and depositing
till on the higher slopes. Eastward glacial retreat which occurred
some time prior to 2200 yr BP was probably slow, as suggested by the
large volume of morainal material in the valley bottom.
3.3.3-Preliminary Glacial-Geomorphologic Mapping
The location, orientation, altitude, and state of development of
glacial moraines, ice marginal meltwater channels, lake shorelines,
kame-deltas, eskers, and ice flow indicators can all be used to
reconstruct the glacial history of the region. These features are
now being mapped on the U-2 images and transferred to a 1:250,000
242
r ~
L
,.-,
eo
C':l
W...l cnw
0 ,...
+t
0 ....
N
N
0
N
Figure 92.
0
> ~ II I
u I J I ;,
II ~
(J
0 a::
Q
.w
a::l
0
w
...J
<(
(.)
(/)
0
1-
b z
Generalized stratigraphic section of Earthflow Bluff.
243
l '
scale base, but the map is not yet ready to be included in this
report. A complete description of all glacial-morphologic features
studied is beyond the scope of this report but a brief summary of
than will be presented.
Deposits of· at least two and possibly four major ice advances are
recorded on hills which projected above all glacial limits. In areas
where slopes are not too steep, such as near the headwaters of Jay
Creek, these features are particularly well preserved.
Valley floor gradients, moraines, meltwater channels, and directional
indicators resulting from the last major glaciation indicate that the
pattern of glacial flow was very complex. Each major valley contained
its own glacier system, and these merged to form large coalesced
lobes in the broad floor of the Susitna Valley between Stephan Lake
and Watana Creek. A major lobe of ice which advanced southward and
eastward from the headwaters of the Susitna and MacLaren Rivers,
respectively, inundated the lowland near the Tyone and Oshetna
Rivers. This lobe. of ice built upward until it spilled westward as a
tongue of ice through the narrow canyon east of Kosina Creek. This
tongue of ice may have been joined by an ice tongue which occupied
Jay Creek.
Another major ice source was the southeast drainage valleys of ~~atana,
Tsusena, and Deadman Creeks, which carried local valley glaciers as
well as overflow ice drainage from the north. The Talkeetna River-Fog
Creek area was another major ice source. Glaciers which descended
these valleys merged to build a large northeast flowing ice lobe that
may have extended across much of the broad valley bottom in this
area. A portion of this lobe spilled westward through the Devil
Canyon area where it merged with a large southeast-flowing glacier in
the valley of Portage Creek. Glaciers in the valleys of the Oshetna
River and Kosina-Tsisi Creeks may not have advanced to join the main
ice stream, but ice drainage from these valleys spilled over low
divides to join other systems.
244
.....
(
I
l. ..
--
The pattern of deglaciation was different for each separate system
and very complicated. Several readvances have been recognized for
some valley glacier systems. The great bulk of recessional ice
contact drift and the large number of recessional moraines indicates
that retreat in many areas was progressive and systematic. In other
valleys, particularly in the smaller systems, retreat must have been
relatively rapid.
The widespread occurrence of eskers and other ice stagnation features
over broad areas indicates that the ice may have stagnated over large
areas during retreat. The gradient of eskers is commonly reverse
relative to modern drainage, indicating that glaciers controlled
drainage during retreat. Widespread lake deposits, particularly in
the Fog Lakes-Watana Creek and Tyone-Oshetna River areas, indicate
that these areas were covered by large preglacial lakes during
deglaciation.
Examination of moraines fronting cirques in the Kosina Creek-Black
River areas indica~e that Neoglacial advances were very small, not
extending more than several km beyond the present glacier margins.
3.3.4 -Mammoth/Mastodon Fossil Discovery
One of the most exciting finds of the 1980 field season was the
discovery of a mammoth/mastodon fossil found l!!. situ in fluvial
gravels at Tyone Bluff (Figure 87}. The fossil , representing the
shaft portion of a right femur, was identified by R.D. Guthrie and
George S. Smith of the University of Alaska, and is the first reported
occurrence for any Pleistocene mammals in southern Alaska. It yielded
a radiocarbon date of 29,450 ± 610 14 c yr BP, and clearly implies
nonglacial conditions at that time. This discovery indicates that
the range of mammoth should be extended about 200 km south of its
present limit. It also suggests that mountain passes in the Alaska
Range may have been deglaciated during mid-Wisconsinan time.
245
1 ..
[
L.:
3.3.5 -Holocene Volcanic Tephra
During reconnaissance study of terrain units and stratigraphic exposures,
one or more white volcanic ash units were found to be widespread
between Fog Creek and the Tyone River. The ash commonly occurred as
a thin discontinuous mantle overlying gravelly prominences and immediately
underlying the surface soil horizons. It was also found in many
archeologic test pits between 2 and 40 cmbs. The ash also occurs
widely in thin (2-5 em) discontinuous lenses near the top of many
river bluffs, where it usually immediately underlies the surface peat
horizon.
In only one instance, at archeologic site UAS0-74 near Fog Creek, two
ash horizons were present, the lower one of which was poorly preserved.
The singular common ash horizon found through much of the area from
Fog Creek to the Tyone River is probably correlative to the upper ash
at site UAB0-74. The date of 3200 ± 195 14 c yr BP from Tyone Bluff
was obtained from peat interfingered with the upper part of the ash
lens, and therefore probably represents a close minimum age. The
date of 4720 ± 130 14 c yr BP from site UAB0-77 was obtained from a
hearth 15 em below the well developed single ash at this site, and
probably represents a distant maximum age for this horizon.
These dates bracket the widespread ash layer closely between 3200 and
4720 yr BP, making it a very useful stratigraphic marker for late
Holocene sediments. This horizon is already being actively used by
the archeologists, and has great potential for other geologic studies,
particularly the earthquake hazards program.
3.3.6 -Summary of Geologic History
(a) The Susitna Valley has been repeatedly inundated with extensive
valley glacier systems that coalesced to form a minor mountain
ice sheet. One or more pre-Wisconsinan glaciations have been
recognized.
246
-
(b) Much of the present valley was carved to the present river level
prior to middle Wisconsinan time ( 31,000 yr BP). The direction
of drainage at that time is presently unknown.
(c) The valley bottom was extensively modified during the last
glaciation which began some time after about 31,000 yr BP in the
Fog Creek area, and some time after about 22,000 yr BP in the
Tyone River region.
(d) During deglaciation large areas were covered with stagnant ice,
and meltwater drained freely below the surface, forming complex
esker systems. The direction of meltwater flow, and the
(e)
presence of till at river level suggests that Devil Canyon was
carved prior to Holocene time. Glaciers retreated systematically
over many areas leaving a number of periodically spaced massive
.ecessional moraines.
Deglaciation of the Tyone River region was complete by at least
11,500 yr BP. Because this area was covered by a large piedmont
ice lobe, other areas may have been ice free even earlier.
Thus, much of the Susitna Valley may have been deglaciated prior
to about 12,000 yr BP.
(f) During Holocene time the Susitna River has not greatly deepened
its valley in most areas; rather it has widened the valley
bottom slightly by lateral planation. Low-level alluvial
terraces and tributary mouth alluvial fans have formed in
widened portions of the valley. Many small streams tributary to
the Susitna have greatly incised their channels during Holocene
time, resulting in steep irregular profiles characterized by
waterfalls and rapids.
247
I -
i ~~
3.4 -Paleontology
3.4.1 -Section and Unit Descriptions
The Watana Creek exposures are approximately 515 feet (157 m) thick.
The Tertiary deposits unconformably overlie Triassic age extrusive
rock previously mapped as metavolcanics (Csejtey, et al. 1978).
Pleistocene(?) deposits composed of very fine to fine-grained fluviatile
sands overlie the Tertiary deposits with angular unconformity. The
outcrops occur in a basin of approximately 10 square miles and extend
up Watana Creek for a distance of 7 miles.
The section is composed of sandstones, siltstones, conglomerates, and
coals. The outcrops are very poorly indurated, with a few calcareous
.units showing some degree of lithification. No faulting in the
section has been observed. Dips obtained from bedding planes in the
section were recorded from 5° to 35°.
Sandstone units within the section are predominantly massive without
discernable bedding. Planar and trough crossbedding are observable
in a few of the units and many units exhibit a fining upward grain
size distribution. Color ranges from greenish-brown to reddish-brown.
The grains comprising these units are commonly subangular to angular.
Fossil material is commonly found in the units composed of finer-grained
sands, but is rarely preserved due to the poor lithification of the
units. The sandstone units show a variety of contact relationships
with adjacent units: sharp, erosional, and gradational contacts are
seen in the section.
Siltstone units in the section commonly show well-defined horizontal
bedding planes. They are extremely variable in thickness, ranging
from inches to tens of feet and vary from brown to gray in color.
The siltstones are commonly gradational over sandstones but are also
found in gradational or sharp contact with coals and conglomerates.
Plant material is typically found in these units but is only well
preserved in the well cemented calcareous siltstones.
248
f
I L'
,.~
Conglomerate units are characteristically prominent, structureless
exposures, commonly tens of feet thick. The upper portion of the
section has a greater number of conglomerate units with many occurring
as laterally discontinuous lenses and rarely exceeding a thickness of
10 feet. Units of the lower portion will commonly be 30 to 50 feet
thick. Clasts range in size from approximately 0.5 inches to 6.0
inches. The clasts are subrounded and rounded, commonly reddish
brown in color, and consist of volcanic rock fragments. Conglomerate
units typically exhibit either an erosional or sharp contact with
both underlying and overlying units.
Coals in the section are thin, discontinuous, and of subbituminous
rank. They range from a few inches to three feet in thickness, are
of a platy nature, and are brown to black in color. At two areas,
one at the southern end and one at the northern end of the basin, the
coal beds have been burned, with the result that the adjacent sandstones
and siltstones have been "baked". Fossil plant specimens were collected
from these baked beds. The coal units are found within fining upwards
trends or in sharp .contact with any of the other lithologic units of
the section.
3.4.2 -Present and Future Studies
Selected sandstone units have been sieveq and prepared for thin
section analysis. When analyzed, the results of the sieving procedure
will further subfacies delineation. Ongoing petrographic analysis of
the thin sections has revealed that these deposits are compositionally
quite immature; volcanic and metamorphic rock fragments and feldspars
predominate, and quartz (chert included) does not appear to exceed
10%. l~hen completed, petrographic studies of the thin sections will
allow suggestion of a source terrain from which these deposits were
derived. Extraction of heavy minerals from selected sand samples
will also be undertaken to support the results of petrographic analysis.
249
!
!
t "
'.
Samples of conglomerate clasts have been examined megascopically and
are virtually all derived from volcanic rocks. No chert clasts have
been observed. Representative clasts will be thin-sectioned to
determine the parent volcanic rock types.
Coal samples prepared for pollen and spore analysis are available for
future investigations at the Mineral Industries Research Laboratory,
University of Alaska, Fairbanks.
Systematic identification of the fossil plants collected from the
deposits of the Watana Creek area is currently being conducted at the
University of Alaska Museum, Fairbanks. Plant localities are indicated
in unit description of Figures 93 to 97. Poor lithification of most
units resulted in collection of the Watana Creek assemblage mainly
from indurated calcareous units. Taxa thus far identified include:
Metasequoia cf.· M. glytostroboides, Alnus cappsi, Alnus barnesi,
Carpinus cappensis, Carpinus seldoviana, Salix~· (?) Crataegus
chamissoni, and Monocoylophyllum ~· Based on the identifications,
the Watana Creek assemblage appears to be correlative with Seldovian
Stage assemblages of the· cook Inlet Region (Wolfe 1966; Wolfe et al.
1966; Wolfe and Tanai 1980; Wahrhaftig et al. 1969). The Seldovian
Stage is early to middle Miocene (Figure 98). Placement of a more
precise limit on the age of the Watana Creek deposits does not appear
warranted until more extensive collection and interpretation is
accomplished. Further study will enable floristic and ecologic,
interpretations to be suggested.
3.4.3 -Interpretations
Based on lithologies and stratigraphic relationships, the deposits
exposed along Watana Creek are interpreted to represent an alluvial
system. Observed facies relationships, lateral discontinuity, wide
range in particle size, and the nature of unit contacts are all
consistent with alluvial sedimentation. A braided stream is envisaged
as having transported the clastic material from a nearby source. The
energy of the system was subject to vast fluctuations, as is evident
250
-
f L;
123-4
Strike and dip of beds
Outcrop number
(corresponds to field notes)
Figure 9 3.
Location of outcrops.
251
a,
N
Miles
1 2 I
I I I
1 2 3
Krns.
.. ·.· . : . ~ ... : .. . .. '
?
-··-·-·-.. _._.
~-. ..:.... . ....:. .. _.
Unit
57-2
21-2
19-4
19-3
19-2
17-3
17-2
15-3
15-2
13-1
55-3
55-2
55-lA
55-1
53-1
51-1
Descri,etion and Sam,ele
Congl
Coal -POL
Sltst,ss -sv
coal -POL
Sltst -PLF
Ss -PLM
Calc ss -PLF
Sltst coarsen ss -PLM,SV
Coal -POL
Sltst,ss -SV,PLM,PLF
Ss fining sltst -SV,PLM
Ss,Congl lens -PLM
Coal -POL
Congl
Ss -SV,PLM
Bkd coal,sltst,ss
-PLF
Figure 94.
Outcrop 11-1.
252
KEY
PLM -paleoMagnetic
PLF -plant fossils
POL -polle~,spores
SV -sieved
Ss -sandstone
Sltst -siltstone
Congl -conglomerate
Calc -calcareous
Bkd -baked
Feet
50
40
30
20
10
0
...........
• • * •• •••• ----. . .. . .... . .. .. :. : . . . . ~ ~ . .. .... ....... :.·
~ . ~ : .. . .. · .. · .. ·. .. ~ .. : ~ . ~ . . ...... ~ ..
·:·.:.::·~
·.· : .· ....
~ . . ..
--·----·--·
--·-·--~--·-·-........
:---~--:-----: . ~. ~ . . . . .. . . -·-------·-' . .. ~ . . .
·--.
... -.-
--·---·---.
-----. -.---. .
-'-7' -"--:::.-:.-:
·.:..·---... ,.
--.--. .
-~-. --
-·-. ---
-.---.-.. -..
·----..
Unit
67-1
63-4
63-3
63-2
63-1
Description and Sample
Ss -sv KEY
PLM -paleomagnetic
PLF -plant fossils
POL -pollen,spores
SV -sieved
Ss -sandstones
Sltst -siltstone
Congl -conglomerate
Calc -calcareous
Bkd -baked
Ss,sltst layers -SV,PLM
Ss,sltst layers -SV,PLM
50 Feet
40
30
Calc ss
20
Ss,sltst -SV,PLM
Calc ss 10
61-1 Ss,sltst layers -SV,PLM
Figure 95.
Outcrop 61-1~ 67-1.
253
0
L
·.-... -:-~~ ......;;...:. .. -
-.. _; ...:~.: ~
-~·*-.·: ...... ., ... -=--------""":
..,. . --· .....,... ·_;-.:_ -:~ . *-~ ·-. :-.
"""~ ~ ...,.. ........ -. -.---.-~-
·-·-·-·-· ~-.. -·-~ -.. ·..:.. ..... _ ... -"~ .-. ·-::-· :_,_.
:::::;~:.' :':... ~·;.
·-· _ .. _ .. -
.~-~-·-·.·.-... ----~-·=· -.. -.. -.. .. -... -.. -.. . . . . . .
... " ,.
" .....
Unit
47-1
45-1
43-1
41-2
39-3
39-2
39-1
37-2
37-1
KEY
PLM -paleomagnetic
PLF -plant fossils
POL -pollen,spores
SV -sieved
Ss -sandstone
Sltst -siltstone
Congl -conglomerate
Calc -calcareous
Bkd -baked
Description and Sample
Sltst,ss -SV,PLM
Sltst,coal,calc ss -SV,PLF,PLM,POL
Ss,sltst,coal,calc ss -SV,PLF,PLM,POL
Ss,coal,sltst,calc ss -SV,
-SV,PLF,PLM,POL
Ss -sv
Sltst,ss,coal lens -PLM,PLF
Ss -SV,PLM
Ss SV
Congl
Figure 96.
Outcrop 29-2.
254
50
Feet
40
30
20
10
0
[
·-----. . .
.. -.-..
·-.-·-·--
.-·-·-~-
-~~~--~-: -. -_ .. -.-. -.-~ -·
. -.-·-.. --· --: :_~:.:. .. :_"
:.·.·.·.··~ ..• "<> •••. .... "' .. . . .. . .. .. .. .
Unit
125-2
125-1
KEY
PLM -paleomagnetc
PLF -plant fossils
POL -pollen,spores
sv -sieved
Ss -sandstone
Sltst -siltstone
Congl -conglomerate
Calc -calcareous
Bkd -baked
Description and Sample
Bkd ss,sltst -PLF
Congl,ss lens -PLM
33-2,33-4,33-3 Coals -POL
123-1
121-4
121-3
105-3
105-2
Sltst -PLM
Congl -PLF
S1tst coarsen ss
Ss,cong1 lens -SV,PLM
Congl -PLM
Figure 97.
Outcrop 29-1.
255
Feet
50
40
30
20
10
0
r ,
Series Cook Inlet Nonmarine Nenana This Report Stage Coalfield
Plio-~ cene -
Sterling Fm Clamgulc.hian
Nenana Gravel
~ ~
~Grub-
e Fm
QJ u Beluga Fm Lignite Creek c Homer ian QJ Fm.
tJ
0 r--~ ...,
::;::
0..
M ::l Suntrana Fm 0 ,...
t;l Seldov-Uppe
ian Sanctuary Fm Watana Creek
1-
..., Healy Creek ell
L Tyonek c Lowet Fm QJ
Fm ~
QJ u Up pet
c
QJ
tJ :--Angoon-0 co Hemlock ian ......
~' ,....,
0 Lowe1 L
Figure 98.
Suggested correlations with Cook Inlet region and Nenana coalfield (after
Wolfe and Tanai, 1980, Figure 6, page 9).
256
[
from recurrent deposition of both conglomerates and coals. This can
be attributed to tectonism in the source area. Pu1ses of high energy
are evidenced by conglomerate units. Extensive floodplains probably
existed that supported local accumulation of plant debris with deposition
of conglomerates and sands within channels. Further analysis of
stratigraphic relationships within the section will perhaps allow
discrete channel, floodplain, bar, and other braided stream facies to
be delineated.
257
{ .
4 -IMPACT ASSESSMENT
4.1 -Introduction
The degree and type of i~pact expected to occur on cultural resources
within direct and indirect impact areas are considered in this section.
Only those sites previously documented and those discovered during the
1980 field season are considered~ however~ additional sites will surely be
discovered in 1981, and further evaluation of sites already documented
will continue. Because the exact construction parameters have not been
fully delineated the impact assessment for cultural resources has been
tailored to the best project construction scheme as outlined by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers. Until the location of dams, borrow areas, access
routes, etc., are finalized, cultural resource studies can only deal with
the areas expected to be impacted based on the two dam proposal and current
engineering data.
1981 field season
resources for the
Should major engineering changes be made late in the
it will be very difficiJlt to assess the impact on cultural
areas affected.
For the purposes of this discussion, direct impact is defined as the
immediate and demonstrable modification of the land resulting from construc-
tion and pre-construction activities. Indirect impact is an adverse
effect to cultural resources resulting from the project that are secondary,
but clearly brought about by the land modification project, such as
subsequent changes in hydrology of tributaries, recreational activities,
etc.
4.2 -Construction Impact
4.2.1 -Dam Construction
4.2.1.1 -Direct Impact Areas
258
'· .
4.2.1.1.1 -Devil Canyon Dam
No archeological or historical sites were located in the immediate
area of the proposed Devil Canyon Dam during the reconnaissance level
survey conducted during the 1980 field season. However, further
testing is scheduled for 198.1.
4.2.1.1.2 -Watana Dam
Archeological reconnaissance in the area of the proposed Watana Dam
located and documented six sites that are in direct impact areas and
would be adversely affected by dam construction. Three sites are
located in borrow area E (UA80-69, UA80-70, and UA80-71), one in
borrow area F (UA80-151), and two additional sites are located on the
north side of the canyon in the proposed area of the Watana Dam
(UA78-60 and UA78-67). Additional reconnaissance survey and intensive
testing are planned for all six sites.
4.2.1.2 -Indirect Impact Areas
There are a number of sites located in areas of indirect impact.
These sites (UA80-66, UA80-65, and UA80-142) will likely be affected
by ancillary activities in and around construction areas. Indirect
impact may also occur to other sites due to increased use of the
study area by construction personnel. It is anticipated that additional
sites will be discovered in areas of indirect impact during 1981.
4.2.2 -Access Routes
No detailed survey has been conducted along any of the proposed
access routes, however, the route which proceeds north from the
Watana Dam camp up Deadman Creek to the Denali Highway was subject to
a brief aerial reconnaissance during the late fall of 1980. This
reconnaissance located four sites, three of which (UA80-252, UA80-253,
and UA80-254) may be directly impacted, should this route be selected.
259
.f
[
The fourth site (UA80-255} may be indirectly impacted. Reconnaissance
and phase II testing have only been budgeted for a single access
corridor, and impact assessment cannot be undertaken in depth until a
final selection of the access route has been made.
4.2.3-Transmission Facilities
Cultural resource investigations of the proposed transmission routes
are not presently part of phase I cultural resource studies. When
the exact location and nature of these facilities are known, it will
be necessary to develop a program to locate, document, and mitigate
adverse effects to cultural resources located along the transmission
routes from the dams to Fairbanks and Anchorage. However, the general
literature review included a preliminary review of the proposed
transmission routes.
4.3 -Operation Impact
4.3.1 -Reservoirs
4.3.1.1 -Direct Impact Areas
4.3.1.1.1 -Devil Canyon Dam
Filling of the reservoir behind the Devil Canyon Dam will inundate
approximately 7,550 acres, and increase the water level to about
the 1500 foot contour interval. During 1980 seven sites (UA80-141,
UA80-74, UA80-76, UA80-70, UA80-71, and UA80-69} were documented that
will suffer direct impact from inundation. Three of these sites are
located in borrow area E and have previously been discussed. It is
anticipated that additional sites will be discovered in this impoundment
area in 1981.
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4.3.1.1.2 -Watana Dam
Filling of the reservoir behind the proposed Watana Dam will flood
approximately 43,000 acres increasing the water level to about the
2200 foot contour interval and inundate eight sites (UA80-150, UA80-155,
UA80-146, UA80-15l, UA80-147, UA80-80, UA80-73, and UA80-149) which
will suffer direct adverse impact as a result. of submergence. It is
anticipated that additional sites will be discovered in this impoundment
area in 1981.
4.3.1.2 -Indirect Impact Areas
Sites located outside the impoundment area but in close proximity to
tributaries of the Susitna River may be subject to indirect impact
resulting from changes in local hydrology due to the higher level of
the Susitna and its tributaries (UA80-145 and UA80-68). Indirect
adverse impact to the following cultural resources will also likely
occur due to the increased use of the area by project personnel
during construction and operations of the dams (UA80-142, UA78-67,
UA80-158, UA78-65, -uA78-60, UA78-66, UA80-144, UA80-78, UA80-79,
UA80-151, UA80-152, UA80-153, UA80-143, UA80-159, UA80-160, UA80-154,
and UA80-75).
4.3.2 -Recreation Impact
The recreation plan for the Upper Susitna Valley is not complete at
this time. Therefore, it is not known what areas have been suggested
for what types of recreational activities. Although not enough data
are available, it is possible to suggest that sites outside the
impoundment area but within access of newly formed lakes and areas
adjacent to access routes would be impacted by increased use of the
area for recreational activities. In addition, construction associated
with building, maintaining, and operating recreational facilities
could also impact cultural resources. When recreation areas have
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been identified and defined, it will be necessary to conduct cultural
resource studies to locate, document, and propose mitigation measures
for avoiding or reducing adverse effects.
4.3.3 -Downriver and Upriver Impact
Information is not presently available on the anticipated effects
that changes in waterflow, siltation, etc., may have on the banks of
the Susitna River and its tributaries downriver and upriver from the
proposed dams. When these data are available, it will be necessary
to locate and investigate cultural resources in those areas that may
be subject to adverse effect.
4.3.4-Impact on Paleontological Resources
Further study and collecting in the Watana Creek area are necessary
to evaluate the significance of the deposits in this area and determine
the probable adverse effect of the project on them. However, given
the present construction plan, the only area (Watana Creek) within
the study area suitable for paleontological studies would be flooded
by filling the Watana Dam reservoir.
262
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5 -MITIGATION
Alaska State law specifies that before any public construction is undertaken
by the State, or by a governmental agency of the State or by a private
person under contract with or licensed by the State, cultur~l resources in
the area must be identified. If cultural resources including 11 fossils 11
,
are located that will be adversely impacted by the project, construction
cannot proceed until the necessary investigations and recording have been
conducted and mitigation measures to avoid or lessen impact developed and
implemented. Federal cultural resource laws and regulations follow a
similar po 1 icy.
With respect to Federal legislation for all cultural resources on or
eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places that
will be adversely effected by federally funded or licensed projects, such
as the Susitna Hydropower project, it is necessary to develop mitigation
measures to avoid or lessen the impact of the project on these-resources.
Before it can be determined if a site is eligible for inclusion in the
National Register, the significance of the site must be determined. It is
mandatory, however, that sufficient data be available before the criteria
of significance can be applied. The criteria of significance, as stated
in 36 CFR 800.10, refer to the quality of significance in American history,
architecture, archeology, and culture present in districts, sites, buildings,
structures, and objects of State and local importance that possess integrity
of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association
and:
(a) That are associated with events that have made significant contributions
to the broad patterns of history; or
(b) That are associated with the lives of persons significant in our
past;
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(c) They embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or
method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or
that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant
and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual
distinction; or
(d) That have yielded and may be likely to yield infonnation important in
prehistory and history.
Intensive testing procedures, which will be implemented during the 1981
field season, are designed to gather the necessary data to evaluate signi-
ficance. Once significance has been established it is necessary to
determine if the project will effect cultural resources.
Any project shall be considered to effect a site whenever any condition of
the project causes or may cause any change, beneficial or adverse, in the
quality of historical, architectural, archeological, or· cultural charac-
teristics for cultural resources that are on or are eligible for inclusion
in, the National Register of Historic Places. As outlined in 36 CFR 800.10,
an effect occurs when a project changes the integrity of location, design,
setting, materials, workmanship, feeling or association of the site.
Generally adverse effect (impact) occurs under conditions which include
but are not limited to:
(a) Destruction or alteration of all or part of a property (site};
(b) Isolation from or alteration of its surrounding environment;
(c) Introduction of visual, audible, or atmospheric elements that are out
of character with the property (site) or alter its setting;
(d) Transfer or sale of federally owned property without adequate condi-
···-·· tions or restrictions regarding preservation, maintenance or use; and
264
l.
(e) Neglect of property resulting in its deterioration or destruction.
Although it is too early to develop mitigation measures to lessen the
impact of the Susitna Hydroelectric Project on cultural resources, it is
possible to suggest interim measures. For those sites located in direct
and indirect impact areas for this project intensive testing is recommended
to generate the necessary data on which to base mitigation. In addition,
non-archeological personnel and preconstruction activities should avoid
these areas until evaluations are complete.
Based on further studies to be conducted during the 1981 field season,
mitigation measures to avoid or lessen the impact on paleontological
resources will also be developed.
265
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Sirkin, L.A., Tuthill, S.J., and Clayton, L.S. 1971. Late Pleistocene
history of the lower Copper River Valley, Alaska (abstract). Geol.
Soc. American Abstracts with Programs 3(7):708.
Skarland, I. and Keirn C. 1958. Archeological discoveries on the
Denali Highway, Alaska. Anthropological Papers of the University of
Alaska 6(2):79-88.
Smith, G.S. and Shields, H.M. 1977. Archeological survey of selected
portions of the proposed Lake Clark National Park: Lake Clark, Lake
Telaquana, Turquoise Lake, Twin Lakes, Fishtrap Lake, Lachbuna Lake,
and Snipe Lake. Occasional Paper No. 7, Anthropology and Historic
Preservation, Cooperative Park Studies Unit, University of Alaska,
Fairbanks, Alaska.
Swanston, D. W. 1969. A Late-Pleistocene glacial sequence from Prince
of Wales Island, Alaska. Arctic 22:25-33.
Terasmae, J. 1974. An Evaulation of Methods Used for Reconstruction of
Quaternary Environments, pp. 3-32. ~ W.C. Mahaney, Ed. Quaternary
Environments, Proceedings of a Symposium, York Univ., Toronto • .
Terasmae, J., and Hughes, O.L. 1966. Late-Wisconsinan chronology and
history of vegetation in the Ogilvie Mountains, Yukon Territory,
Canada. Paleobotanist 15:235-242 .•
Thorson, R.M. n.d. Quaternary Glacier Expansions from North America's
highest mountain: A preliminary chronology for the McKinley River
area, Alaska. (Unpublished Manuscript)
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Townsend, J.B. 1970. Tanaina ethnohistory: an example of a method
for the study of culture change. pp. 71·102 in M. Lantis, ed. Enthno-
history in Southwestern Alaska and the Southern Yukon. University
Press of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
Townsend, J.B. 1973. Eighteenth and nineteenth century Eskimo
and Indian movements in southwestern Alaska. Paper presented to the
Society for American Archeology Annual Meeting, San Francisco.
Traganza, A.E. 1964. An archeological survey of Mount McKinley
National Park. Manuscript on file, Mt. McKinley National Park Library,
Mt. McKinley National Park, Alaska.
Valdez News. 7/20/1901.
VanStone, J.W. 1955. Exploring the Copper River country. Pacific
Northwest Quarterly 46{4):115-123.
VanStone, J.W. 1974. Athapaskan adaptations. Aldine Publishing Co.
Chicago, Illinois.
Vitt, R. 1973. Hunting practices of the Upper Tanana Indians. M.A.
Thesis, Department of Anthropology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks,
Alaska.
Wahrhaftig, C. 1958. Quaternary Geology .of the Nenana River Valley
and Adjacent parts of the Alaska Range. U.S. Geol. Survey Prof.
Paper 293-A, p. 68.
Wahrhaftig, C., and Cox, A. 1959. Rock Glaciers in the Alaska
Range. Geol. Soc. America Bull. 70:383-436.
Wahrhaftig, C., Wolfe, J.A., Leopold, E.B., and Lanphere, M.A. 1969. The
coal-bearing group in the Nenana coal field, Alaska. U.S. Geol.
Survey Bull. 1274-D, 30 p.
West, C.E. 1978. Archeology of the Birches site, Lake Minchumina,
Alaska. M.A. Thesis, Department of Anthropology, University of
Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska.
West, F.H. 1965. Excavation at two sites on the Teklanika River,
Mt. McKinley National Park, Alaska. Report to the National Park
Service.
West, F.H. 1967. The Donnelly Ridge site and the definition of an
earl¥ core and blade complex in central Alaska. American Antiquity
32{3):360-382.
West, F.H. 1971. Archeological reconnaissance of Denali State Park,
Alaska. Report to State of Alaska, Division of Parks, Anchorage,
Alaska.
275
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West, F.H. 1973. Old World affinities of archeological complexes
from Tangle Lakes, central Alaska. Paper read at the International
Conference on the Bering Land Bridge and its Role for the History of
Holarctic Floras and Faunas in the Late Cenozoic, Khabarovsk.
West, F.H. 1~5. Dating the Denali Complex. Arctic Anthropology
12(1) :7%-81.
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Willey, G.R., and P. Phillips. 1970. Method and Theory in American Archaeo-
logy. Univ. of Chicago Press, Chicago. ·
Williams, J.R., and Ferrians, O.J., Jr. 1961. Late Wisconsinan and
recent history of the Matanuska Glacier, Alaska. Arctic 14:82-90.
Wolfe, J.A. 1966. Tertiary plants from the Cook Inlet region, Alaska.
U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 398-B, 32 p.
Wolfe, J.A., Hopkins D.M., and Leopold, E.B. 1966. Tertiary strati-
graphy and paleobotany of the Cook Inlet region, Alaska. U.S. Geol.
Survey Prof. Paper 398-A, 29 p.
Wolfe, J.A. and Tanai, T. 1980. The Miocene Seldovia Point Flora from
the Kenai Group, Alaska. U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 1105, 52 p •
. Workman, W.B. 1976. A late prehistoric Ahtna site near Gulkana,
Alaska. Paper presented at the 3rd Annual Conference of the Alaska
Anthropological Association, Anchorage, Alaska.
Workman, W.B. 1977. New data on the radiocarbon chronology of the
Kachemak Bay sequence. Anthropology Papers of the University of
Alaska 18{2):31-36.
Wor·kman, W. B. 1978.
Yukon Territory.
Ottawa.
Addendum
Prehistory of the Aishihik-Kluane areas, southwest
Mercury Series No. 74, National Museum of Canada,
Cook, J. S. 1785. A voyage to the Pacific Ocean. Undertaken, by the
command of His Majesty, for making discoveries in the Northern
Hemisphere. Performed under the direction of Captains Cook, Clerke,
and Gore, in His Majesty's Ship the Resolution & Discovery; In the
years of 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, and 1780. Order of the Lord's
Commissioners of the Admiralty, London.
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7 -AUTHORITIES CONTACTED
State Agencies
Division of Parks, Anchorage, Alaska
Mr. Doug Reger, State Archeologist
-Letter from E. James Dixon, January 10, 1980, requesting State
Antiquities Permit.
Federal Agencies
Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service
Mr. Charles McKinney, Departmental Consulting Archeologist
-Letter from E. James Dixon, December 28, 1979, requesting a
Federal Antiquities Permit.
Bureau of Land Management
Other
Dr. Ray Leicht, Archeologist
-Discussion with E. James Dixon and George S. Smith, March 26, 1980,
concerning the process necessary to conduct archeological
excavations on BLM lands should it become necessary to do so during
the 1980 or 1981 field season.
Mr. Glenn Bacon, Consultant Archeologist
-Discussio~ with George S. Smith, 1980, concerning exact location of
Site UA78-65, TLM 015.
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APPENDICES
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APPENDIX A
1 -LITERATURE REVIEW--ARCHEOLOGY
1.1 -Previous Archeological Research
Scientific archeological investigation of the upper Susitna River Valley
began over 27 years ago; however, research during the intervening years
has been sporadic. In 1953, Ivar Skarland conducted an aerial reconnais-
sance of the region in preparation for a survey conducted by Willi am
Irving in that same year. This work was done under contract to the National
Park Service. Irving's survey was designed to investigate impoundment
areas of dams proposed for the Susitna River (Irving 1957:37). His efforts
we1~e focused on the proposed Devil Canyon Dam, and near Lakes Susitna,
Louise, and Tyone. The lakes were investigated because the proposed Vee
and Denali dams were to be located above the present Watana dam site and
expected to inundate these areas (Irving 1957).
ElE!Ven sites were found on the lakes and a twelfth site was discovered
approximately three miles above the confluence of Tyone Creek and the
Tyone River {Irving 1957). Five of the sites contained remains of semi-
subterranean houses which Irving thought resembled houses that Rainey
(1939) found along tributaries of the upper Copper River. Both post-
contact and early pre-contact sites were reported by Irving. A
mutticomponent site, site 9, was found north of the outlet of Lake Susitna
and was reported to contain late prehistoric Athapaskan, Arctic Small Tool
Tradition, Northern Archaic Tradition, and Denali Complex components
(Ir·vi ng 1957).
Frederick Hadleigh-West conducted a brief survey in the study area during
the summer of 1971 and located five sites adjacent to Stephan Lake {West
19i'1). Survey for the proposed Denali State Park was the reason for this
sur·vey and consequently the report contains little data on the Stephan
Lake sites. The files of the Alaska State Archeologist contain information
which indicate that one site {TU~-007) is mul ticomponent and has been
radiocarbon dated to 4,000 B.C.
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A recent study, Bacon (1975a), utilized an aerial reconnaissance of the
study area to delineate several locales of high archeological potential
along the upper Susitna utilizing an ecotone model to predict probable
site locations. Most recently, Bacon {1978a; 1978b) conducted surveys
near the Devil Canyon and the Watana Dam sites. No sites were found at
the! proposed Devil Canyon Dam site but in the vicinity of the Watana Dam
site prehistoric sites were discovered. Site TLM-016 was radiocarbon
dated to 3,675 ± 160 B.P.: ca. 1,725 B.C. Bacon (1978a:23) suggests
occupation as early as 8,000 to 10,000 years ago at site TLM-015 and a
possible Norton influence at site TLM-018. A brief aerial reconnaissance
of the entire impoundment area from Devil Canyon to the Tyone River and
Ste!phan Lake was conducted in the spring of 1980 by E. James Dixon, Jr.
andl George S. Smith of the University of Alaska Museum. The purpose of
the fly-over was to familiarize research personnel with the terrain and
character of the study area.
Fifteen historic and prehistoric archeological sites are known from surveys
in the study area conducted prior to the present study. It is reasonable
to assume that more concentrated effort will discover many more sites.
Dur·ing the 1980 field season 37 archeological sites were located. Preliminary
geologic analysis of the study area suggests that it has been ice free for
approximately the last 13,000-11,000 years. Archeological sites dating
from late Pleistocene to historic times have been found within the project
area. The earliest C14 dates from the immediate project area document
human occupation as early as 4,000 B.C.
1.2 -Regional Prehistory
Data available from the study area are inadequate to accurately define the
cultural historical sequence. Consequently, it is necessary to draw on
data from adjacent areas to construct a speculative prehistory for the
upper Susitna River. Past studies of this type have proven to be fairly
reliable indicators of cultural periods within a given area (Dixon, Smith,
and Plaskett 1980a). The following regions adjacent to the study area
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will be considered: the Tanana Valley, Nenana River, the areas near Lakes
Susitna, Louise, Tyone, and Tangle Lakes, the upper Copper River Valley,
and the upper Cook Inlet region.
It is not necessary to discuss all sites within each area to project a
probable cultural chronology for the upper Susitna because many sites
within each area represent similar temporal and cultural periods and
others lack diagnostic artifacts or nave not been subject to absolute or
relative dating techniques.
1.2.1 -Central Alaska Range
1.2.1.1 -Dry Creek
The Dry Creek site is located 10 miles north of Mt. McKinley National
Park.· It is a multicomponent site representing exploitation of a
shrub tundra environment prior to 9,000 B.C. (Powers and Hamilton
1978:72). The latest component dates between 2,400 and 1,400 B.C.
and may provide the-best known tempor~l documentation for a notched
projectile point horizon in Interior Alaska (Dixon, Smith and Plaskett
1980b). The projectile points together with end scraper forms, and
time of occupation are suggestive of the Northern Archaic Tradition.
This and other notched point sites in the Interior support Workman's
(1978) hypothesis that Northern Archaic groups spread through the
Yukon Territory and northward along the Brooks Range to the Onion
Portage site by 4,000 B.C. and later spread into southern Interior
Alaska. These data suggest that notched points and Northern Archaic
Tradition artifact material could be found within the Susitna study
area. Several sites representing this period were located during the
first half of the 1980 field season.
An older component at Dry Creek dates to ca. 8,600 B.C. and contains
a microblade core and microblade industry which is comparable to the
Denali Complex of Interior Alaska (West 1967) and the Akmak level at
Onion Portage on the Kobuk River (Anderson 1968a). The similarity of
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these assemblages with the late Pleistocene Diuktai culture of north-
eastern Siberia has been noted by Powers and Hamilton (1978:76).
1.2.1.2 -Carlo Creek
The Carlo Creek site is just east of Mt. McKinley National Park, and
dates to ca. 8,500 years ago (Bowers 1978a:14). The oldest of two
components produced percussion-flaked elongate bifaces, biface fragments,
retouched flakes, several thousand waste flakes and a possible bone
awl (Bowers 1978a:1). Component II consists of a few rhyolite waste
flakes and is older than ca. 3,700 B.C.
Granulometric analysis of Component I sediment 11 indicates that human
occupation occurred on a former sandbar/levee of the Nenana River,
during a period of early postglacial downcutting and terrace formation 11
(Bowers 1978a:16). Analysis of Component I faunal remains suggests
that this site may have been a fall/winter hunting camp. Component I
may contain evidence of heat-treatment of lithic material to improve
flaking (Bowers 1978a:6).
Although Component I tools are nondiagnostic and the sample size
small, Bowers (1978a) compared this material with assemblages from
other sites. He suggests that Component I at Carlo Creek may have
some affinity with Component II at the Dry Creek site (ca. 8,600 B.C.)
(Powers and Hamilton 1978:74), and the McKinley Park Teklanika River
sites (West 1965) on the basis of similar morphology of bifacial
industries {Bowers 1978a:14). General similarities were also noted
with the 11 early horizon" at Healy Lake {Cook 1969), various Denali
Complex sites (West 1965, 1967) and possibly with the Akmak assemblage
from Onion Portage (Anderson 1970; Bowers 1978a:14).
1.2.~.3-Teklanika Sites
Sites, Teklan·ika 1 and 2, were excavated by Frederick Hadleigh-West
in Mt. McKinley National Park in 1961, and are located within a half
mile of each other. Teklanika 1 occupies a knob overlooking the
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Teklanika River and is west-northwest of Teklanika 2, which is on a
nearby ridge. They produced sufficient cultural material to support
the supposition that these were habitation sites (West 1965:5). It
appears_ that they functioned as game lookouts and flaking stations, a
point confirmed by Traganza (1964). Teklanika 1 and 2 contain projectile
points (mainly tips), leaf-shaped knives, end .scrapers, side scrapers,
tabular blade cores, microblade cores {similar to Campus cores),
microblades (prismatic blades), burins, scrapers or end blade tools,
one polished adze blade (Teklanika 2) and a pebble hammer (Teklanika 2).
West interprets this material as coeval with Anangula (ca. 8,500 B.C.)
or slightly earlier than the Campus site (West 1971:73). He suggests
that they date between 8,000 and 10,000 B.C. In light of recent work
and the cultural chronology suggested by this report, it would appear
that these dates are not unreasonable, although, the oldest known
site in Alaska, Moose Creek, is 9,700 years B.C. (Hoeffecker 1979).
The dating of the Moose Creek site is based on a single C14 determination
and may be subject to reinterpretation as additional dates become
available. Moose Creek appears to lack microblade and blade or
microblade core technology and these are associated with both Teklanika
sites. These forms indicate affiliation with the Denali Complex
which dates as early as 8,600 B.C. at Dry Creek. The Teklanika sites
may be closer in age to West's 8,000 B.C. projection than 10,000 B.C.
However, microblade sites may extend into the Christian era from
500 A.D. to 1,000 A.D. (Cook 1969; Holmes 1976) and the Teklanika
sites could be quite recent in age, as may possibly be suggested by
the polished adze blade.
1.2.1.4 -Nenana River Gorge Site
The Nenana River Gorge Site is located at the northwest boundary of
Mt. McKinley National Park. The prehistoric component at the site
represents a seasonal hunting campsite of Athapaskan Indians and has
been radiocarbon dated to approximately 1,600 A.D. (Plaskett 1977).
It is not certain which Athapaskan subgroup occupied the site.
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Prehistoric archeological material found includes obsidian and pottery
thought to have originated north of the Alaska Range and copper and
chalcedony from south of the Alaska Range; suggesting that trade and
communication among different Athapaskan groups occurred prehistorically.
1.2.2-Tanana Valley
1.2.2.1 -Lake Minchumina
Several sites on the shores of Lake Minchumina in the western Tanana
Valley document human occupation spanning approximately the past
2,500 years (Holmes 1976, Hosley 1967, West 1978). The oldest site
known is MMK-004 where a lower level was dated to ca. 500 B.C. and an
upper level dated to ca. 1,000 A.D. (Holmes 1976:2). The site is
thought to represent a continuous sequence between these dates (Holmes
1976:2). Noteworthy is an apparent late persistence of microblade
core and burin technology which dates to between 800 A.D. to 1,000 A.D.
Notched points were recovered in addition to microblades in Holmes'
level one, but the exact association of these artifacts is not clear
and late persistence of microcore technology and affiliations with
the earlier Denali Complex of Interior Alaska are unresolved questions.
Until further research is conducted it may be prudent to consider
that two traditions, i.e., Northern Archaic and Late Denali, may have
coexisted during this time.
Holmes (1978) presents some comparative data on the assemblage from
MMK-004. Point/knives from the lowest level resemble Choris points,
and have been equated with the Norton period (Holmes 1976:5). A
relationship between MMK-004 and forest adapted Ipiutak/Norton cultures
similar to those from Onion Portage and Hahanudan Lake has also been
suggested (Holmes 1976:8; Dumond 1978:14).
The majority of obsidian from ~1MK-004 is from the Batza Tena source
near the Koyukuk River to the north and indicates trade over considerable
distance in Interior Alaska. The obsidian is also present at Gulkana
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in the Copper River Valley and suggests widespread trade in that
direction as well. Several other sites, the Birches site with a date
of ca. 520 A.D. (West 1978), and MMK-012 dating to ca. 50 A.D. (Holmes
1976 :8), demonstrate more recent occupations at Lake Minchumina.
1.2.2.2 -Campus Site
The Campus site on the Fairbanks campus of the University of Alaska
appears to contain a Denali Complex component of microblades, microblade
cores and burins. Also present are notched points and other materials
characteristic of the Northern Archaic Tradition. Stratigraphic
control at the site is poor and dating has not been established.
1.2.2.3 -~ealy Lake
The Village site at Healy Lake has yielded evidence for human occupation
of Interior Alaska by ca. 9,000 B.C. (Cook 1969). Five components
have been identified at the site. The upper level, just .below the
sod, contained stem~ed and notched points, and microblades, a situation
similar to the Minchumina site MMK-004 and suggestive of both the
Northern Archaic and Denali peoples. Below this level are two components
similar to the Denali Complex defined by West (1967). The lowest
level named the Chindadn complex was characterized by triangular
projectile points, tear-dropped shaped knives, and possibly an absence
of microblades.
1.2.2.4 -Dixthada
The Oixthada site on Mansfield Lake consists of nine housepits, an
associated midden, several storage pits, and 11 tent rings. The site
was originally excavated by Rainey (1939:364-371) who interpreted the
site as an Athapaskan settlement of the last few hundred years,
although, based on presence of a microblade industry, he suggested a
relationship with the Campus Site. In 1953 Rainey amended his original
evaluation of site age by assigning the microcores and microblades to
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an earlier component based on comparison with sites of known age
(Rainey 1953). Additional excavations by Cook and McKennan in 1970
indicate that a yellow silt ho~izon located under the middens at
Dixthada contained the core and microblade industry (Shinkwin
1975:149-150). These excavations supported the conclusion that the
site was multicomponent, as suspected by Raine~.
Shinkwin (1975) studied materials from both components at Dixthada.
The upper component, although mixed, contains an array of copper
implements, bone and antler artifacts, bifacial knives, scrapers,
whetstones, harnrnerstones, grinding stones, an adze and two axes
(Shinkwin 1975:151-152) and represents a late prehistoric/early
historic Athapaskan group as suggested by Rainey (Shinkwin 1974:153).
Shinkwin notes similarity of the upper level lithic and bone industries
to the Klo-kut site in the Yuko~ Territory. The lower component
contains a microcore and microblade industry dating 470 ± 60 B.C.
1.2.2.5 -Donnelly Ridge
The Donnelly Ridge site is located over 2,600 feet above sea level in
the northern foothills of the Alaska Range. The site is situated on
one of the highest points in the area and provides an excellent view
of the myriad of lakes and ponds which surround it (West 1967:15). A
total of 1,512 stone artifacts were recovered, of which 533 show
various degrees of use (West 1967:15). Stone artifacts recovered
include bifacial biconvex knives, end scrapers, large blades and
blade-like flakes, prepared cores, core tablets, microblades, burins,
burin spalls, and worked flakes (West 1967: 17-25)
West interprets the site as a seasonal hunting camp used for a short
period of time, possibly only one season (West 1967:27). The age of
the site is uncertain although two radiocarbon dates (1,830 ± 200 B.P.
(120 A.D. ± 200) (B-649) and 1,790 ± 300 B.P. (160 A.D. ± 300) (8-650)
have been recorded. However, West feels that these actually date a
later tundra fire and not the cultural material (1967:32). Based on
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comparison of the Donnelly Ridge material with other Denali Complex
sites, West suggests an age of at least 10,000 B.C. The Minchumina
site, the Village site at Healy Lake, and Dixthada have produced
Denali Complex components with dates much more recent than West•s
projections.
1.2.2.6 -Ft. Wainwright
A 1979 archeological survey of Ft. Wainwright Reservation in the
Tanana Valley led to the discovery of 48 prehistoric and four historic
sites (Dixon, Smith, and Plaskett 1980a). Sampling areas for this
project, delineated by the research design, corresponded to most of
the major elevations within the military reservation. Site locations
included: lake shores {Blair Lakes), outlets of streams draining
lakes, knolls near streams and rivers, and high bluffs and buttes .
Several of the sites were more than 300 m above the Tanana flats and
provided excellent views of the surrounding area.
Three sites on the north shore of Blair Lake South were systematically
tested: FAI-044, FAI-045, and FAI-048.· Site FAI-044 contained
historic, late prehistoric Athapaskan, Northern Archaic and possible
Denali components. Site FAI-045 contained the same recent historic
component documented at FAI-044, and possible Denali component.
Samples of radiometric dating were not recovered but the Denali
component was inferred from the recovery of microblades and microcores.
Only one of four squares tested produced Denali material and two
occupations are suggested. In addition to these sites, 10 Denali, 10
Northern Archaic, and 3 historic period sites were documented on the
military reservation (Dixon, Smith, and Plaskett 1980a).
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1.2.3-Denali Highway Area
1.2.3.1 -Tangle Lakes
The Tangle Lakes are 80 km northeast of the study area and accessible
from the Susitna via the Mclaren River. Over 220 sites spanning the
past 12,000 years have been documented in this area (West 1973). The
sites represent several periods including late Athapaskan belonging
to the last 3,000 years and an early period which West divides into
groups. Denali Complex sites are located on or near old lake shorelines
which are about 100 feet above present lake levels {West 1975:79).
The Denali occupation at Tangle Lakes may have occurred as early as
10,000 B.C. but radiocarbon dates suggest a more recent date of
8,200 B.C. with the occupation ending about ca. 6,200 B.C. Denali
hunters appear to have abandoned the area after that time. There is
a hiatus in the Tangle Lakes archeological record until the appearance
of the Northern Archaic Tradition (West 1973). The Northern Archaic
Tradition was originally defined as a boreal forest adapted culture
{Anderson 1968a); however, it may have thrived along the forest edge
or even within the tundra forest ecotone (Hickey 1976). Appearance
of the Northern Archaic peoples may be associated with a warming
trend ca. S,OOO years ago (Anderson 1968b) and raised tree line
elevation (Hopkins 1967). The most recent cultural period represented
at Tangle Lakes was that of protohistoric Athapaskans (West 1975:20).
1.2.3.2 -Ratekin Site
The Ratekin site, near the Denali Highway, is located about 75 miles
west of Paxson lake. Although few artifacts have been recovered~
situ, several surface collections have been made. Based on the
collections by Skarland and Keirn (1958), it is difficult to assess
the significance of the site. Notched points suggestive of the
Northern Archaic Tradition are present. Based on the type of notching
and comparison with the notched point sequence developed by Anderson
{1968a), an age of ca. 2,900 to 2,600 B.C. seems a reasonable inference
since side notched, stemmed, and lanceolate forms are present.
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The site appears to consist of a number of flaking stations and
Skarland and Keirn (1958:80) suggest that it functioned as a kill site
rather than a camp because of the large number of unbroken arrowheads
which they think were lost during the hunt. They also suggest that
caribou were funnelled through a narrow corridor near the site created
by muskeg to the south and steep hills to the north. Photographs on
file at the University of Alaska Museum show a· low rock wall at or
near the site which may have functioned as a hunting blind. Age of
this structure and its association with the Ratekin site have not
been determined.
1.2.4-Talkeetna Mountains-Long Lake
The Long Lake site is in the Southern Talkeetna Mountains and contains
a microblade and microcore industry which is similar to that of the
Denali Complex. Bacon suggests that the site represents 11 a displacement
of the Denali technology to the southern highlands of southern Interior
Alaska 11
, a region which "represented a sort of tundra refugium that
was pushed southward (but higher in elevation) by invading Taiga
Forests 11 {1975b:4).
1.l.5 -Copper River Valley
Archeological investigations in the Copper River Valley began with
Rainey's survey of the region in 1936. Most recently a number of
historic and prehistoric sites have been located and several excavated
(VanStone 1955; Shinkwin 1974; Workman 1976; Clark 1974; Arndt 1977;
and others). Workman (1976:8) has synthesized the available data
into a four period sequence for the area: historic (1850-present),
protohistoric (1770-1850), late prehistoric (1000 A.D.-1770 A.D.),
and early prehistoric (? to 1000 A.D.).
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The following sites, some which were previously discussed in this
report, can be placed within Workman•s (1977:9-30) categories, Historic
Period: Taral (VanStone 1955), site on Taral Creek (VanStone 1955:121),
Susitna site 3A and 6C {Irving 1957:40), village near Batzulnetas
(Rainey 1939:362). Protohistoric Period: Dakah D1 nin•s Village
(Shinkwin 1974), VAL 146 (State of Alaska, Division of Parks), feature
77-3-4 at the BUL 077 site (Workman 1976:26-28), Paxson Lake site
(Workman 1976:14), Gakona Airstrip Site (Rainey 1939:350), Slana Site
(Rainey 1939:361). Late Prehistoric Period: GUL 077 (Workman 1976),
MS 23-0 (Clark 1974, 1976), Gulkana River site (Rainey 1939:360),
Susitna 3A (Irving 1957:41), Susitna 38 and 3C (Irving 1957:41),
Susitna 3D (Irving 1957:41-42), Susitna 6A (Irving 1957:42), Susitna 68
(Irving 1957:42), caches near Batzulnetas (Rainey 1939:361-362),
Tangle Lakes caches (Workman 1976:28), Portage site upper component
{Workman 1976:28). Early Prehistoric Period: no sites representing
this time period have been positively documented in the Copper River
Valley, although the Copper River Basin would have been free of ice
dammed lakes and available for human occupation by ca. 9,000 years
ago (Workman 1976:31). Workman suggests that, when documented, the
prehistory of the Coppr River Basin will probably span most of the
Holocene times {1976:31). At present, however, there are only traces
of occupations predating 1,000 A.D. (Workman 1976:31).
1.2.6 -Cook Inlet
1.2.6.1 -Beluga Point
Beluga Point is a multicomponent site composed of two localities on
the northern shore of Turnagain Arm in upper Cook Inlet. Beluga
Point North contains three components. Component I includes a micro-
blade and core industry associated with the Denali Complex. Comparative
data from Denali sites in Interior Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula
suggest a tentative date between 4,500 and 7,000 years B.C. for this
component {Reger 1977)". Component II contains stemmed points and
points with tapering bases (Reger 1977). An estimated age is 1,000
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to 2,000 years B.C. based on typological comparisons (Reger 1977:9).
Components Ilia and IIIb from Beluga Point North are similar to the
third period of the Kachemak Bay Sequence as ·evidenced by ground
slate points and stone ringed hearths filled with gravel (Reger
1977). A radiocarbon date for Ilia indicates an age of 790 ± 120 B.P.
(960 ± 120 A.D.) while IIIb is estimated to be 1,000 years older
(Reger 1977).
Beluga Point South, Component I, includes a few nondiagnostic specimens
and dates to 4,155 ± 160 B.P. (2,205 ± 160 B.C.). Reger notes similarities
between Beluga Point South Component II and Norton collections from
the Iyatayet site. Similarities include steeply retouched end-scrapers,
end blades, burin-like scrapers and ground slate points (Reger 1977).
1.2.6.2 -Kachemak Bay Sequence
Little is known about prehistory of Cook Inlet during the late Pleistocene,
ca. 10,000 years ago. The Kachemak Bay Sequence provides an organized
data base which can be applied to this study.
The Kachemak Bay tradition first appears in the second millenium B.C.
and continues until just before historic contact. Kachemak settlements
were usually along rugged coasts with deep water offshore and mountains
inland (Reger 1977). Houses were semi-subterranean and made of
whalebone, stone, or wood. Economic exploitation concentrated on sea
resources, although inland resources were also utilized.
Kachemak I is a poorly defind phase (Workman 1977:35) and absence of
reliable dates makes it difficult to place it in a specific time
frame. However, relationships with Alaskan Peninsula material and
the Takli Beach Phase places it in the second millenium B.C. (Workman
1977:35). Manifestations are known only on Yukon Island and are
characterized by a predominance of flaked stone tools, grooved stone
weights, and both toggle and dart harpoon heads.
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Kachemak II dates from 400 B.C. to as late as 1200 A.D. Typically
the assemblage contains large notched stones, grooved stone weights,
primarily a flaked stone industry, houses of wood and whalebone and
the possible beginnings of grave goods (Workman 1977:35).
A transitional phase called Kachemak Sub III (Workman 1977:35) existed
from approximately 400 B.C. to A.D. 0 and flaking was still the
primary lithic technology. Stone saws appeared and there was a
continuation of elaborate burial practices with the embellishments in
later periods. This phase is known from Chugachik Island {SEL-033)
and Yukon Island in Kachemak Bay.
Kachemak II began about 800 A.D. {Workman 1977:35). Considering the
climax of the tradition, this phase is characterized by an elaborate
burial cult indicating dismemberment of the dead, a predominance of
ground slate and a florescence of artists• skills. This phase is
found at Cottonwood Creek and the Great Midden on Yukon Island.
The Kachemak sequen~e terminated in a poorly understood Kachemak IV
phase during the second millenium A.D. and what is known comes from
the upper level of the Great Midden on Yukon Island and the upper
component at Cottonwood Creek (Workman 1977:33). Some pottery and
native copper has been recovered from Yukon Island, while from Cottonwood
Creek (KEN-029) come triangular stemless slate end-blades, an intricate
bone knife handle, a barbed bone point and evidence of cannibalism
(Workman 1977:33).
The Merrill site, KEN-029, near the Kenai River about 25 miles from
the present river channel is on a former meander channel {Reger
1977:37). The lowest level dates to 2,245 ± 115 radiocarbon years or
295 B.C. Reger (1977:50) notes similarities of adze blades, straight
based lanceolate points, and stemmed points to the Norton component
at the Iyatayet site. Applicable to this study is the fact that the
site conforms to locational data from other Norton period sites,
i.e., riverine (Reger 1977:51}. The riverine adaptation is suggested
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early every Norton period site reported
, study area was 'Inhabited by bands of
late prehistoric, protohistoric and
speaking variant dialects of the Athapaskan
language may have been present in the area at various times. The immediate
study area falls within known historical geographic limits of the region
exploited by Tanaina Athapaskans; however, the present area is near other
regions occupied by the Ahtna and Tanana Athapaskan groups. Since the
known geographic and linguistic distribution of these groups at the time
of historic contact cannot be inferred to extend very far backward in
time, ethnographic information relevant to all three groups will be included
here.
Of importance in developing the research design is ethnographic infor-
mat·ion concerning subsistence activities of Athapaskans, and how they
affect site location and distribution.
For most non-coastal Athapaskan groups, the annual subsistence cycle
. largely depended on the availability of resources. Major animal resources
available throughout the yearly cycle to the groups considered here were
moose, caribou, sheep, fish, and waterfowl (McKennan 1959; Guedon 1975;
And1rews 1975). During the summer months, fishing was the most important
economic activity. Villages would move to fish camps, generally located
on clear water tributaries, to catch and dry salmon, much of which was
cached for winter use (VanStone 1974; McKennan 1959; Helm 1975; Guedon
1975). Moose and sheep were also hunted in upland and alpine regions
dur·ing summer months. Spring activities involved muskrat, beaver, and
wat1~rfowl hunting and trapping from camps usually located along lake
margins or slow-moving streams (McKennan 1959). Small hunting parties
also pursued large game during the winter months (Guedon 1975).
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Cat~ibou drives took place mainly in the fall or early winter. During this
time, long 11 Caribou fences 11 were constructed to guide them to enclosures
where they were snared and killed. Smaller game such as hares were taken
throughout the year (VanStone 1974; Nelson 1973). The annual subsistence
cycle kept populations mobile within a given territory or range, while
focusing them at specific geographic 1 ocales at speci fie points in time to
harvest seasonally abundant animal resources. The·seasonal round thus
cr~!ated a variety of settlement locales of varying size, function, and
du1ration.
A number of accounts have described interior Athapaskan material culture
{McKennan 1959; Guedon 1975; Nelson 1973; Pitts 1972; Vitt 1973). House
construction, as it applies to both permanent and temporary structures,
would indicate the location of winter settlements. Several types of
houses have been described for the early historic period (McKennan 1959;
Pitts 1972; Guedon 1975; Shinkwin 1974). One type of winter house was a
d~ne-shaped structure covered with moose or caribou skins. Another form
was a rectangular, semi-subterranean log structure covered with bark and
sod. Temporary structures consisted of simple brush shelters or lean-tos.
The caches used for storing food were of two types-~underground, and
elevated with logs. Many of these features should be identifiable archeo-
logically, if present in the project area.
The upper Susitna drainage was occupied by Western Ahtna at the time of
historic contact. Their subsistence pattern differed in important respects
from that of the Ahtna groups whose seasonal round was centered more to
the east where fishing on the Copper River and its major tributaries was a
primary subsistence activity and winter villages were located at the river
(Workman 1976). The absence of the salmon resource base in the upper
Susitna drainage resulted in a greater emphasis on hunting of caribou and
moose (Irving 1957). Mid-summer through December was primarily devoted to
fishing from lakes, their outlets or larger rivers. In late summer and
early fall caribou and moose were hunted using fences, snares and surrounds.
At mid-winter extensive hunting of moose, bear, and beaver occurred and
was possibly accompanied by dispersal into family units from larger multi-
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fam~ily fall villages (Irving 1957). In spring, hunting moved into the
hill: country south as far as the Talkeetna Mountains where caribou were
hunted until mid-summer when fishing resumed. Contacts between the upper
Susitna/Lake Louise Ahtna and villages on the Tanana side bf the Alaska
Ran~Je were frequent but the nature of contacts is unknown (Irving 1957).
The seasonal round and subsistence strategy of the Western Ahtna appears
to have more closely resembled that of interior Tanana Athapaskans then
that for most Ahtna centered on the central Copper River.
The Tanaina Athapaskans may have been the first Athapaskan group to come
in contact with Europeans and Russians who began to heavily influence
the·ir culture by the late eighteenth century (Osgood 1937). Tanaina
groups were concentrated on or near the shores of Cook Inlet and in the
Iliamna-Lake Clark area as well as inland and are known to have occupied
pe"nanant villages containing semi-subterranean houses (Smith and Shields
1977), an atypical settlement pattern for Northern Athapaskans. Richness
of sal man runs in the area probably had much to do with the unusual subsistence
and settlement pattern (Osgood 1937; VanStone 1974). Some Tanaina
groups were also heavily _dependent upon coastal, tidal and sea mammal
reSI)Urces for their subsistence, a pattern more cl6sely resembling Eskimo
rather than other Athapaskan groups (Townsend 1973).
The Tanaina are known to have traveled widely throughout their territory
and trade, as well as warfare, resulted in contact with other Interior
Alaskan Athapaskan groups (Townsend 1973; Hosley 1966; Plaskett 1977).
However, little is known concerning aboriginal Tanaina exploitation of the
mor1:! interior portions of their territory which included the upper Susitna,
Talkeetna Mountains and the Alaska Range. It is probable that at certain
times of the year, i.e., fall and spring/early summer, hunting parties
mov1ed into these regions to hunt sheep, caribou and bear. Moose would
app1:!ar to have been rarely present, at least in the mid-nineteenth century
(Os~~ood 1937; VanStone 1973). Camps of hunting parties would probably
hav1:! consisted of temporary shelters of skins over a wood frame, simple
brush shelters or lean-tos.
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During the early historic period, it appears that a gradual shift in
subsistence activity occurred as a result of increased contact with non-
Natives, and led to a general shift in the settlement pattern (VanStone
1970; Townsend 1973). Therefore, site locations which reflect late
prehistoric subsistence activities may differ significantly from those
activity-related sites of the historic period. Settlements and camps of
late prehistoric and protohistoric times often were located near the
mouths of clear water streams and rivers, as well as along lake margins
and locations strategically suited for resource exploitation (McKennan
1959; Andrews 1975; VanStone 1974; Workman 1976; Irving 1957). Early
historic Tanaina settlements were reported at several locations near the
study area including Talkeetna (Townsend 1973), Valdez Creek (McKennan
1959), and on the shores of Lakes Susitna, Louise, Tyone and Grayling
(Ir·ving 1957).
3 -HISTORY
It is probable that late prehistoric and historic sites in the upper
Susitna area date to as ~arly· as 1770 and may contain evidence of Western
trade materials and influences. Historic, ethnohistoric and archeological
data suggest that a widespread network of Native trade routes existed
prior to Western contact. Western trade goods doubtless penetrated the
upper Susitna region soon after the first exchanges occurred in coastal
areas. Following 1900, gold discoveries in the region produced a flurry
of exploration and mining activity which probably resulted in historic
sites containing associated material in the upper Susitna study area. The
chronology of Western man's exploration and penetration into the study
area is summarized below.
Shc1rtly after Bering's 1741 voyage, Russian fur traders began exchanging
Western goods for pelts. Glass beads and iron were traded for fox and sea
otter pelts by Glattov on Kodiak Island as early as 1762 {Bancroft 1886)
and although such trade occurred far from the study area, Native trade
networks soon dispersed such goods widely to Natives who had no direct
contact with Europeans. The first explorer in Cook Inlet, Captain James
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Cook, observed metal and glass beads among the Tanaina during his visit in
1778 (Cook 1785). By 1786 a Russian trading settlement had been established
at St. George (Kasilof) in Tanaina territory and trade contacts soon
expanded rapidly with the Tanaina.
Increased dependence upon trade and the wealth provided by Western luxury
goods resulted in changes in the aboriginal settlement and hunting patterns
(Townsend 1970). The Tanaina began to be drawn more intensively into the
Russian fur trade, occasionally as hunters but also as middlemen in the
fur trade with peoples in the interior of Alaska. There was increased
hunting of certain desirable fur bearers and modification of the subsistence
cycle to accomodate such hunting and subsequent travel to trade for Western
goods. Thus, it is probable that the location of hunting and trapping
si t.es as well as times of seasonal movements known from the ethnographic
present differ from those of slightly older late prehistoric times.
The first explorations of the Susitna River country did not occur until
1834 when Malakoff ascended the river. It is believed that he also explored
the Susitna in 1843 but little is known of his work (Bacon 1975a). In any
event, it is certain that by 1845 the Russians had better knowledge of the
upper Susitna region than could have been obtained via Native informants
(Brooks 1973). During the next 50 years very little exploration or other
activity by Westerners appears to have occurred in the upper Susitna River
country which was virtually unexplored until nearly 1900 (Cole 1979).
During this time one exploration of note occurred to the east of the study
area. In 1885, Lt. Henry Allen and his party ascended the Copper River,
crossed the Alaska Range and descended the Tanana River to the Yukon.
Allen•s observations of Native lifeways, villages and their locations
provide data regarding Ahtna and Tanana Athapaskans at the time of early
direct contact with White men (Allen 1887).
The~ discovery of gold in Cook Inlet in 1895 precipitated the first extensive
and lasting movements of White men into the upper Susitna study area. In
the~ summer of 1896, over 2,000 prospectors swa nned the shores of Cook
Inlet and over 100 parties entered the Susitna River but only five continued
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any distance up the river (Cole 1979). William Dickey and Allen Monks
ascended the river as far as Devil Canyon in 1886 and encountered Natives
at a fish camp at the mouth of Portage Creek. W.A. Jack and eight others
ascended the Susitna to the 11 head of boating 11 on the upper Susitna in 1897
and became the first recorded party to explore nearly the entire river.
The Jack party avoided Devil Canyon by ascending Portage Creek, crossing
a divide to Devil Creek, and descending the latter to the Susitna (Cole
1979). Jack guided George Eldridge of the USGS, up the Susitna, over
Broad Pass and down the Nenana River in 1898 but their route avoided the
upp.er Susitna area (Eldridge 1900). In 1901, H. Jack Pamo and Al Campbell
tried to make an overland trip from the mouth of the Tanana River to
Valdez. They descended the Susitna from its 11 headwaters 11 and Campbell
apparently starved to death at an Indian hunting cabin some 50 miles above
Devil Canyon (Valdez News, 7/20/01). On the south side of the Susitna
otht:!r overland routes which by-passed Devil Canyon existed. One route
went up the Talkeetna River to Prairie Creek, past Stephen Lake to the
Sus·itna, while another crossed low passes at the headwaters of Kosina
Creek and descended the latter to the Susitna (Cole 1979).
The difficult passage around Devil Canyon greatly reduced gold prospector
traffic on the upper Susitna River and it was not until 1903 that a more
feasible route from the Copper River drainage was pioneered. In that
year, Pete Monahan and four others from Valdez reached the upper Susitna
headwaters area. Their route took them over Valdez Glacier, down Klutina
River, across Klutina Lake, along St. Anne River and thence up the Susitna.
They prospected for gold along several creeks in the upper Susitna drainage
and struck pay gravel on a small stream the Indians called "Galina" and
later renamed Valdez Creek (Moffit 1912). The next year numerous claims
were staked along this creek and its tributaries. These diggings in later
years had as many as 150 men (Bacon 1975a) and continued to attract miners
until the 1930's. Other, later routes, to these gold fields roughly
paralleled the modern Denali Highway from Cantwell in the west and Paxson
on the east. Another route followed the vlest Fork of the Gul kana fran the
Copper River to the MacLaren and thence up the Susitna (Cole 1979).
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Mining equipment and supplies utilized all of these routes to the gold
fields on Valdez Creek. It is possible that historic structures and
features related to these gold mining activities may be present along any
or all of the routes used by miners during prospecting and subsequent
mining in the Valdez Creek area. Additionally, Indian hunting cabins were
reported at several localities on the upper Susitna drainage by the first
gold prospectors and explorers, i.e., Jack, Eldridge, Pamo, and others.
It is possible that remains of these log structures may be encountered
dur·ing cultural resource survey of the study area as well.
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APPENDIX B
1 ·· LITERATURE REV I EW--GE OLOG Y
1.1-Glacial-Climatic History
During the last glaciation, south central and central Alaska were inundated
with glacier ice (Karlstrom 1964; Wahrhaftig.1958; Coulter et al.
1965) in response to climatic cooling and a drop in snowline on the order
of 250-300 m (Pewe and Reger 1972). Snowline in the vicinity of the
western Talkeetna Mountains probably lay at about 1050-1200 m (Pewe and
Reger 1972) or about 600 feet near the east flank of the Susitna lowland
(Karl stran 1964). All flat upland surfaces above that altitude, which
includes much of the Talkeetna Mountains, was probably glacier covered.
Be'low that altitude cirque and valley glaciers coalesced to fonn a broad
inland ice sheet which drained southward via the Susitna Valley when it
merged with other south-flowing trunk glaciers. Ice extended southward to
the vicinity of Montana Creek, forming a prominent terminal moraine which
became confluent with an east-flowing and northeast-flowing ice lobe
draining the Matanuska and Knik Valleys. The southward gradient of the
last glacial snowline and the progressively less extensive glaciation
northward strongly suggests a southern moisture source (Karlstrom 1964;
Pewe 1975). Glaciation apparently was caused by a decrease in mean
summer temperatures, and an increase in summer cloudiness (Pewe 1975).
Pewe (1975) estimates that, in the vicinity of Anchorage, the mean annual
temperature dropped to 12.1°C in comparison to the present mean annual
temperature of 13.8°C. Following expansion of glaciers to their maximum
limits, they stagnated over a broad area of the Susitna lowland, then
apparently retreated more rapidly. Climates wanned to a postglacial
thermal maximum, then re-expanded intermittently within the past several
thousand years (Williams and Ferrians 1961).
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1.2 -Late Wisconsinan Time
1.2.1 -Initiation
The globally significant change from interstadial mid-Wisconsinan
conditions to full glacial late Wisconsinan conditions is dated at
about 32,000 yr BP in the marine isotope record (Shackleton and
Opdyke 1973) and at about 32,000 yr. B.P. in the Camp Century Ice Core (Langway
et al. 1973). Glaciers in south central Alaska expanded in response
to the climate change. The date of 29,600 ± 460 from organic material
beneath till of the last glaciation near the inferred mid-Wisconsinan
terminal position in the White River Valley, provides the youngest
maximum limiting dates in Alaska for late Wisconsinan glacier expansion.
Maximum limiting dates from identical stratigraphic position in the
nearby Klutlan Glacier are all beyond the range of radiocarbon dating
(Rampton 1971). Karlstrom (1964) reports that late Wisconsinan
glaciation began sometime after about 37,000 yr BP in the Kenai
lowland. The Copper River Basin began filling with glaciolacustrine
·deposits sometime after a date of 38,000 yr BP (Ferrians and Schmoll
1957). Maximum dates for initial late Wisconsinan time from the
southern Brooks Range are more closely limiting, ranging from 28,500-
31,000 14 c yr BP, closely corresponding to the global climates changes
(Hamilton 1976). The youngest dates on mid-Wisconsinan muck near
Fairbanks range up to about 30,700 to 33,700 yr BP (Sellman 1967).
1.2.2 -Termination
A pronounced global climate change around 13,000-14,000 yr BP which,
from a climatological standpoint ended the Wisconsinan Stage, was
accompanied by rapid warming (Shackleton and Opdyke 1973; Langway
et al 1973; Denton 1974). Evidence for rapid response of
Alaskan glaciers and vegetation to this climate change is widespread
and surprisingly uniform in age. An abrupt change in vegetation from
tundra steppe to shrub tundra occurred about 13,500-14,000 years ago
in the Tanana lowland (Ager 1975). Similarly, a rapid change from a
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dominance of nonarboreal pollen to arboreal pollen occurred shortly
after 13,960 ± 360 yr BP in the Ogilvie Mountains, Yukon Territory
(Terasmae and Hughes 1966). Heusser (1965) and Terasmae {1974)
recognized a major vegetation change indicating warming sometime
between 13,000 and 14,000 yr BP, respectively.
Glacier response to terminal Wisconsinan climate change was also
rapid. Glaciers began rapid wastage about 14,000 BP in the White
River-Skolai Pass area (Denton 1974). The abrupt halt in loess
deposition about 13,500 ± 300 yr BP in Antifreeze Pond is interpreted
by Rampton {1971) as having formed immediately after moraine formation.
Retransported bone material in the Fairbanks area that dates 13,470 ±
420 yr BP and 14,280 ± 230 yr BP directly overlies a late Wisconsinan
unconformity (Sellman 1967) and may suggest thawing at about this
time.
Other minimum age dates for the late Wisconsinan time in Alaska are
less closely limiting th.an dates from the St. Elias Range. Glaciers
began a fluctuating retreat in the Kenai lowland sometime after
12,900-13,500 yr BP (Karlstrom, 1964). Moraine formation and rapid
retreat of glaciers from the Anchorage area probably occurred shortly
after 14,160 ± 1400 yr BP (Schmoll et al. 1972). Basal peat dates in
the Susitna lowland extend back to about 12,500 yr BP (Richard Reger,
personal communication). Late Wisconsinan glaciers began receding
from their maximum positions sometime prior to 10,565 ± 225 yr BP and
10,560 ± 200 yr BP in the Amphitheater Moutains (Pewe 1964) and the
Nenana Valley 10,560 ± 200 yr BP (Wahrhaftig 1958), respectively.
Wisconsinan age dunes began stabilizing in the Tanana lowland sometime
prior to 12,400 ± 450 yr BP {Fernald, 1965). Glaciolacustrine sedimen-
tation in the Copper River Basin ceased sometime prior to 9400 yr BP.
1.2.3 -Maximum Extent of Ice
Full glacier conditions affected the entire globe about 17,000-22,000
yr BP, culminating in full glacial conditions in the northern hemisphere
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at about 18,000 yr BP {CLIMAP 1976). At this time the southern
sectors of the Laurentide, Scandinavian, and Cordilleran ice sheets
had reached their maximum extents {Denton 1974). Following a period
of ice recession these ice sheets all readvanced to nearly their
maximum positions between about 15,000 and 14,000 years ago and then
underwent rapid retreat.
Dates from glacier sequences in Alaska are incomplete, but generally
support the concept of a two-fold late Wisconsinan Stade. Intervals
of alluviation in the Southern Brooks Range between about 16,000-25,000
yr BP {Kobuk Valley) and 17,000-29,000 yr BP {Koyukuk Valley) may
correspond to the earliest advances (Hamilton et al. 1980). A
maximum limiting date from the McKinley River {Thorson unpub. ms.)
suggests that glaciers in north Alaska Range had not yet reached
their maximum extents by about 20,000 yr BP.
Support for the younger advance is more common. Late Wisconsinan
glaciers readvanced in the Alaska Range sometime after 15,000 yr BP
{Hamilton 1976). Glaciers in the upper Cook Inlet advanced to their
terminal late Wisconsinan positions sometime shortly after 14,160 ±
400 yr BP {Schmoll et al. 1972; Kachadoorian et al. 1977). The
Russell and Kaskawulsh glaciers advanced to near their maximum extents
in the White River Valley and Shakwak Valley just prior to about
14,000 yr BP (Denton 1974). In the southern Brooks Range, glaciers
readvanced between about 13,000 and 12,500 yr BP {Hamilton et al.
1979).
1.2.4 -Rates of Deglaciation
The rapid and nearly synchronous climate change about 13,000-14,000
yr BP can well be documented for most parts of Alaska. Subsequent
rates of glacier retreat were generally rapid, with valleys largely
ice free by 10,000 yr BP. The Kaskawulsh glacier {Yukon Territory)
retreated to within 17 km of-its present terminus by 12,500 ± 200 yr
BP, suggesting extremely rapid deglaciation for this large glacier
{Denton and Stuiver 1967). In the White River Valley, ice had
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receded to a position within 2 km of its terminus by 11,270 ± 200 yr
BP (Denton 1974). The nearby Klutlan Glacier retreated to a position
upstream from the present terminus by 9780 ± 80 yr BP (Rampton 1971).
The Muldrow Glacier retreated to a position upstream from its Neoglacial
limit by 9580 ± 100 yr BP (Thorson unpub. ms.).
Valleys elsewhere in Alaska and the Yukon Territory were largely
deglaciated by 11,500-12,000 yr BP (Hamilton 1976; Denton 1974). The
valley bottom of the Susitna River near Willow Creek was deglaciated
prior to 11,930 ± 250 yr BP (Karlstrom 1964). The nearby Matanuska
Valley was also rapidly deglaciated following a period of initial ice
stagnation (Williams and Ferrians 1961; Miller and Dobrovolny 1959}.
Dates of 11,250 ± 160 yr BP and 12,120 ± 140 yr BP from the North
Fork Pass and Hart Lake areas in the Olgilvie Mountains, Yukon Territory,
respectively, indicate nearly complete deglaciation by this time
(Hughes et al. 1969). On the south flank of the Alaska Range, the
Tangle Lakes area was deglaciated 11,800 ± 740 yr BP (Schweger 1973}
and the Nenana Glacier had retreated well upstream from the Carlo
Creek archeologic site by 9000-10,000 yr BP (Bowers 1979}. The
Nelchina Glacier, in the North Chugach Mountains, retreated to a
position within 8-15 mi of the terminus by 8,400 ± 200 yr BP (Olson
and Broecker 1959). Adams Inlet in Glacier Bay was largely de-
glaciated by about 11,000 yr BP (McKenzie and Goldthwait 1971}.
Dunes are largely stabilized on the floor of the Tanana lowland by
about 11,250 yr BP (Fernald 1965).
1.3 -Holocene Time
1.3.1 -Early Holocene Readvance
Evidence for an early Holocene glacier readvance which lasted between
about 8500 and 9500 yr BP and culminated about 9000 yr BP, is widespread
in south coastal Alaska. Cirque glaciers advanced in the lower
Copper River Valley and built moraines about 8800 yr BP (Sirkin and
Tuthill 1971). On Prince of Wales Island, two moraines were formed by
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advancing glaciers between 8000 and 9510 yr BP (Swanston 1969).
Goldthwait (1966) interprets the stratigraphy in Muir Inlet to indicate
a prominent readvance between 9100 and 10,000 yr BP. Till near Cold
Bay is bracketed between dates of 6700 and 9700 yr BP (Funk 1973).
Glacier advances and stillstands and a pronounced cooling suggested
by pollen trends occurred in the Boundary ranges of Canada between
9000 and 10,000 yr BP (Miller and Anderson 1974). Pollen data from
south coastal Alaska (Heusser 1965) also suggest an early Holocene
cooling between 8500 and 9000 yr BP. An earlier possible readvance
sometime between 10,500-13,000 yr BP may have occurred in the large
coastal glaciers (Terasmae 1974; Miller and Anderson 1974; Goldthwait
1966).
Evidence for glacial readvances in interior south central Alaska is
conspicuously absent, perhaps suggesting that most glaciers had
retreated upvalley from their Neoglacial limits prior to about 9000
yr BP. The Matanuska glacier, which experienced a prominent early
Holocene readvance sometime prior to 8000 ± 300 yr BP (Williams and
Ferrians 1961), is the only well documented occurrence of this
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readvance away from Alaska's southern coast. A pronounced unconformity
in the permafrost tunnel near Fairbanks (Sellman 1967), which occurs
between 8400 and 11,000 yr BP, may represent an interval of greatly
reduced muck deposition.
1.3.2 -Hypsithermal
Postglacial Holocene warming culminated during Hypsithermal time, an
interval of increased warmth (and possible dryness) and glacier
contraction. Glacier contraction and inferred warming occurred in
south Alaska during the interval between 4500-6800 yr BP in Cool
Inlet (Karlstrom 1964), 4700-9100 yr BP in Muir Inlet {Goldthwait
1966), 3200-5500 yr BP in Boundary Ranges (Miller and Anderson
1974), 4150-7050 yr BP in Glacier Bay (McKenzie and Goldthwait
1971), and 4500-6500 yr BP in the north Pacific (Huesser 1960).
Inland from the coast, pollen and treeline data suggest that the
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thermal maximum occurred between 5000 and 8400 yr BP (Terasmae 1974;
Ager 1975), peaking at about 5200 yr BP (Denton and Karlen.1976).
1.3.3 -Neoglaciation
Following Hypsithennal wam1th and dryness, climates cooled and possibly
moistened during the last several thousand years, causing renewed
glacier expansions during Neoglacial time. The Neoglaciation probably
began between about 3500-3700 yr BP in interior Alaska and Yukon
Territory (Hamilton 1976; Miller and Anderson 1974), reaching a
culmination in the White River Valley area between about 2675 and
2780 yr BP (Denton and Karlen 1973) and terminating by 2000 yr BP
(Terasmae 1974) or possibly as early as 2640 yr BP in the Kluane area
(Borns and Goldthwait 1966). The Tanana River began actively aggrading
by 3000 yr BP (Fernald 1965), presumably in response to Neoglacial
conditions.
In coastal southern Alaska, the Neoglaciation may have begun earlier
than in areas farther north. McKenzie and Goldthwait (1971) document
glacier expansion in Glacier Bay as early as 4150 14 c yr BP, and
Huesser (1965) inferred a change to cooler, wetter climates beginning
about 4500 yr BP. Karlstrom (1964) dated the earliest of multiple
glacier advances into the Kenai lowland at about 4500 yr BP. The
termination of Neoglacial time in southern Alaska is inferred from
glacial retractions and/or vegetation change beginning 2200 yr BP
(Glacier Bay, McKenzie and Goldthwait 1971), 2100-2200 yr BP (Lituya
Bay, Post and Streveler 1976), and 2500 yr BP (N. Pacific, Heusser
1965). Though evidence for multiple Neoglacial advances in south
central Alaska is present in many areas (Thorson unpub. ms.; Reger
and Pewe 1969; Karlstrom 1964; Wahrhaftig and Cox 1959}, only in the
White River Valley are they firmly bracketed by closely limiting
radiocarbon or lichenometric dates. Culminations of glacier advances
in the White River Valley occurred between 3000-2675 and 1230~1050
14 c yr BP (Denton and Karlen 1973). An earlier advance, for which
there is no direct evidence, may have occurred sometime between 5250
± 130 and 3600 14 c yr BP (Denton and Karlen 1973).
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1.3.4-Little Ice Age
Renewed glacier advances of the "Little Ice Age" (last 1000 yr)
brought an end to the interval of warming that followed Neoglacial
time. Glaciers thro~ghout central and southern Alaska advanced and
retracted intermittently during the Little Ice Age, but no consistent
pattern can be easily inferred, especially for central Alaska.
Little Ice Age moraines were built sometime after AD 1500 in the
White River Valley (Denton and Karlen 1973). Glaciers in central
and southern Alaska have generally retreated during the 20th Century
(Denton and Karlen 1973; Goldthwait 1966; Reid 1970).
1.4 -Inferred Regional Chronology of the Susitna Valley
The upper Susitna Valley was largely ice-covered during most of late
Wisconsinan time between about 30,000-14,000 14 c yr BP. Coalesced valley
glaciers extended from the valley bottoms to altitudes as high as 3500-4000
feet, and the snowline may have dropped to nearly that altitude as well.
Glaciers were probably widening and deepening their valleys at this time,
probably destroying most pre-Late Wisconsinan deposits. Within the Susitna
and Tyone River lowlands, however, considerable pre-Late Wisconsinan
stratigraphy may exist.
Advances of Late Wisconsinan time in the Susitna Valley probably remained
near, but some distance upvalley from their maximum extents between about
25,000-17,000 yr BP. Following the marine transgression which deposited
the Bootlegger Cove Clay about 14,100 yr BP, coalesced glaciers in the
Cook Inlet lowland readvanced about 14,000 yr BP reaching their maximum
Late Wisconsinan extents. Following a period of inferred stagnation and
downwasting in the terminal zone, which may have continued long after
retreat began, ice probably receded rapidly northward. Thinning of the
ice in the upper Susitna River Valley accompanied northward retreat in the
lm'lland. Glaciers retreated north of Willow Creek by about 12,000 yr BP,
and much of the Susitna Canyon area may have been deg1aciated by 11,000 yr
BP. Rapid ice recession probably continued with the ice tongues receding
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upvalley fran their. present tenninii by 9000 yr BP. Ice retreat was
almost certainly complete by 8000 yr BP. Glaciers may have experienced a
minor early Holocene readvance prior to 8500 yr BP, but if so, they probably
did not extend more than several km beyond their present terminii.
Dur·ing the Middle Holocene, between about 4000-8000 yr BP, the Susitna
Valley may have been slightly warmer and possibly drier than present.
Maximum glacier retraction, and the culmination of warmth may have occurred
about 5000-6000 yr BP.
Cooler conditions returned during Neoglacial time, which spans the last
3500 years. Glaciers probably expanded slightly at this time reaching
terminal positions only several kilometers from their present terminii.
At least three episodes of cooling and glacier expansion are thought to
have occurred since about 3500 yr BP. Present climates occur within the
framework of the Little Ice Age. The general ice retreat and warming of
the 20th Century may be followed in the future by more severe climates and
a return to minor glacier advances.
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APPENDIX C
1 -DESCRIPTIONS FOR GEO-ARCHEOLOGIC TERRAIN UNITS IN THE MIDDLE SUSITNA
RIVER VALLEY
Age~ Geology-terrain character Relief
Glacial
(Refers to all of those units that were modified during the last
glaciation. The highest hills of unit Rh may have stood above
the glacial limit, but frost shattering a~d mass movement during
the last glaciation caused their surfaces to be essentially
equivalent or younger in age than other glacial units}
R Rock surfaces -modified by erosion by glacier ice.
Usually rounded surfaces, but may include some very
steep terrain in the highest peaks. Drainage is excel-
lent~ soil cover is usually minimal. Surface usually
covered by patchy or complete tundra cover, but may be
bouldery at high altitudes. Contains rare isolated
patches of drift, but not enough to obscure rock surfaces.
Bedrock structure is responsible for much of the topo-
graphy.
h Hills-rock occurs as part of a hill or complex of
hills. Slopes are usually irregular, but continuous.
s Surfaces-rock occurs as a surface of varying relief
(rather than as a steadily inclined surface such as a
hill}. Surfaces can exhibit very high relief.
1 Low 1 ocal
relief
2 Medium local
relief
3 High 1 ocal
relief
b Rock valley walls -rock occurs as part of a broad
sloping, often gradual surface without secondary relief
(walls of glacial valleys). A thin mantle of drift may
be present. Drainage is very good in most places.
d Rock with thin or patchy drift -bedrock structure is
evident throughout, and surface has most of the character
of a bedrock slope. Can be rough in some areas or
smooth~ depending on the nature of the underlying rock.
Typically poorly drained where drift reaches sufficient
thickness.
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0 Drift-dominantly till with some ice contact stratified
drift. Generally forms poorly drained slopes because of the
clay-rich nature of the till.
t Thick -drift obscures all bedrock structure. Slopes
generally gentle and poorly drained. Local relief
generally low, but some significant gullying can occur
due to the erodable nature of the till.
p Patchy -poorly drained areas interspersed with well
drained, usually high relief rocky areas. Similar to
unit Rd but more poorly drained areas.
u Undifferentiated-generally includes much till and low
relief, poorly drained areas, but also contains boggy
areas, irregular ice contact stratified drift areas,
and broad open surfaces.
I Ice contact stratified drift -hummocky irregular, commonly
gravelly mounds and ridges. Commonly occurs in chaotic
pattern, but ridges can be continuous for about 1 km.
o Open hummocks -generally broad swales and mounds in
irregular pattern. Surface only moderately well drained,
usually very brushy.
t Tightly nested hummocks-very well drained gravelly
ridges tightly clustered to provide much well drained
areas. Terrain very irregular and discontinuous.
Contains numerous small lakes and ponds, commonly with
gravelly edges.
p Patchy -mounds and ridges occur thinly over bedrock.
Relief generally very low, but sharp.
0 Outwash -broad, extremely low gradient, surface without
relief.
p Outwash plain -broad open area of continuous outwash -
shows some primary relief as surface channels.
v Valley train -flat outwash surface in valley bottom.
Surfaces flat, but commonly terraced.
f Fan -occurs downstream from tributary mouths in some
localities. Forms flat well drained sloping bench.
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L Lacustrine-surfaces generally low relief, and extremely
poorly drained. Underlain by s i 1 ts and clays. Earthflows
common where water is available and slopes are sufficiently
steep. Can occur as thin mantle over broad areas.
Holocene
m r~antle -lacustrine deposits subdue, but not obscure
the underlying topography. Very poorly drained, with
widespread solifluction.
s Surface -lake plain. Deposits thic.k enough to obscure
the underlying topography. Very poorly drained, with
silts and clays to surface.
(Deposits and features formed since deglaciation. In some places
a steep valley wall, which is either modified by Holocene erosion
or covered by Holocene deposits, may have been largely formed
during glaciation.)
v Valley slide slopes-steep slopes which represent Holocene
erosion or modification. Slopes generally provide good
exposures of bedrock, with till and other surficial units at
the surface. Much of the valley walls may have formed prior
to Holocene time, but there is enough modern or recently
past activity to justify use of this age category.
g Gullied -·either deep rocky gullies in tributaries, or
badlands-like dissection on the valley sides. Extremely
difficult terrain to traverse.
s Smooth -valley walls are not highly gullied, but
still quite steep. May contain a great degree of
colluvium in some places.
A Alluvium-coarse gravel surfaces which are generally of low
relief. Can occur in the upper reaches of tributaries, but
generally occurs in the Susitna Valley bottom. Surfaces are
generally well drained, thickly forested, and slightly
sloping. Recent alluvium (as island in the river) not
mapped separately.
s Susitna Valley bottom alluvium-occurs a gravelly
alluvium derived from and deposited by the Susitna
River. Often has numerous drainage channels which are
parallel to the river, and may have small terraces.
t Tributary floor and fan alluvium -sloping surfaces
which occur at the mouth and within tributary valleys.
Generally well drained, but steep fans may show poorly
drained surfaces.
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S Slope deposits -nonsorted, poorly drained, often steeply
sloping mixed deposits.
c Colluvium-poorly drained, steeply sloping irregular
surfaces which commonly parallel the steep valley
walls.
s Solifluction-broad, open areas of slope deposits.
Rubbly and silty deposits. Surfaces poorly drained.
~1 Bog sediments -highly organic and presently wet.
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APPENDIX D
FORMS-1. SITE FORM
2. UNIT EVALUATION FORM
3. ALASKA HERITAGE RESOURCES SITE SURVEY FORM
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ARCHEOLOGY
UNIVERSITY MUSEUM
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
FIELD SITE NO. :. ______ _
SITE NAME: _____ _
AHRS NO:. ______ _
I.
SUSITNA HYDROPOWER PROJECT
SITE LOCATION:
A. USGS QUAD: Talkeetna Mountains Scale~ 1:63,360
B. AIR PHOTO REFERENCE: Roll ~es
C. TWP , RNG --.....--' seward !ieridi-;m-
=,...--=-t;; of the ___ t;; of the \ of Section
D.
E.
F.
UTM: Zone 6 Easting ~hing --...... --
LATITUDE: 0 ' 11 LONGITUDE: II
G.
GEOLOGICAL UNIT:-=--No,---
REGION: Devil Canyon ___ Watana. __ _ Other: ________ _
II. ENVIRONMENT:
A. Site morphology. (See back of form for information required.)
B. Surrounding terrain morphology. (See back of form for information required.)
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FIELD SITE NO. ______ _
c. Ecosystem. (See back of sheet for descriptions.)
1. Moist Tundra High Brush Other:
Lowland spruce-h~od ___ Upland spruce-hardwood
2. Site vegetation and surface description:
3. Vegetation in surrounding area and surface description:
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FIELD SITE NO. ______ _
Ill. SITE:
A. Description:
1. Characteristics. (lithic scatter, stratified site, cabin, etc.)
2. Number, size and spatial relationship of features, etc.
(
3. Stratigraphy (if relevant):
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FIELD SITE NO.
B. Artifact inventory.
1. Surface:
a. Artifacts collected:
b. Artifacts observed but not collected:
2. Systematically excavated artifacts:
C. Period: Unknown Precontact
Historic: ~ve_____ Non-Native ____ _
D. Size:
1. Observed Si~: X mete~s
Justification for bounda~ies:
2. Estimated Size: x meters
Justification for-bOUndaries:
E. Site distu~bance (cu~rent and anticipated).
1. Natural:--------------------------------------------------------------
2. Human:
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FIELD SITE NO. ______ _
F. What prompted you to survey this location?
G. Draw and attach map(s) of site with location of tests and surface features;
soil profile(s); and general location and vegetation map.
IV. PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD:
Frame ~ Direction Content
Site ID with date and Crew
v. CREW: (include relevant pages in fie1dbook)
A. Names:
B. Date(s) visited:--------------------------....
VI. Field Recommendation for further testing:
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II. A.
II. B.
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Site morphology.
1. What terrain feature is the site on: flat plain, sloping plain,
continuous ridge, hill, point, shoreline, terrace, valley, etc.
2. What is the topographic context:
a. no topographic relief relative to surrounding terrain, higher
topographic relief than surrounding terrain, lower topographic
relief than surrounding terrain,
b. give .alevation: 1) above sea level; 2) Rel·ative to surrounding
terrain.
3. Is the terrain feature continuous or discrete?
4. What is the size, shape and direction of this feature?
5. What is the relative position of the site on this feature?
6. Field of view:
a. direction and range of view;
b. what is in view?
c. would a change in the present vegetation increase or decrease
view? How?
7. Describe any special attributes that make this site location unique.
8. Are there other settings similar to that of this site in the unit?
Where?
Surrounding terrain morphology.
Describe surrounding landforms and water features in relation to the site.
What is the direction, distance and difference in elevation of surrounding
features? !he following characteristics should provide a guide:
1. Streams and rivers:
a. proximity to site
b. access from site
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
1.
j.
k.
are any in view from site?
has downcutting created valley wall constriction in this area?
is stream or river (1) shallow with rapids and sandbars, or (2)
deep and smooth in this vicinity, etc.
is water· clear or turbid?
what is the general width in this vicinity?
is terracing present?
in this area is the river course:
1. straight;
2. bending;
3. serpentine.
are confluences with other streams or rivers nearby? How far?
what kind of terrain does this stream or river drain? (lakes, hills,
marsh)
2. takes:
a. size in hectares using template.
b. inlet present? outlet present?
c. single lake or part of lake system?
d, characterize terrain surrounding lake (low, wet, steep, etc.)
e. is there any evidence that lake size is changing (vegetation over-
growth, old shorelines, etc.)
f. characteristics of shoreline. Old shorelines present?
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ECOSYSTEMS LIKELY TO BE ENCOUNTERED IN PROJECT AREA
MOIST TUNDRA: Moist tundra ecosystems usually form a complete ground cover and
are extremely productive during the growing season. They vary from almost
continuous and uniformly developed cottongrass tussocks with sparse growth
of other sedges and dwarf shrubs to stands where tussocks are scarce or
lacking and dwarf shrubs are dominant. Associated species are arctagrostis,
bluejoint, tufted hairgrass, mosses, alpine azalea, wood rush, mountain~
avens, bistort, low-growing willows, dwarf birch, L~brador tea, green alder,
Lapland rosebay, blueberry and mountain cranberry.
HIGH BRUSH: These are dense to open deciduous brush systems. Floodplain
thickets: The subsystem is similar from the rivers of the southern coastal
areas to the broad-braided rivers north of the Brooks Range. It develops
ouickly on newly exposed alluvial deposits that are periodically flooded.
The dominant shrubs are willows and alders. Associated shrubs are dogwood,
prickly rose, raspberry, buffaloberry and high bush cranberry. Birch-alder-
willow thickets: This subsystem is found near timberline in interior Alaska.
It consists of resin birch, American green aider, thinleaf alder and
several willow species. Thickets may be extremely dense, or open and
interspersed with reindeer lichens, low heath type shrubs, or oatches of
alpine tundra ecosystems. Other associated species are Sitka alder,
bearberry, crowberry, Labrador tea, spirea, blueberry and mountain
cranberry.
UPLAND SPRUCE-HARDWOOD FOREST: This ecosystem is a fairly dense interior forest
composed of white spruce, birch, aspen and poplar. Black spruce typically
grows on north slopes and poorly drained flat areas. Root depths are shallow.
Fire scars are common. White spruce averaging 40 to 80 feet in height
and up to 16 inches in diameter occurs in mixed stands on south facing slopes
and well drained soils; forms pure stands near streams. Aspen and birch
average 50 feet in height. Poplar averaging 80 feet in height and 24 inches
in diameter occurs in scattered stands a long streams. Unaergrowt.~
consists of mosses with grasses on drier sites anc with brush on moist slopes.
Typical plants-are willow, alder, ferns, rose, high and low bush cranberry,
raspberry, current and horsetail.
LOWLAND SPRUCE-HARDWOOD FOREST: This ecosystem is a dense to open interior lowland
forest of evergreen and deciduous trees, including extensive pure stands
of black spruce. Black spruce are slow growing and seldom exceed 8 inches
in diameter or 50 feet in height. Cones of this tree open after fire and
soread abundant seed, enabling black spruce to quickly invade burned areas.
The slow-growing stunted tamarack is associated with black spruce in the
wet lowlands. It seldom reaches a diameter of more than 6 incnes.
Rolling basins and knolls in the lowlands have a varied mixture of white
spruce, black spruce, paper birch, aspen and poplar. Small bogs and
muskegs are found in the depressions. Undergrowth species include willow,
dwarf birch, low bush cranberry, blueberry, Labrador tea, crowberry, bear-
berry, cottongrass, ferns, horsetail, lichens and a thick cover crl' sphagnum
and other mosses. Large areas burned since 1900 are covered by willow brush
and very dense black spruce sapling stands.
AFTER: Major Ecosystems of Alaska. Joint Federal-State Land Use Planning
Commission for Alaska. July 1973.
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Museum Archeology
University of Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
Geologica 1 Unit: Number: ___ _
SUSITNA HYDROPOWER PROJECT
UNIT EVALUATION FORM
This form is intended to insure that four kinds of data for each unit are recorded. These
data will guide additional survey, the development of strata for 1981 sampling, evaluation of
areas that may need no further work, and document areas surveyed and tested on-the-ground. If
supplementary information to this form is included in fieldnotes, please note this on the form
along with your name{s) and field book page number{s).
I. A field comparison of the geological/morphological unit and its definition (given on the
back of this form) is needed. The field description of the unit should include the uniformity
and variability of surface morphology. The information which you record will be used to
compare this unit with other units to determine similarity and aid in the development of
strata for sampling:
a. Describe the surface morphology noting topographic features, drainage, soils, variation
in surface slope, etc.
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Geological Unit: ______ _
Number: ______ _
b. What, if any, are the discrepancies between the definition of the unit (based on air
photo interpretation) and the field observation of the unit? Would you characterize
the total area as a single unit based on the homogeneity of surface morphology?
II. Identify areas within the unit that potentially may be eliminated from further archeo-
logical survey. Please provide objective criteria in your evaluation such as: 1) areas
where testing is not feasible using standard archeological field techniques (areas of
standing water, talus rubble); 2) areas where the substrata have been removed by natural
erosion (indicate whether these areas have been surface examined for archeological
materials); and 3) overly steep slopes. This would include slopes of greater than 15° to
horizontal which you deem unlikely for site occurrence (describe and measure slope angle) .
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Geological Unit: _____ _
Number: _____ _
III. Identify locales within the unit which may have high archeological potential, based on
known site locales from other areas and your field experience, including overlooks, river
terrace and bluff edges, lake and stream margins, etc. Describe the location, extent,
salient features, and tests (if applicable) for these locales, record these locations on
USGS maps.
IV. Locate on maps where the survey team actually went on-the-ground, and location, number,
size, and depth of test pits excavated and natural exposures examined. Describe the
topographic setting, and relation to other physical features, such as lakes, streams, rivers,
bluff, edges, nearby hills, elevation, etc., for sterile test pits.
NAMES OF FIELD TEAM: (include relevant pages in fieldbook)
----------------Date ____ _ ________ ~Date _____ _
---------------Date ____ _ _ ________ Date ____ _
_______________ Date ____ __ _ _______ O.ate ____ _
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DEFINITIONS OF GEOLOGICAL UNITS
G~ Glacial L= Late Glacial R=Recent M=~odern
b. Surfaces mapped as "b" are sloping bedrock surfaces that formed the
valley walls of glacial troughs. In most cases slopes are very steep, and
usually bedrock is exposed directly underneath the thin recent soil mantle.
In some places patchy thin drift may be present within the boundaries of areas
mapped with the subscript "b". This unit commonly grades both upward and
downward in elevation to rock slopes above the glacial trough (r) or to drift
mantle slopes (d, d/b). Minor windblown sedimentation and solifl.uction processes
have occurred, but in most cases the glacial trough is relatively unmodified.
d. Surfaces mapped as "d" include those areas thickly mantled with
glacial drift. Relief is generally very low and the unit can have a monotonous
gradually sloping undulating expression. Drainage is typically poor, with
small ponds forming in a few places. The surface character is controlled
largely by the varying thickness and composition of the till mantle. Most of
the sediment underlying the surfaces mapped "d" is probably stony, clayey, dense
till, which may be overlain by a thin gravel cap.
d/b. Surfacesmapped as "d/b" are underlain by thin or patchy drift which
overlies bedrock. Both ice-scoured bedrock and a mantle of poorly drained
drift can occur locally. The topographic relief is usually lower than "r"
surfaces because the drift fills in the original depressions. It is higher
than "d" surfaces because the surface irregularities are not completely masked
by a drift mantle. Locally, this unit can be well drained (as in the gravelly
areas), but usually well drained bedrock areas are randomly interspersed with
poorly drained drift areas. Minor areas of subdued morainal topography can be
present locally.
m. Surfaces mapped as "m" are underlain by hummocky irregular, commonly
gravelly drift which extends to some depth. The surface expression is morainal.
Topographic relief is generally less than 100 feet, but numerous chaotic small
ridges (morainal) or isolated mounds (kames) typically less than 100' relief
may be present .. In most areas, the surfaces mapped as "m" are well drained and
gravelly. Small lakes are commonly present, and large irregular poorly drained
areas may be present as well. Very little morainal topography is present west
of the Watana Oam Site. Extensive areas near the Tyone River, although morainal
in form (m), are more subdued and poorly drained, possibly because they are
partly buried by eolian sediments.
m2. Surfaces mapped as "m2" are similar to "m" surfaces and grade directly
into them. They are, however, more irregular in form, with more prominent
ridges, and better drained topography. ln the vicinity of Tsisi Creek and the
Oshetna River, "m2" surfaces include some prominent valley lateral moraines.
v. Surfaces mapped as "v" include all bedrock surfaces that were formed
by recent incision of tributaries and the Susitna River. The surfaces are very
steep, commonly gullied, and are still commonly in the process of being eroded.
The country between "v" surfaces and the next higher surface is usua 11 y sharp.
"v" surface also includes some colluvium, small talus cones, and a few possible
1 ands 1i des.
a. Surfaces mapped as "a" include all alluvium of modern or relatively
recent age. The alluvium is generally well drained and vegetation covered,
especially in the Susitna Canyon. Alluvium in the tributaries may contain
minor colluvial debris and some fine material, but along the Susitna and Chulitna River
"a" is indistinguishable from outwash. The alluvium is derived largely from reworked
outwash, hence the similarity. The contact between alluvium (a) and steep gullied slopes
(v) is usually abrupt, but difficult to map because of the narrow outcrop pattern.
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ALASKA HERITAGE RESOURCES SITE SURVEY FORM (ARCHEOLOGY)
(Attach continuation sheets as needed.)
RECORDER:
OH&A 5/76 Page 1
1. Name(s)_, __________________ 2. Date _____ _
3. Address _____________________________ _
4. Project. _________________ 5. Pennit Number ___ _
SITE REFERENCE/LOCATION:
1. Ftel'd Desjgnation __________ 2. (AHRS) Designation ___ _
3. Name(s} of Site ______________________ ___
4. Map Name. ______________ , Map Scale _______ _
5. Latitude __ Deg. __ Min. __ Sec./Longitude __ Deg. __ Min. __ Sec. __
6. Legal Description. ______________________ ___
7. Aerial Photo Reference __________ • Photo Scale _____ _
8. UTM Grid Reference ______________________ _
9. Bibliographic References (manuscripts, etc.) ------------
LAND USE CONDITIONS:
1. Present Land Use _______________________ _
2. Recent Surface Modifications __________________ _
3. Natural Erosion: Kind. ____________ Extent ______ _
4. Vandalism: No_ Yes_; Heavy_ Medium ___ Light_
5. Past Surface Modifications. ___________________ _
6. Future Surface \lodifications. __________________ _
7. Property Owner/Manager ____________________ _
ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION:
1. Vegetation at Site
2. Surrounding Vegetation
3. Topography at Site
4. Surrounding Topography
5. Geology (surface/bedrock)_
6. Nearest Water to Site: Distance Direction ____ Type ____ _
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ALASKA HERITAGE RESOURCES SITE SURVEY FORM (ARCHEOLOGY) OH&A 5/76 Page 2
(Attach continuation sheets as needed.) Site Reference
From Page 1 ------
SOIL MATRIX:
1. Thickness (sod) ______ , (soil) _____ , Description _____ _
3. Samples Taken: ~o __ Yes __ ; Number/Description __________ _
l. Field Book(s) _____________ .Pages _________ _
2. Photographs Taken: B&W __ Color Slides __ Color Prints , Description of
Subject(s) _________________________ _
ARCHAEOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS/DATA COLLECTED:
1. Estimated Extent of Site (use sketch map) _____________ _
2. Number of Cultural Components __________________ _
Stratigraphy: No __ Yes (attach profile) 3.
4. Number of Test Pits Dug __ (indicate their relative positions on sketch map)
5. Organic Preservation: No __ Yes __ ; Good __ Moderate __ Poor
6. Faunal: No Yes __ ; Description (ID) ______________ _
7. Human Remains: No __ ve·s __ ; Description _____________ _
8. Charcoal: No Yes __ Collected __ ; Description/Provenience _____ _
9. Other Features _________________________ _
10. Artifacts: No __ Yes __ Co 11 ected __ ; Description _________ _
11. Repository _________________________________ _
SKETCH MAP ATTACHED:
1. Indicate North, give scale, provide appropriate labels, and include landmarks.
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APPENDIX E ·
MAPS Of SITE LOCATIONS AND SURVEY LOCALES
A number of federal laws, as well as ethical considerations, mandate that
site locational data not be released to the general public if there is a
possibility the release of this proprietary data could create a risk of
harm to such resources. The specific laws and ethical standards concerning
the confidentiality of such data are summarized below:
(a) The National Historic Preservation Act, 1966 (Public Law 89-665),
Title I, sec. 101, (a)4. Information relating to the location of
sites or objects listed on, or eligible for, inclusion in the National
Register, should be withheld from the general public if it would
create a risk of destruction or harm to such sites or objects.
(b) Procedures of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, 36 CFR 800~
Part 800.15{ a). _Information concerning the undertaking and effects
of sites on or eligible for the National Register, should be made
available to the general public within the limits of the Freedom of
Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), but need not include information on
budget, financial, personnel and other proprietary matters~ or the
J specific location of archaeological sites.
·-
(c) Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 {Public Law 96-95),
Section 9(a). Information concerning the nature and location of any
archeological resource for which the excavation or removal requires a
permit or other permission under this Act or under any other provision
of Federal Law, may not be made available to the public unless the
federal land manager concerned detehnines that such disclosure would
not create a risk of harm to such resources or to the sites at which
such resources are located.
(d) Code of Ethics and Standards of Performance for the Society of Professional
Archeologists~ Sec. III, 3.2. An archeologist shall not reveal
confidential information unless required by law.
327
l '
......
[
t .
!
,..,_, .......
Because of the possibility that cultural resources in the Upper Susitna
Basin could be damaged if their locations were made available to the
general public, this appendix is not being distributed.
Although township, range, and section locational data for cultural resources
is presented in the text of this annual report, it is felt that due to
th1e nature of this type of description disclosure wi 11 not create any
risk of harm to cultural resources.
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Figure 99.
Location of survey locales , Talkeetna Mts. D-5 .
328
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Figure 100.
Location of survey locales and archeological si_tes, Talkeetna Mts. D-4.
329
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Figu re 101 .
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Location of survey locales and archeological sites, Talkeetna Mts. D-3.
330
'
Figure 102.
Location of survey locales, Talkeetna Mts. D-2.
331
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·'· \
.. k··
Figure 103 .
Location of survey locales, Talkeetna Mts. C-2.
332
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\.
/
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Figure 104.
.,
c .. ... ... a
0
.J ;c.
. ·-
Location of survey locales and archeological sites, Talkeetna Mts . C-1.
333
c.
Proposed Access Road ------0..1
(Corridor 3)
Deadman Lake
Healy A-3 Fairbanks Meridian
T.22S R.4W Sec.13
Big Lake
UA80-252 ~(TLM 054)
UA80-254
(TLM 056)N
~
UA80-255
(TLM 057)
Scale 1:63,360
Kilometers
Contour Interval 100 feet
I I
L
Talkeetna Mts.0-3
T.22S R.3W Sec.
Fairbanks Meridian
30
o 1 2 3
Proposed Access Road--~~
(Corridor 3)
Fi gu re 105.
N
Scale 1:63,360
o 1 2 3
I t I ,
Kilometers
Contour Interval 100 feet
Healy A-2 Fairbanks Meridian
T.20S R.2w Sec.14 &23
Location of sites UA80-252 (TU1 054).UA80-253 (TUl 055),UA80-254
(TU1 056)and UA80-255 (TU1 057).
334
{-
Surface Reconnaissance ----------
a
I
.5
I
1
I
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 1 Boundary ---
Subsurface Test --.--......-.-
KILOMETERS
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna MtS.D-5
T.32N R.IE SE Sec.1
T.32N R.2E SW Sec.6
T.31N R.2E NW Sec 7
Fi gure 106.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 1.
335
100
L
[
r
Surface Reconnaissance
200
I I
METERS
Contour Interval:
300
I
100 ft
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
Survey Locale 2 Boundary
Marsh
--.--.--.--
LZ
---
Talkeetna Mts.
T.32N R.2E SE
D-5
Sec.33
Figure 107.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 2.
336
r
L
\.
Contour less than 100 ft...
Surface Reconnaissance -----------
Subsurface Test --.--e--.__
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 4 Boundary _
Fi gure 108.
a 100 200 300 400
I I I I I
METERS
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.D-5
T.32N R.2E
E 1/2 of SE 1/4 of Sec.35
W 1/2 of SW 1/4 of Sec.36
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 4.
337
-
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i.../r-
l.
a
I
_2
I
KILOMETERS
.4
I
Surface Reconnaissance Contour Interval:100 ft.
Subsurface Test Talkeetna Mts.0-5
T.31N R.2E NW 1/4 of Sec.2
Helicoptex Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 4a Boundary - - -
Fi gu re 109.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 4a.
338
L
(.
I
N
~
a
I
.5
I
KILOMETERS
1
J
Surface Reconnaissance -----------
Subsurface Test
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Ta!keetna Mts.0-4,D-5
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ T.32N P..2E
T.3lN R.2E
S 1/2 of Sec.36
N 1/2 of Sec.1
Survey Locale 5 BOWldary---
Figure 110.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 5.
339
~.,
L.
r'I
L
r
----
Recent Trash
0
0
II)-/r
a JOo fOO 300
I I
METERS
Surface Reconnaissance Contour Interval:100 ft.
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
--.,--e--.--
LZ
Talkeetna Mts.D-4
T.31N R.3E SE 1/4 0=Sec.13
'--'
Survey Locale 6 Boundary - - -
Fi gure 111.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 6.
340
-----
--/._".-.-.......----
1500
~---,.,.,.-----.....~
I -----:-;;;;;;;;;:==::--------I ............---:lI_J.__....;::::;;::;;:~----------J...........--------';:
.....-
.---
·~"I
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r
L
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a
I
100
I
200
I
METERS
Surface Reconnaissance Contour Interval:100 ft.
Subsurface Test --.--.--.--Talkeetna Mts.{)-4
Survey Locale 8 Boundary---
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ T-31N R.3£
NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of
Sec.21
Gravel Bar
Fi gure 112.
Surface reconnaissance and SUbsurface testing in survey locale 8.
341
Contour Interval:100 ft.
T -
l-'
r""'L
2000
Talkeetna Mts.D-4
T.31N R.3E
W 1/2 of SW 1/4 of Sec.14
E 1/2 of SE 1/4 of Sec.IS
Contour less than 100 ft -
Surface Reconnaissance -----------
Subsurface Test --.--0--.--
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Loca~e 9 Boundary - - -
Figure 113.
a
I
100
I
METERS
200
I
300
I
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 9.
342
N
l
300
I
200
J
METERS
100
I
a
I
~
~
\
\
\
\
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...........
.....
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\
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---._-----~
-'-~------
L
.",I
!l..,j
Surface Reconnaissance ------------
Subsurface Test --.--.--.--
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 10 Boundary---
Contour less than 100 ft .
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.0-4
T.3lN R.3E
SW 1/4 of Sec.23
Fi gu re 114.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 10.
343
-1500
LZ._---
UA80-141
(TLM 034)
'':':~;:.:o.,:,•••".,.....
Surface Reconnaissance
100
I
METERS
:WO
I
~
N
l
·300
I
Survey Locale 11 Boundary---
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
Gravel Bar
LZ
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.D-4
T.31N R.4E
m~1/4 of Sec.21
Figure 115.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 11.
344
/,..,
-1500
".,------I
l.-'
n /tJ
r
Surface Reconnaissance
..---,
"\~--......-\
I ",'"L'...-~..:;:.-,.,.
LZ
a
I
KILOMETERS
.5
I
Subsurface Test --.--.--.--Contour Interval:100 ft.
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 12 Boundary _
Gravel Bar
Talkee tna Mts.D-4
T.31N R.4E
SW 1/4 of SW 1/4 of Sec.21
SE 1/4 of SE 1/4 of Sec.20
NW 1/4 of NW 1/4 of Sec.28
Figure 116.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 12.
345
I,-
,..-.......
/
o
I
.5
I
KILOMETERS
N
l
1
I
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
--.--e--e--
LZ
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.D-4
T.31N R.4E Sec.15 &16
Sllrvey Locale 13 Boundary ---
Gravel Bar
Fi gure 117.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 13.
346
9L....-·...L-[t
~
N
l
;-~.....,./
---.
.".",-/
L
KILOMETERS
Surface Reconnaissance Contour Interval:100 ft.
Survey Locale 14 Boundary ---
Subsurface Test --e--e--e--Talkeetna Mts.D-4
T.31N R.4E
NE 1/4 of Sec.3
NW 1/4 of Sec.2
Gravel Bar
Fi gure 118.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 14.
347
I "-.
,"
,"....,
1
L
C
1
i
100
I
200
I
METERS
N
~
300
I
Surface Reconnaissance -----------Contour Interval:100 ft.
Survey Locale 15 Boundary _
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
__e __•_
LZ
Talkeetna Mts.D-4
T.32N RAE
NE 1/4 of NE 1/4 of Sec.36
T.32N R.5E
NW 1/4 of Sec.3l
GJ~avel Bar
Fi gure 119.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 15.
348
\
N
300
I
VZTERS
200 0
100 200
I ra
I
---._----L
[
Surface Reconnaissance Contour Interval:100 ft.
Subsurface Test Talkeetna Mts.0-4
T.32N R.SE Sec.31
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 16 Boundary _
Gravel Bar
Fi gure 120.
....Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 16 .
349
[
~-.
Contour less than 100 ft...
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 17 Boundary---
Gl~avel Bar
Figure 121.
100 200 300 400
I I I j
METERS
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.0-4
T.32N R.5E
NE 1/4 of NE 1/4 of Sec.33
-NW 1/4 of NW 1/4 of Sec.34
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 17.
350
r-~
I
L (
[r
rt \.-,\
Surface Reconnaissance
,..;1
"~-.
..-1---,••_ -e_- __._,
."
0,-1 t_0_0 2.l..10_0 ---I
N
l
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
--.--.--.--
LZ
METERS
Contour Interval:100 Ft.
Survey Locale 18 Boundary ---
Gravel Bar
Talkeetna Mts.D-3
T.32~R.SS SW 1/4 Sec.25
Fi gure 122.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 18.
351
j
L
,~
I
L
/
--
/
/
2000
a
I
I
I
100
J
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I
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._-----
\
I
I
J
I
J
J
I,
/
/
./
200
I
N
l
300
I
Contour less than 100 ft.METERS
Surface Reconnaissance Contour Interval:100 ft.
1/4
1/4
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
Survey Locale 19 Boundary
--.--.--.--
LZ
---
Fi gure 123.
Talkeetna Mts.
T.32N R.6E
NW 1/4 of NE
SW 1/4 of SE
D-3
of Sec.
of Sec.
31
30
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 19.
352
{LZ
\fI\1
1,--_
I
/
/
/1
/1 ~---/"
//
/
-
I
\
\
"/
I'
L-i
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
0 tOO 200 300
I I t
.....----------METERS
--.--.--.--Contour Interval:100 ft .
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 20 Boundary---
Talkeetna Mts.D-3
T.32N R.6E
SE 1/4 of SW 1/4 of Sec.28
Figure 124.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 20.
353
[
a
I
100
I
200
I
METERS
300
I
400
I
Surface Reconnaissance Contour Interval:100 ft.
Subsurface Test --0--0--1--
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 20a Boundar;---
Gravel Bar
Talkeetna Mts.D-3
T.32N R.bE
SE 1/4 Sec.28
Figure 125.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 20a.
354
N
l
200
I
100
I
a
I
".\
I
II \I"\I )•,'.-.-../\.\
,.\.,".-........./~----"".......--,
~_~.-1/
I,I
METERS
D-3
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Tes.t
Helicopter Landing Zone
--.--.--.--
LZ
Contour Interval:
Talkeetna Mts.
T.32N R.6E
NW 1/4 Sec.27
100 ft.
Survey Locale 21 Boundary---
Gravel Bar
Figure 126.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 11.
355
i _
•..-J
Surface Reconnaissance -----------a .5 1
I I I
Subsurface Test --.--.--.--KILOMETERS
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ Contour Interval:100 ft.
Survey Locale 22 Bcundary ___Talkeetna Mts.D-3
T.32N ~.6E S~c.25
Recent Hunting Camp &Cache ~
Marsh
Fi gure 127.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 22.
356
Surface Reconnaissance
a
I
200
I
METERS
400
I
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
--.--.--.--
LZ
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.0-3
T.32N R.7E w 1/2 Sec.19
Survey Locale 23 Boundary ---
Contour less than 100 ft ....,....-.
Fi gure 128.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 23.
357
I',
L
r
~
N
l
a
I
Surface Reconnaissance
.5
t
KILOMETERS
Contour Interval:100 ft.
1
I
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
--e--.--e--
LZ
Talkeetna Mts.0-3
T.32N R.7E Sec.17
Survey Locale 24 Boundary _
Gravel Bar
Fi gure 129.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 24.
358
~.
--'"
c tee\{
\a na'II a
a 100 200 300
I I I I
METERS
I'0 1
{ I
I i
I '
I "I '.
I \
I I,.
I LZ _:::.'
I "
{
I
f
\"
L
Surface Reconnaissance Contour Interval:100 ft.
Subsurface Test --0--0--0--
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 25 Boundary _
Talkeetna Mts.0-3
T.32N R.7E
NE 1/4 Sec.8
NW 1/4 Sec.9
Contour Less Than 100 ft .
Fi gure 130.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 25.
359
,,
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o
o
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200 400
I I
600
I
Surface Reconnaissance -----------
Subsurface Test --.--.--.--
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 26 Boundary ---
Figure 131.
METERS
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.D-3 T.33N R.7E
SW 1/4 Sec.34
SE 1/4 Sec.33
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 26.
360
N
l
I
-...I .,.."-400
1
"\
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--..;.;--
a
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...
()...
ell~.~UA80-155
7:'(.~~:"j.-----._.(TLM 048)
,-..i:.-~......-..._,.......
1980 ,-
Field Camp \
....
,
.......ILZ
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,
....
I
I
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..-
I
':--..._....~--c-- -----------~
creek ~
,,
Cabin
r
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METERS
Surface Reconnaissance -----------
Subsurface Test --.--.--.--
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 27 Boundary _
Contour less than 100 ft .
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.0-3
T.32N R.7E Sec.29
Fi gure 132.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 27.
361
,-.-~2000
a .5 1
I I I
KILOMETERS
Surface Reconnaissance -----------Contour Interval:100 ft.
Subsurface Test --.--...-----Talkeetna Mts.D-3
T.32N R.7E S 1/2 Sec.35
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ T.32N R.7E SW 1/4 Sec.36
T.31N R.7E NE 1/4 of NE 1/4 Sec.2
,r:."-;;Survey Locale 28 Boundary ___T.31N R.7E NW 1/,4 of NW 1/4 Sec.1
Figure 133.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 28.
362
300
I
200
I
____--UA80-15 7
(TLM 050)
o
I
_._-....
,-
\.
\.
L ~
METERS
Surface Reconnaissance Contour Interval:100 ft.
Subsurface Test --0 --.--.--
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 29 Boundary _
Marsh
Gravel Bar
Talkeetna Mts.D-3
T_31N R.7E
SE 1/4 of SE 1/4 of Sec_2
NE 1/4 of NE 1/4 of Sec.11
NW 1/4 of NW 1/4 of Sec.12
SW 1/4 of SW 1/4 of Sec.1
Figure 134.
Surface reconnaissance and sUbsurface testing in survey locale 29.
363
f -
'~
----
UA80-147 --"""
(TLM 040)
o
I
100
I
METERS
200
I
300
J
Surface Reconnaissance Contour Interval:100 ft.
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
__fl __•__•__
LZ
Talkeetna Mts.D-3
T.31N R.7E
SW 1/4 of SW 1/4 Sec.1
SE 1/4 of SE 1/4 Sec.2
Survey Locale 29a Boundary ---
Gz'avel Bar
Fi gure 135.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 29a.
364
II '
f .
o
I
300
I
METERS
600
I
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test --.--.--.--
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 30 Boundary ---
Figure ]36.
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.D-3
T.31N R.8E
W 1/2 Sec.5 I Sec.6
N 1/2 Sec.7 I NW 1/4 Sec.8 .
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 30.
365
(
./IIIliIL......
\L;
[
("
-'-----
~-------'
N
Survey Locale 30 Boundary _
a
I
200
I
METERS
400
I
600
I
Surface Reconnaissance -----------Contour Interval:100 ft.
Subsurface Test --.--.--.--Talkeetna Mts.0-2
T.31N R8E,NE 1/4 Sec.5
Fi gu re 137.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 30.
366
,
"""""
,-
,
•..1
(,
~
N
l
~2700
UA80-153 -~--:7'
(TLM 046),/
-;;'
."
,
........
Survey Locale 30 Boundary---
o
I
200
I
METERS
400
I
600
I
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
Water
Figure 138.
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.D-2
T.31N R.8E,N 1/2 Sec.4
T.32N R.8E,S 1/2 Sec.33
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 30.
367
..•..
......-......
..................
'0 __••_0 ...............
2000
'----UA80-BO
(TLM.033)\,
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100
I
200
I
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 31 Boundary---
Con tour less than 100 ft.. .
t1arsh ~~:.u.
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
--•__e __
METERS
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.0-3.0-2
SW 1/4 Sec.8
Figure 139.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 31.
368
'll,~
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"~
"\ I~\
/...l'\
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/f r I "f I 1rII
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././--..--
I ./.,.-
1/~
/./~~-~.....~.........--~
a
I
100
I
200
I
t1ETERS
--.--.--.--
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
Survey Locale 31 Boundary
Marsh
---
Contour Interval:100
Talkeetna Mts.D-2
T.31N R.BE
SW 1/4 of SE 1/4 Sec.B
ft.
Fi gu re 140.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 31.
369
,.,
I \
I I
I
Ir
I
I
J
I
1
1
1
.1-~-----
•'.
'.
--\----------;:-----..,--------::,....------":",-------------,....-------.....,.,--~. \""......•.....---2000 ____
.".'.,,..._..~-....'-......."\'.~~""",,,"-,.
".~......,'"....
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~,._400_....__.··......
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\
I ......-.:.:,,{
--r"/........~/""I
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I
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I
L,
I"
lJ
r--
METERS
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test --.--.--.--
a
I
100
I
200
I
300
I
Contour Interval:Helicopter Landing Zone
Survey Locale 31a Boundary
Contour less than 100 ft.
LZ
---Talkeetna Mts.
T.31~R.7E
SE 1/4 Sec_12
D-3
100 ft.
Marsh
Figure 141.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 31a.
370
<.
----..
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
o
I
200
[
METERS
300
I
N
400
J
Survey Locale 32 Boundary _Contour I~terval:100 ft.
9,SW 1/4 Sec.10
16,NW 1/4 Sec.15
Gravel Bar
Marsh
Talkeetna Mts.
T.31N R.8:=:
SE 1/4 Sec.
NE 1/4 Sec.
D-2
Figure 142.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 32.
371
!
L.
(-
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test -----.--.---
o
I
100
I
METERS
200
I
N
~
300,
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ Contour Interval:100 ft.
Survey Locale 33 Boundary ---
Contour less than 100 ft.
Gravel Bar
Fi gure 143.
Talkeetna Mts.
T.31N R.SE
NW 1/4 Sec~13
D-2
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 33.
372
I r---"'.
j
l ...
,~
L
of -
Surface Reconnaissance -----------a 200 400 600 800
I I I I I
Subsurface Test --.--.--.--METERS
Helicopter Landing ZOne LZ Contour Interval:100 ft.
Survey Locale 34 Boundary _
contour less than 100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.
T.30N R.9E
NE 1/4 Sec.1
C-2
Marsh
Fi gure 144.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 34.
373
Surface Reconnaissance
o
I
1
1
KILOMETERS
2
J
Subsurface Test
Survey Locale 35 Boundary ---
Gr~vel Bar [2~~1
Contour Interval:100 Ft.
Talkeetna Mts.C-2
T.31N R.IOE
SW 1/4 Sec.31
Fi gure 145.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 35.
374
(~
\
I..#
o
I
200
I
300
I
400
I
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
Survey Locale 36 Boundary ---
METERS
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.C-2
T.30N R.IOE
NW 1/4 Sec.7
Marsh
Figure 146.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 36.
375
-----,,,"~
/'""I '
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/\
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\.
L.-,
o
I
100 200
I I
300 400
I I
METERS
Surface Reconnaissance Co~to~r Interval:100 Ft.
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Talkeetna Mts.C-2
T.30N R.IOE
SW 1/4 Sec.5,SE 1/4 Sec.6
Survey Locale 37 Boun dary ---
Fi gure 147.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 37.
376
N
l
----~----------
---------..",",
",,
/'"
./",
\
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I ":'~':':':::'-"'---.~_- "-_././..",/~\
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I
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........:I
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-r'
I
l.
o
I
100
I
200
I
Talkeetna Mts.C-2
T.30N R.IOE SW 1/4 Sec.9
Surface Reconnaissance -----------
Subsurface Test --.--.--.--
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 38 Boundary ---
Contour less than 100 ft .
Marsh ~.:uL ~
METERS
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Fi gure 148.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 38.
377
~
N
~)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
l _,I
I~
I
----2500
Surface Rconnaissance
a
I
200
I
METERS
400
I
600
I
Survey Locale 39 Boundary ---
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
__•__e __•__
LZ
Contour Interval:100 ft..
Talkeetna Mts.C-2
T.30N R.IOE
NW 1/4 Sec.16
Contour less than 100 ft.
Gravel Bar
Fi gure 149.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 39.
378
Iu
[
'.
veE CANYON
Surface Reconnaissance
o
I
200
I
METERS
400
I
600
1
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Con tour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.C-2
T.30N R.10E Sec.11
Survey Locale 40 Boundary ---
Figure 150.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 40.
379
\
I
r
\
I
I
I
)/
_.-------/I
,-,\
,20 00---
!.~
o
I
100
I
200
1
300
I
400
I
METERS
Talkeetna Mts.C-l
T.30N R.llE
SE 1/4 Sec.7,NE 1/4 Sec.
Su.rface Reconnaissance -----------
SWJsurface Test --.--.--.--
Helicopter landing Zone LZ
Su.rvey Locale 41 BOW1dary ---
Contour Interval:50 ft.
18
Fi gu re 151.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 41.
380
(~
L.
,.
o
I
200
I
METERS
400
I
\
600
I
\
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
--.--.--.,--
LZ
Contour Interval:50 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.C-l
T.30N R.llE
NE 1/4 of NW 1/4 Sec.17
Survey Locale 41a Boundary ---
Figure 152.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 41a.
381
....-
Surface Reconnaissance
o
I
200 400
I I
METERS
600
I
Survey Locale 43 Boundary ---
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Contour Interval:50 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.C-l
T.30N R.llE
E 1/2 Sec.29,W 1/2 Sec.28
Fi gure 153.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing for survey locale 43.
382
I'
a
I
100
I
HETERS
200
I
300
I
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test --.--'--0--
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 44 Boundary ---
____(northern ortionl
Figure 154.
Contour Interval:50 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.C-l
T.30N R.llE
SW 1/4 Sec.32
T.29N R.llE
NW 1/4 Sec.5
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing for survey locale 44.
383
,.
,.
,
I.....,
I
I
I
/1
./\
\
\
\
o
2500 --_I
G
I
100
I
METERS
200
I
300
I
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test --.--.--.--
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ .
Survey Locale 44 Boundary ---
(southern portion)
Fi gure 155.
Contour Interval:50 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.C-l
T.30N R.llE
SW 1/4 Sec.32
T.29N R.llE
NW 1/4 Sec.5
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 44.
384
o
I
200
I
METERS
400
I
N
l
600
J
Surface Reconnaissance Contour Interval:50 ft.
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
--......-.--.--
LZ
Talkeetna Mts.C-l
T.30N R.llE
E 1/2 Sec.32,N 1/2 Sec.33
Survey Locale 45 Boundary ---
(SW Portion)
Gravel Bar
t"i gure 156.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 45.
385
i;
'"
"il,_
Surface Reconnaissance
o
I
200
I
METERS
400
I
600
I
Subsurface Test --.--.--.-.....Contour Interval:50 ft.
Helicopter Landing Zone
Survey Locale 45 Boundary
(Eastern Portion)
Contour less than 50 ft.
Marsh
Gravel Bar
LZ
---
Talkeetna Mts.C-l
T.30N R.llE N 1/2 Sec.33
Fi gure 157.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 45.
386
I
I
\,,,
\
\\~
"~
(.
(~
i
'j
o
I
200
I
400
I
METERS
Surface Reconnaissance
Contour Interval:SO ft.
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 46 Boundary - - -
Survey Locale 47 Boundary
Talkeetna Mts.C-l
T.30N R.llE
SE 1/4 Sec.33,SW 1/4 Sec.34
T.29N R.llE
NE 1/4 Sec.4,NW 1/4 Sec.3
Fi gure 158.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testinQ in survey locales 46 and 47
387
.1
[
"---."-----'-r:----------------
o
I
100
I
200
I
METERS
300
I
400
I
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Contour Interval:SO ft.
Talkeetna Mts.C-l
T.29N R.llE
NW 1/4 Sec.2,NE 1/4 Sec.3
Survey Locale 48 Boundary -----
Marsh
Fi gure 159.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 48.
388
f'
I
l '"
-"'~....
f\
-
o
I
200
I
METERS
400
r
N
l
Surface Reconnaissance Contour Interval:50 ft.
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
--9-----.--
LZ
Talkeetna Mts.C-l
T.30N R.llE Sec.35
Survey Locale 49 Boundary ---
Figure 160.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 49.
389
..-
(--
I
L..-
N
~
o 200 400 600
I'--__.J..[LI__-oJI
METERS
Surface Reconnaissance
Contour Interval:50 ft.
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Talkeetna Mts.C-1
T.30N R.IlE
E 1/2 Sec.35,W 1/2 Sec.36
Survey Locale 50 BOLU1dary ---
Figure 161.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 50.
390
o
I
200
I
METERS
400
I
600
I
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test --e--.--e--
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Tal~eetna Mts.0-2
T.31N R.BE Sec.2
Survey Locale 51 Boundary _
Figure 162.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 51.
391
i
•t
'·...1
I .i .
I.~
,....,.
~3500
a
I
200
I
Meters
400
1
600
I
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing ZOne
---------.--
LZ
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.0-2
T.31N R.8E N 1/2 Sec.1
T.32N R.8E S 1/2 Sec.36
T.32N R.9E W 1/2 Sec.31
Survey Locale 51 Boundary ---
Fi gure 163.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 51.
392
300
r
200
!
100
I
o
L
I
I
I
I.,
LZ-----
1500
,
"""-.......-
,~
II
L~
C
~r"
Surface Reconnaissance METERS
Subsurface Test --.--.--.--Contour Interval:100 ft.
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Survey Locale 52 Boundary ---
Talkeetna Mts.0-5
T.31N R.1E N 1/2 Sec.2
T.32N R.1E 5 1/2 Sec.35
Figure 164.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 52.
393
o
I
1
I
KILOMETERS
2
I
Surface Reconnaissanc~Contour Interval:100 ft.
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Talkeetna Mts.0-5
T.32N R.1E Sec.24,Sec.25
T.32N R.2E Sec.19,Sec.30
Survey Locale 53 Boundary ---
Fi gu re 165.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 53.
394
LZ
...-_._---
""..,..,,-
\-',,\..-..'7 J/~.., ,_/':1filii'",...".",.....--..-:,~-::~",.'/.,'..---~
~,.'.-~....-.,.,.."..-.'.,..'.-.-~
~~,--.'~,..-,-....~
/./"'.-
/••.r /..,..•".'/.,.,,__~_o .'~
//".;,/,.'"
/./",.':~,:.........
/
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/J ..."
"/.•••I /.'
/
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/
..',,0.'
.,..J.'.;'~.~/-
~.,:.//
///..''",,/":"'/l;·······;,
';"';'-
-------.......-:-,....
o
I
.5
I
1
I
KILOMETERS
Surface Reconnaissance -----------Contour Interval:100 ft.
Subsurface Test __0--0--0--Talkeetna Mts.0-3
T.31N R.6E Sec.12
Helicopter Landing Zone
Survey Locale 54 Boundary
LZ
---
Contour less than 100 ft.
Fi gure 166.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in survey locale 54.
395
r .-
o
I
200
I
400
I
600
I
...,
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
METERS
Contour Interval;100 ft.
Survey Locale 55 Boundary ---
Helicopter Landing Zone
Contour less than 100 ft.
LZ Talkeetna Mts.0-3
T.32N R.7E NW 1/4 Sec.
T.32N R.oE SE 1/4 Sec.
31
25
Figure 167.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing of survey locale 55.
396
Contour less than 100 ft.
1
t
I
/
/
"
.5
I
I I
I :.I • I
r 0 I'I •I I ~I IltD'.I...~
i ,,'~• ,
:f I ~_.';....-"'._•
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---.-------------_.-
--.--.-----------
0--.---0--.-~:i,---,--_oE~-
0-o_~'---.---.- -
._~---_.__.--._------.--...------.--._--....---_.--------..-_....
••~,•I •••
iI
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(
(
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tiL I
-11£
a
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---
--,
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\
,
I IIIt.-••
"'.......
r.
Surface Reconnaissance KILOMETERS
Subsurface Test --.-----.--Contour Interval:100 ft.
Borrow A Boundary
Marsh
---Talkeetna Mts.0-4
T.31N R.SE
Sec.4,E 1/2 Sec.5
Water
Fi gure 168.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in Borrow A.
397
o
I
200
I
METERS
400
I
600
I
N
~
Surface Reconnaissance
Subs urface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
Borrow Area B Boundary
Gravel Bar
--.--...--.--
LZ
--
Fi gure 169.
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.0-3
T.32N R.SE
SW 1/4 Sec.26,SE 1/4 Sec.27
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in Borrow B.
398
300
J
200
I
METERS
100
I
o
l
~.,oo
r---
/-L----.-.--_.~.-
/T~ansect A ••:••
/.j.
/
••:,AH-D4 J,-
•"--AH-D2 \I)
I ...JI
/.~I en l
/en:
/
_.-._._.-.-._.-._.I • • •••
Transect B I /'."-.-AH-D3//I
,,/I r,
//I (
a_.-'-'---r---~
--{/
Watana
Camp
Seismic Line (SL)
i -
I,
I
l,.
\
!.
Talkeetna Mts.0-3
T.32N R.5E
E 1/2 Sec.26,W 1/2 Sec.27
60 Meter Wide Transect with
Subsurface Tests at 50 Meter
Intervals
Borrow D Boundary
(Western Portion)
Centaur Intcrv~l:100 ft.
Fi gure 170.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in Borrow D.
399
. i
N
l
-C
Seismic Line (SL)
----------+."I I
/~-ran~-:C~-;'-----·~--------_.--_._._.-:':'
••ID • ••/'..;~f'~-AH-04 /
I -02 \1)(
~I -II
-II ~I~I ITransectBr.--.-----,------;;:::----I .••,.-•..,,----:....-'-J---._-AH-O I
I
L.
........:-,
r~
(-.
METERS
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.0-3
T.3:;N R.5E E 1/2 Sec.26
60 Met~r wide Transect
Subsur£ac~T~sts at 50
Intervals
Borrow 0 Boundary
(Eastern Portion)
with
Meter _._e_
O
__
---
a
I
100
I
200
I
300
I
Figure 171.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in Borrow O.
400
,,
L
c
r
a
I
200
I
METERS
400
I
Seismic Line (SL)and
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
Borrow E Boundary
(Wes te rn Po rtion)
Fi gure 172.
Con tour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.0-4
T.32N R.4E Sec.35
....-Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in Borrow E.
401
,
l,
r
!
(TLM
-----
1500------
\
\ •.....---AH-E3..\:.~
.\
.\\Sl
\<'
a
I
200
l
METERS
400
I
N
l
Seismic Line (SL)and
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
Borrow E Boundary
(Eastern Portion)
Contour Interval:
Talkeetna Mts.0-4
~.32N R.4E Sec.36
100 ft.
Fi gure 173.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in Borrow E.
402
•,I ~I
I
I,-
;'
I NI
(l'\.--"'"•,
I
I
I
I
[
{'
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
Borrow F Boundary
a 200 400 600
I I I I
METERS
-----------Contour In terval:100 ft.
__e __•__•__Talkeetna Mts.D-4
T.32N R.SE---SW 1/4 Sec.15,SE 1/4 Sec.16
NE 1/4 Sec.21,NW 1/4 Sec.22
,'
Con tour less than 100 ft...
Fi gure 174.
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in Borrow F.
403
\,
i
II .,-,
Suspension
.,
U 200 400
1-1 --.Jt 1
METERS
Surface Reconnaissance Contour Interval:100 ft.
/~-.
Subsurface Test
Borrow G Boundary
_____a __e __
---
Fi gu re 175.
Talkeetna Mts.0-5
T.32N R.1E
SE 1/4 Sec.32,SW 1/4 Sec.33
Surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing in Borrow G.
404
,.-
l .
a
I
.5
I
KILOMETERS
N
~
1
I
surface Reconnaissance ---------Contour Interval:100 ft.
Subsurface Test
Gravel Bar
---------Talkeetna Mts.C-2
T.JON R.8E
i~~~;W 1/2 Sec.4,E 1/2 Sec.5
Fi gu re 176.
Site UA80-68 (TLM 021).
405
I.'
I
I
t
"
,
F
fttf!iJ'
~~
N
l
~
L~
[J
r.....
I,
r,.
2300
UA80-72
(TLM 025)
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test
Helicopter Landing Zone
-e--e----
LZ
o
I
.5
L
KILOMETERS
Contour Interval:100 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.0-3
T.JIN R6E
W 1/2 Sec.2,E 1/2 Sec.3
1
I
Figure 177.
Site UA80-72 (TLM 025)
406
.J
(,
a
1
100
I
200
I
300
I
400
I
500
I
Surface Reconnaissance
Subsurface Test --.--a--.--
Fi gu re 178.
METERS
Contour Interval:50 ft.
Talkeetna Mts.C-l
T.30N R.12E Sec.17
Site UA80-75 (TLM 028)
407
UA80-14o--~
(TLM 041)
c"
L
i,.
o
I
.5
I
1
I
KILOMETERS
Surface Reconnaissance -----------Contour Interval:100 ft.
Subsurface Test Talkeetna Mts.0-4
T.31N R.4E Sec.25
Helicopter Landing Zone LZ
Fi gu re 179.
Site UA80-148 (TLM 041)
408
,
.I
Reexcavated Tests
UA78-65
(TLM 015)
o 100
Meters
200
I
N
~
300
r
Lake
Fi gure 180.
Contour Interval:ca.1 meter
Talkeetna Mts 0-4
T.32N R.5E Sec.22
NEl/4 of NEl/4 of NEl/4
Site UA78-65 (TLM 015)
409
J
2400
600,
UA78-66
(TLM 016)
300
I
o
I
N
"
r~
i
l
I'
I
I
(.'
Meters
Contour Interval:100 feet
Lake
Talkeetna Mts.D-3
T.32N R.SE Sec.22
Fi gure 181.
Site UA78-66 (TLM 016)
410
.1
J
(
I
t
i J
,
(-.
o
I
100
I
200
I
Meters
]00
I
400
I
Contour Interval:100 feet
Talkeetna Mts.0-4
T.]2N R.5£
N£1/4 of SE 1/4 of S£1/4 Sec.]0
Fi gu re 182.
Site UA78-67 (TLM 017)
411
1
"
I
L
",
N
a 200 400
I I I
Meters
Contour Interval:100 feet
Talkeetna Mts.0-4
T.32N R.5E Sec.28
NE 1/4 of SW 1/4 of SW 1/4
Figure 183.
Site UA78-60 (TLM 018)
412