HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPA2714MAY 1985
DOCUMENT No.2714
VOLUMEE:
APPENDIX D (PART 1)
PROPERTY OF T
NAnONALPAR
CUltURAL RESO
.-....Al!SKA'E-----
CULTURAL RESOURCES
INVESTIGATIONS
1979-1985
'IOIHAL ENERGY REGULATO"Y COMMla.ION
PROJECT No.7 t t 4
SUSITNA
HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
IVERSITY OF ALASKA
:pC',r .:,":C:'.!c""I'""""S EU M
::!,.:~~ALASKA POWER AUTHORITY _-----'
Document No.2714
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SUSITRA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
CULTURAL RESOURCES INVESTIGATIONS
1979 -1985
VOLUME III
APPENDIX D (PART 1)
Report by
University of Alaska Museum
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-I
E.James Dixon,Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
William Andrefsky,Ph.D.
Archaeologist
Charles J.Utermohle,Ph.D.
Archaeologist
George S.Smith,M.A.
Project Supervisor
Becky M.Saleeby,Ph.D.
Archaeologi st
Prepared for
Alaska Power Authority
May 1985
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Appendix D-Historic and Archeological Sites Documented as Part of the
Cultural Resources Survey
ARLIS
L"b Alaska Resources
1 rary &InfonnatlOn Serv
An h .~ICescorage,Alaska
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Appendix 0 -Historic and Archeolgocial Sites Documented as Part of the
Cultural Resources Survey
0.1 -Introduction
Archeological fieldwork carried out between 1980 and 1984,in
conjunction with the Susitna Hydroelectric Project,resulted in the
recording and testing of 253 sites (including five previously known in
tlhe area)by University of Alaska Museum personnel.Reports for these
sites and 17 others,which are located in areas associated with project
features and facilities and documented in the Office of History and
Archaeology files,are presented herein.Site reports for the 18
historic and 252 prehistoric sites (26 with multiple loci)are arranged
il1 numerical order by their Alaska Heritage Resources Survey (AHRS)
number.Site designations beginning with TLM (those sites falling
w'ithin Talkeetna Mts.quadrangle)precede sites beginning with HEA
(Healy quadrangle),FAI (Fairbanks quadrangle),and TYO (Tyone
quadrangle).
Table D.1 provides an inventory of the historic/prehistoric status,
level of testing,and map references for all sites documented as part of
the cultural resources survey.Excluding the 17 sites recorded in the
Office of History and Archaeology,survey level testing was undertaken
at 190 of the sites,and systematic testing at 63 sites.A
determination of estimated site size,as presented in Table 0.2,was
made on the basis of this testing.The 182 survey locales defined and
examined in the course of fieldwork are listed in Table 0.3,along with
their associated sites.
References for the location of each site are presented as the heading of
each site report,as well as on tables 0.1 and 0.3.Survey locale or
site location maps and USGS quadangle maps on which the sites are
plotted appear in Appendix E.A verbal description of site location by
aliquot,latitude and longitude,and UTM designations is presented in
Appendix F.Both of these appendices are bound separately and,due to
0-1
the sensitive nature of the information presented,are restricted in
distribution.
The format for each site report differs depending on the level of
testing the site received.Sites documented only in the AHRS files,but
not visited or tested by University of Alaska Museum personnel,are
brief.They include only the locational references and a site
description based on the AHRS site report.Sites tested by Museum
personnel are described in more detail.Reports for sites that were
survey tested include locational references,sections on site setting
and testing,a site map,and a summary of all cultural material
collected.The setting section presents information on vegetation,
topography,and proximity of the site to streams,lakes,or rivers.The
testing section describes the number and placement of shovel tests and
test pits,as well as the cultural material collected from them.
The metric system is used for all measurements except those taken at
historic sites.Because stratigraphic information is I..lsually not
available for survey level sites,artifact proveniences in the summary
table are listed only as surface or subsurface,and are arranged in
sequential order by scatter,shovel test,or test pit number.Artifacts
found at each locus are presented separately in the artifact summary
table.
The reports for the 63 systematically tested sites are more
comprehensive and lengthy than survey level reports.Since fieldwork
and data collection were more intensive at systematically tested sites,
additional narrative sections,figures,and tables were required in
these reports.The narrative includes a discussion section in which the
stratigraphy,cultural components,and radiocarbon dating for the site
are described.Some site reports present more detailed discussions of
the lithic technology or faunal assemblage than others,when the data
warrant it.Interpretation of cultural affiliation,chronological
placement,and possible site activities are made in the evaluation
section of the narrative.Figures include a site map (or maps if there
are multiple site loci)and a composite profile of the stratigraphy.
Soil/sediment designations on the composite profile are site specific
0-2
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-
..-
and do not necessarily correspond to the regional geoarcheological
designations presented in Table 8.1 of this report.Each soil/sediment
unit is described in a table which immediately follows the composite
profile.Other tables which appear in the reports for systematically
tested sites are an artifact summary,an inventory of faunal material
(if present)by stratigraphic unit~and an inventory of lithic material
by stratigraphic unit.
In all tables,cultural remains are listed by frequency,not by weight.
Lithic specimens are described by raw material type and by morphological
classification,but only tools are referenced by catalogue number.
A,pproximate counts,i.e.,figures preceded by "ca .,"are occassionally
listed when the number of flakes runs into the hundreds or thousands.
Flakes less that 1/8 11 in size and flakes that were left uncollected on
surface exposures are listed separately in the lithic inventories.In
the case of the latter,raw material type is not listed as it could not
be verified in the laboratory.Cobbles or rock fragments are
inventoried in artifact summaries when these specimens clearly represent
material brought onto the site by human activity,and not deposited
natura lly.
In faunal tables,specimens are listed by count,taxa,and presence or
absence of burning.Approximate counts are sometimes given when the
bone fragment lot is very large.Whenever possible,specimens are
identified by skeletal element and by species.Specimens that are
unidentifiable on the species level are classified according to the next
higher level of identifiability,i.e.,genus,family,order,or class.
Fragments only identifiable as medium-large mammal indicate a range
comparable to animals the size of dog to a moose.The degree of burning
is described as either burned (slightly discolored),heavily burned
(charred),or calcined (white and chalky in appearance).Any cultural
modifications that may appear on a faunal specimen,such as butchery
marks or evidence of tool manufacture,are also listed in the faunal
tables .
0-3
The maps which accompany site reports were drafted differently depending
on the level of testing the site received,and the size of the site.In
most cases,survey level maps are free hand renditions,drawn only with
the aid of a compass.The north arrow on these maps indicates true
north.A transit and stadia rod were used in mapping large survey level
sites that were to be grid shovel tested and in mapping all
systematically tested sites.These maps are more accurate in
topographic detail than the free hand maps,and also indicate north by
both grid and magnetic north arrows.All test squares,test pits,and
shovel tests which produced artifacts are depicted on the site maps.
Culturally sterile shovel tests are also included,with the exception of
those that fall outside the boundaries of the site map.With few
exceptions,maps for all loci of a site are provided.Loci which
contain an isolated artifact are occasionally not mapped.
0-4
--
Tab 1e 0.1.
Historic/Prehistoric Status,Level of Testing,and Figure References
for Sites Documented as Part of Cultura 1 Resources Survey
AHRS
Number a
Leve 1 of
T ' bestlng
Survey
Locale
Number c
Survey
Locale or
Site Location
USGS
Map
Quad d Figure
TLM 005 (H)AHRS NA 0-6 E.19
TLM 006 (H)AHRS NA 0-6 E.19
TLM 007 (P)AHRS NA C-4 E.5
TLM 009 (P)AHRS NA C-1 E.8
TLM 015 (P)SU NA E.245 0-4 E.2
TLM 016 (P)SY NA E.244 0-3 E.3
TLM 017 (P)SY NA E.248 0-4 E.2
TLM 018 (P)SY NA E,249 0-4 E,2
11M 020 (H)SU NA 0-5 E,1
TLM 021 (P)SU NA E.48 C-2 E.7
TLM 022 (P)Sy E E.283 0-4 E,2
11M 023 (H)SU E E.283 0-4 E,2
TLM 024 (P)SU NA E.282 0-4 E,2
TLM 025 (P)SU NA E.49 0-3 E.3
If"',TLM 026 (P)SU 45 E.123 C-1 E,8
TLM 027 (P)SY 14 E,90 0-4 E.2
~TLM 028 (P)SU NA E.50 C-1 E.8
TLM 029 (P)SY 14 E,90 0-4 E.2
TLM 030 (P)Sy 13 E.89 0-4 E,2,-
TLM 031 (P)SU 30 E.107 0-3 E.3
11M 032 (P)SU 30 E.107 0-3 E.3
/"'"(P)TLM 033 SY 31 E.108 0-3 E.3
TLM 034 (P)SY 11 E.87 0-4 E.2-TLM 035 (P)SU NA E.283 0-4 E.2
0-5
Table 0.1.(Continued)
AHRS
Number a
Level of
Testing b
Survey
Locale
Number c ,
Survey
Locale or
Site Location
USGS
Map
Quad Figure -
TLM 036 (P)SU 30 E.107 0-2 E.4
TLM 037 (P)SU 30 E.I07 0-3 E.3
TLM 038 (P)SY 26 E.I02 0-3 E.3
TLM 039 (P)SY 27 E.I03 0-3 E.3
TLJVl 040 (P)SY 29 E.I05 0-3 E.3
TLM 041 (P)SU NA E.51 0-4 E.2
TLM 042 (P)SY 45 E.123 C-l E.8
~.
TLM 043 {P}SY 21 E.98 0-3 E.3
TLM 044 {P}SU 30 E.I07 0-2 E.4
TLM 045 {P}SU 30 E.I07 0-2 E.4
TLM 046 {P}SY 30 E.I07 0-2 E.4
TLM 047 (P)SU 34 E.111 C-2 E.7
TLM 048 (P)SY 27 E.I03 0-3 E.3
TLM 049 (P)SU 48 E.126 C-l E.8
TLM 050 (P)SY 29a E.I06 0-3 E.3
TLM 051 (P)SU 151 E.245 0-4 E.2 -TLM 052 (P)SU 51 E.129 0-2 E.4
TLM 053 {P}SU 51 E.130 0-2 E.4
TLM 054 {P}SU C E.276 0-4 E.2 ~,
TLM 055 (P)SY C E.277 0-4 E.2
TLM 056 (H)SU C E.277 0-4 E.2 ~
TLM 057 (P)SU NA E.52 0-3 E.3
TLM 058 (P)SY 21 E.98 0-3 E.3 ~"
TU1 059 (P)SY 69 E.145 0-3 E.3
TLM 060 (P)SY 68 E.144 0-3 E.3
TLM 061 (P)SY 68 E.144 0-3 E.3
TLM 062 (P)SY 78 E.152 0-3 E.3
0-6
.-Tab 1e 0.1.(Conti nued)
-
AHRS
Number a
Level of
Testing b
Survey
Locale
Number c
Survey
Locale or
Site Location
USGS
Map
Quad Figure
,!!I">,TLM 063 (P)SY 55 E.134 0-3 E.3
TLM 064 (P)SY 72 E.147 0-3 E.3
/~~TLM 065 (P)SY 85 E.159 0-2 E.4
TLM 066 (P)SU NA E.53 0-3 E..3
,...,.TLM 067 (P)SU NA E.54 B-1 E.I0
TLM 068 (P)SU NA E.55 C-4 E.5
TLM 069 (P)SY 91 E.164 0-2 L4
TLM 070 (P)SU NA E.55 C-4 E.5
TLM 071 (H)SU NA E.206 C-2 E.7
TLM 072 (P)SU 88 E.162 0-2 L4
TLM 073 (P)SY 103 E.174 C-l L8
~~TLM 074 (P)SU 107 E.I77 C-l L8
TLM 075 (P)SU 89 E.163 0-2 L4-TLM 076 (P)SU 107 LI77 C-l E.8
TLM 077 (P)SY 84 E.158 0-2 E.4
TLM 078 (P)SU C E.275 0-4 E.2-TLM 079 (H)E.ll0SU33 0-2 L4
TLM 080 (H)SU 55 E.134 0-3 E.3
,-......TLM 081 (P)SU C E.276 0-4 L2
TLM 082 (P)SU NA E.56 B-2 L9
."..TLM 083 (P)SU NA E.275 0-4 L2
TLM 084 (P)SU C E.275 0-4 E.2
TLM 085 (P)SU C L275 0-4 L2
~~
TLM 086 (P)SU C E.276 0-4 E.2
TLM 087 (P)SU C L275 0-4 E.2
TLM 088 (P)SU C E.276 0-4 E.2
TLM 089 (P)SU NA E.276 0-4 E.2
"'~
0-7
Table 0.1.{Continued}
AHRS
Number a
Level of
Testing b
Survey
Locale
Number c
Survey
Locale or
Site Location
USGS
Map
Quad Figure
TLM 090 {P}SU NA E.276 0-4 E.2
TLM 091 {P}SU NA E.277 0-4 E.2
TLM 092 (P)SU NA E.57 0-4 E.2
TLM 093 {P}SU NA E.57 0-4 E.2
TLM 094 {P}SU C E.275 0-4 E.2
(P)""""TLM 095 SU C C275 0-4 E.2
TLM 096 (P)SU C E.275 0-4 E.2
TLM 097 (P)SY C E.276 0-4 E.2
TLM 098 (P)SU NA E.58 0-3 E.3
TLM 099 {P}SU NA E.58 0-3 E.3
TLM 100 {P}SU NA E.59 C-2 E.7
TLM 101 {P}SU NA E.60 0-5 E.l
TLM 102 {P}SY 77 E.151 0-3 E.3
TLM 103 {P}SU NA E.60 0-5 E.l
TLM 104 (P)SY 22 E.99 0-3 E.3
TLM 105 {P}SU NA E.59 C-2 E.7
TLM 106 {P}SU NA E.61 0-4 E.2
TLM 107 {P}SU NA E.61 0-4 E.2
TLM 108 {P}SU NA E.62 0-4 E.2
TLM 109 {P}SU NA E.62 0-4 E.2
TLM 110 {P}SU NA E.62 0-4 E.2
TLM 111 {P}SU NA E.62 0-4 E.2
TLM 112 {P}SU NA E.62 0-4 E.2
TLM 113 {P}SU NA "!!I!\lE.60 0-5 E.l
TLM 114 {P}SU NA E.60 0-5 E.l
TLM 115 {P}SY 121 E.192 0-2 E.4
0-8
Table 0.1.(Continued)
AHRS
Number a
Level of
Testing b
Survey
Locale
Number c
Survey
Locale or
Site Location
USGS
Map
Quad Figure
TLM 116 (P)SU NA E.63 0-3 E.3
TLM 117 (P)SU NA E.58 0-3 E.3
~.TLM 118 (P)SU 111 E.181 0-5 E.1
TLM 119 (P)SY 118 E.189 0-3 E.3
1-TLM 120 (P)SU 116 E.186 0-3 E.3
TLM 121 (P)SU 116 E.186 0;..3 E.3
TLM 122 (P)SU 125 E.197 0-3 E.3
TLM 123 (P)SU 125 E.198 0-3 E.3
TLM 124 (P)SU 125 E.198 0-3 E.3
TLM 125 (P)SU 116 E.186 0-3 E.3
TLM 126 (P)SY 130 E.207 0-3 E.3
IPlAlllt TLM 127 (P)SU 116 E.187 0-3 E.3
TLM 128 (P)SY 127 E.201 0-2 E.4
!~TLM 129 (P)SU 125 E.198 0-3 E.3
TLM 130 (p)SY 125 E.198 0-3 E.3
TLM 131 (P)SU 125 E.198 0-3 E.3
TLM 132 (P)SU 116 E.186 0-3 E.3
TLM 133 (P)SU 125 E.198 0-3 E.3
TLM 134 (P)SU 127 E.201 0-2 E.4
TLM 135 (P)SU 127 E.201 0-2 E.4
~.TLM 136 (P)SU 127 E.200 0-2 E.4
TLM 137 (P)SU 153 E.248 0-4 E.2
l-TLfv1 138 (P)SU 127 E.200 0-2 E.4
TLM 139 (P)SU 127 E.200 0-2 E.4
T1LM 140 (P)SU 127 E.200 0-2 E.4
,,,,",
TtM 141 (P)SU 127 E.202 0-2 E.4
TLM 142 (P)SU 127 E.202 0-2 E.4
0-9
Table 0.1.(Continued)
~,
AHRS
Number a
Level of
Testingb
Survey
Locale
Number c
Survey
Locale or
Site Location
USGS
Map
Quad Figure
TLM 143 (P)SY 127 E.200 0-2 E.4
TLM 144 (P)SU 127 E.200 0-2 E.4
TLM 145 (P)SU 127 E.202 0-2 E.4
TLM 146 (p)SU 131 E.208 0-2 E.4
TLM 147 (P)SU 127 E.202 0-2 E.4
TLM 148 (P)SU 127 E.202 0-2 E.4
TLM 149 (P)SU 131 E.208 0-2 E.4
TLM 150 (P)SU 131 E.208 0-2 E.4
TLM 151 (P)SU 131 E.208 0-2 E.4
TLM 152 (P)SU 131 E.208 0-2 E.4
TLM 153 (P)SU NA E.63 0-3 E.3
TLM 154 (P)SU 131 E.208 0-2 E.4
TLM 155 (P)SU NA E.64 0-3 E.3
TLM 159 (P)SU 136 E.217 0-3 E.3 ~
TLM 160 (P)SU 151 E.245 0-4 E.2
TLM 164 (P)SU 151 E.245 0-4 E.2
TLM 165 (P)SU 153 E.249 0-4 E.2
TLM 166 (P)SU 153 E.249 0-4 E.2
TLM 167 (P)SU 153 E.248 0-4 E.2
TLM 168 (P)SU NA E.64 0-3 E.3
TLM 169 (P)Sy 144b E.233 0-3 E.3 ..
TLM 170 (P)SU 150 E.243 0-3 E.3
TLM 171 (p)SY 134 E.214 0-3 E.3
TlM 172 (P)SU 152 E.247 0-4 E.2
TLM 173 (P)SY 159 £.255 C-l E.8
TLM 174 (P)Sy 144a E.232 0-3 E.3
TLM 175 (P)SY 27 E.103 0-3 E.3
~
0-10
Table 0.1.(Continued)
AHRS
Number a
Level of
Testing b
Survey
Locale
Number c
Survey
Locale or
Site Location
USGS
Map
Quad Figure
L~11M 176 (P)SU F E.278 0-4 E.2
TLM 177 (P)SY 133 E.211 0-3 E.3
TLM 178 (H)SU 155 E.251 0-4 E.2
11M 179 (P)Su.129 E.205 C-2 E.7
*"""'"
11M 180 (P)SY 153 E.248 0-4 E.2
11M 181 (P)SU ."150·E.243 0-3 E.3
TLM 182 (P)SY 128 £.204 C-2 E.7
~~"'TLM 183 (P)SU 122 E.193 C-2 E.7
TLM 184 (p)SY 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
TLM 185 (p)SU 124 E.196 C-1 E.8
TLM 186 (P)SU 129 £.204 C-2 E.7
.-TLM 187 (P)SU 128 E.206 C-2 E.7
TLM 188 (P)SU F E.279 0-4 £.2
~~~TLM 189 (P)SU 124 E.195 C-1 E.8
TLM 190 (P)SU 124 E.195 C-1 E.8
TLM 191 (P)SU 150 E.243 0-3 E.3
TLM 192 (P)SU 152 E.247 0-4 E.2
TLM 193 (P)SU 150 E.243 0-3 E.3
TLM 194 (p)SY 80 E.154 0-2 E.4
TLM 195 (P)SU 142 £.228 0-3 E.3
.....TLM 196 (P)SU 123 £.194 C-1 £.8
TLM 197 (P)SU 150 £.243 0-3 E.3
,1i.fJ,~;TLM 198 (P)SU 141 £.227 0-3 £.3
TLM 199 (P)SY 22 E.99 0-3 £.3
1LM 200 (p)SY 22 E.99 0-3 E.3
:'"TLM 201 (P)SU C E.277 0-4 E.2
TLM 202 (P)SU F E.278 0-4 E.2
0-11
Table 0.1.(Continued)
-
AHRS
Number a
Level of
Testing b
Survey
Locale
Number c
Survey
Locale or
Site Location
USGS
Map
Quad Figure
TLM 203 (P)SU F E.278 0-4 E.2
TLM 204 (H)SU 157 E.253 C-2 E.7
TLM 205 (p)SU NA E.65 0-2 E.4
TLM 206 (P)SY 124 E.195 C-l E.8
TLM 207 (P)SY 124 E.195 C-l E.8
TLM 208 (P)SU NA E.66 C-3 E.6
TLM 209 (P)SU F E.277 0-4 E.2
~
TLM 210 (P)SU F E.277 0-4 E.2
TLM 211 (P)SU C E.277 0-4 E,2
TLM 212 (H)SU F E.279 0-4 E.2 ~
TLM 213 (P)SU C E.277 0-4 E.2
TLM 214 (P)SU F E.278 0-4 E.2
TLM 215 (P)SY 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
TLM 216 (P)SY 138 E.221 0-3 E.3 ~
TLM 217 (P)SY 145 E.234 0-3 E.3
TLM 218 (P)SU 143 E.231 0-3 E.3
~
TLM 219 (P)SU 143 E.231 0-3 E.3
TLM 220 (P)SY 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
TLM 221 (P)SY 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
TLM 222 (P)SU 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
TLM 223 (P)SU 138 E.221 0-3 E.3 """,
TLM 224 (P)SU 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
TLM 225 (P)SY 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
TLM 226 (P)SY 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
TLM 227 (P)SU 138 E.222 0-3 E.3
TLM 228 (P)SU 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
0-12
Table 0.1.(Continued)
AHRS
Number a
Level of
Testing b
Survey
Locale
Number c
Survey
Locale or
Site Location
USGS
Map
Quad Figure
TLM 229 (P)SY 22 E.99 0-3 E.3
TLM·230 (P)SY 22 E.99 0-3 E.3
.....TLM 231 (p)SU 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
TLM 232 (P)SU 33 E.110 0-2 E.4
TLM 233 (P)SU 21 E.98 0-3 E.3
TLM-·234 (P)SU 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
TLM 235 (p)SU 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
TLM 236 (P)SU 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
11M 237 (P)SU 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
11M 238 (P)SU 83 E.158 0-2 E.4
11M 239 (p)SU 83 E.158 0-2 E.4
i'"""11M 240 (P)SU 33 E.110 0-2 E.4
TLM 241 (P)SU 84 E.158 0-2 E.4
11M 242 (P)SU 84 E.158 0-2 E.4
TLM 243 (P)SU 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
11M 244 (P)SU 138 E.221 0-3 E.3
r~-
TLM 245 (P)SU 150 E.243 0-3 E.3
TLM 246 (P)SU 33 E.110 0-2 E.4,.."TLM 247 (P)SU 33 E.110 0-2 E,4
TLM 248 (H)SU 33 E.110 0-2 E.4
TLM 249 (P)SU 33 E.110 0-2 E.4
TLM 250 (P)SU 33 E.110 0-2 E.4
TLM 251 (P)SY 159 E.255 C-l E.8
TLM 252 (P)SU 7 E.83 0-4 E.2
TLM 253 (p)SU 7 E.83 0-4 E.2
!"
TLM 256 (P)SU 178 E.155 0-2 E.4
TLM 257 (P)SU 22 E.99 0-3 E.3
0-13
Table 0.1.(Continued)
AHRS Level of Survey Survey USGS
Number a Testing b Locale Locale or Map
Number c Site Location Quad Figure
!'il~
TLM 258 (P)E E.282 0-4 E.2 """.SU
TLM 259 (P)SU 175 E.270 0-4 E.2
HEA 007 (P)AHRS NA 0-5 E.37
HEA 012 (P)AHRS NA 0-5 E.37
HEA 033 (P)AHRS NA 0-5 E.37 -HEA 035 (P)AHRS NA 0-5 E.37
HEA 038 (P)AHRS NA 0-5 E.37
HEA 081 (H)AHRS NA 0-4 E.38
HEA 091 (H)AHRS NA 0-5 E.37
HEA 137 (P)AHRS NA 0-5 E.37
HEA 174 (p)SU NA E.67 A-3 E.11
HEA 175 (P)SY NA E.68 A-2 E.12
HEA 176 (P)SU NA E.67 A-3 E.11
HEA 177 (P)SU NA E.69 A-2 E.12
HEA 178 (P)SU NA E.70 A-2 E.12
HEA 179 (p)SU NA E.70 A-2 E.12
~
HEA 180 (p)SU NA E.58 A-3 E.11
HEA 181 (P)SU NA E.71 A-3 E.11
HEA 182 (P)SU NA E.71 A-3 E.11
HEA 183 (P)SU NA E.58 A-3 E.11
HEA 184 (P)SU NA E.58 A-3 E.11 ,...
HEA 185 (P)SU NA E.58 A-3 E.11
HEA 186 (P)SU NA E.72 A-3 E.11 ~
HEA 210 (P)SU NA E.73 0-4 E.38
HEA 211 (P)SU NA E.74 A-3 E.11
FAr 070 (H)AHRS NA A-5 E.36
FAr 089 (H)AHRS NA A-5 E.36
0-14
Table 0.1.(Continued)
FAT 090 (H)AHRS NA A-5 E.36
FAI 169 (H)AHRS NA A-5 E.36
,ii.~FAI 213 (P)SU NA E.75 A-5 E.36
FAI 214 (P)SU NA E.76 A-5 E.36
i"'-,.TVO 014 (P)AHRS NA 0-1 E.42
-
,-.
-
a.The (H)or (P)following site number indicates historic or
prehistoric.
b.AHRS -sites reported in the files of the Alaska Office of History
and Archaeology;SU -Survey Testing,SY -Systematic Testing
c.Letters indicate borrow area designations which were not duplicated
with survey locale numbers.Sites are listed in association with locale
surveyed when site was found,and therefore may not always fall within
the boundaries of that survey locale.NA denotes sites not found in
conjunction with survey locales or borrow areas.
d.The names for quad maps are not listed,however the first three
letters of the site designation indicate the quad name.TLM sites are
on the Talkeetna Mts.quad maps;HEA sites are on Healy quad maps;FAI
sites are on Fairbanks quad maps;the Tya site is on a Tyonek quad map.
0-15
Table D.2.
Observed/Estimated Site Size
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,features
and grid shovel testing
(m 2 )
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2 )
TLM 005 AHRS
TLM 006 AHRS
~.
TLM 007 AHRS
TLM 009 AHRS
TLM 015 4
TLM 016 79
TLM 017 6 ~
TLM 018 171
TLM 020 4 ~
*TLM 021 (233)
Locus A 200
~Locus B 25
Locus C 8
TLM 022 57
TLM 023 90
TLM 024 8
TLM 025 140
TLM 026 75
TLM 027 105
D-16
,~
Table 0.2.(Continued)
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,features
and grid shovel testing
(m 2 )
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2)
~TLM 028 (8)
Locus A 4
"""Locus B 4
TLM 029 31
TLM 030 2,571.,.-...
TLM 031 4
TLM 032 54
TLM 033 4
TLM 034 6
",,'.TLM 035 42
TLM 036 4
Tl.M 037 4
Tl.M 038 63
Tl.M 039 75
Tl.M 040 144
TLM 041 4
l'TLM 042 (156)
Locus A 65
""".Locus B 91
n.IVl 043 40
TLM 044 7,000
TLM 045 1,050
Tl.M 046 4,400
0-17
Table 0.2.(Continued)
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,features
and grid shovel testing
(m 2 )
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2 )
~i
TLM 047 30 -
TLM 048 50
TLM 049 4 ~.
TLM 050 51
TLM 051 4 ~
TLM 052 8,000
TLM 053 (52)
Locus A 48
Locus B 4
TLI~054 4
TLM 055 8 '""
TLM 056 225 .,.
TLM 057 30
TLM 058 4 ~,
TLM 059 41
TLM 060 15
TLM 061 21
TLM 062 384
TLM 063 15
TLM 064
Locus A 4
Locus B 9
0-18
Table 0.2.(Continued)
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,features
and grid shovel testing
(m 2 )
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2)
c''''''.TLM 065 (552)
Locus A 524
,..,..Locus B 4
Locus C 24
TLM 066 300~
TLM 067 2,625
TLM 068 1,350
TLM 069 225
~TLM 070 16
r-TLM 071 960
TLM 072 28
TLM 073 9
TLM 074 10
TLM 075 84"!.~
Tl.I~076 (53)
l.ocus A 45
l.ocus B 4
Locus C 4
~Tl.I~077 46
TLM 078 39
.-i TLM 079 2,100
TLM 080 36
;,"k,TLM 081 4
0-19
Table 0.2.(Continued)
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,features
and grid shovel testing
(m 2 )
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2)
-
TLM 082 (17)
Locus A 4
Locus B 13 ~.,
TLM 083 4
TLM 084 12 ~
TLM 085 4
TLM 086 4
TLM 087 28
TLM 088 4
TLM 089 375
TLM 090 4
TLM 091 (8)
Locus A 4
Locus B 4 --TLM 092 4
TLM 093 30
TLM 094 20
TLM 095 8
TLM 096 4 --
TLM 097 185
TLM 098 4
0-20
Table 0.2.(Continued)
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,features
and grid shovel testing
(m 2)
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2)
n:~';t~TtM 099 (26)
I_ocus A 10
Locus B 16
TLM 100 (4,280)
Locus A 4,200
Locus B 80
TLM 101 8
TLM 102 8
TLM 103 14
TLM 104 24
TLM 105 150
TLM 106 4
TL.M 107 84
TL.M 108 270
TLM 109 13
TL.M 110 52
TL.M III 4
TLM 112 15
,,,....TLM 113 5
TLM 114 17
Tl.M 115 4
Tl.M 116 4
0-21
Table 0.2.(Continued)
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,features
and grid shovel testing
(m 2 )
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2 )
-
-
TLM 117 200 ~"
TLM 118 4
TLM 119 44 .,
TLM 120 9
TLM 121 4 •TLM 122 4
TLM 123 75
TLM 124 2,250
TLM 125 4
TLM 126 17 -
TLM 127 4
TLM 128 600 ~.
TLM 129 (154 )
Locus A 150 ..
Locus B 4
TLM 130 12
TLM 131 4
TLM 132 4
TLM 133 4 .~
TLM 134 4
TLM 135 32 .....
~.
TLM 136 6
TLM 137 4 ~~~I
0-22
!irA:
Table D.2.(Continued)
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,features
and grid shovel testing
(m 2 )
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2)
TLM 138 4
TLM 139 4
f!'~'TLM 140 800
TLM 141 25
.~Tl.M 142 4
TLM 143 844
Tl.M 144 288
Tl.M 145 12
Tl.M 146 4
Tl.J\1 147 4
Tl.M 148 4
Tl.M 149 4
n.M 150 4
.-TlN 151 4
TLM 152 4
TLM 153 16
,,!,!,
TLM 154 400
TLM 155 16
TLM 159 4
TLM 160 4
-TLM 164 4
TLM 165 16
TLM 166 37
,J'
!
(D-23
Table D.2.(Continued)
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2)
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,features
and grid shovel testing
(m 2 )
TLM 167 4
TLM 168 4
TLM 169 45
TLM 170 20
TLM 171 9 •TLM 172 4
TLM 173 (48)
Locus A 4
Locus B 28
Locus C 16
TLM 174 9
TLM 175 34
TLM 176 4
TLM 177 4 ~
TLM 178 150
TLM 179 6
TLM 180 42
TLM 181 4
TLM 182 4
TLM 183 4
TLM 184 93
TLM 185 100
TLM 186 35
D-24
Table 0.2.(Continued)
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,features
and grid shovel testing
(111 2)
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2)
_,I!f'i'-..,TLM 187 16
Tl.M 188 4
Tl.M 189 300
TLM 190 12
TLM 191 4
-~
TL.M 192 4
TL.M 193 4
n.M 194 9
TL.M 195 4
f,t:di;TL.M 196 4
TL.M 197 4
.....TL.M 198 4
TL.M 199 46
TLM 200 4,"""
TLM 201 43
TLM 202 4
TLM 203 40
TLM 204 4,900
~~TLM 205 4
TLM 206 15
TLM 207 35
IY__'
0-25
Table D.2.(Continued)
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,features
and grid shovel testing
(m 2 )
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2)
~I
TLM 208 (4,211).$,
Locus A 4,200
Locus B 6
Locus C 5
TLM 209 24
TLM 210 8
TLM 211 4
TLM 212 96
TLM 213 4
TLM 214 (16)
Locus A 4
Locus B 12 """
TLM 215 52
TLM 216 27
TLM 217 22
TLM 218 (16)
Locus A 12
Locus B 4
TLM 219 20 .,
TLM 220 145
TLM 221 28 ~
D-26
Table 0.2.(Continued)
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifac~s,features
and grid/shovel testing
(m 2 )
.,;~...TLM 222 (662)
Locus A 87
Locus B 531-Locus C 4
Locus 0 36
Locus E 4
TLM 223 40
,m TLM 224 16
TLM 225 31
TLM 226 (170)
Locus A 58
Locus B 32
Locus C 16
Locus 0 16
Locus E 32
L.ocus F 16..,
".;;.TLM 227 4
TLM 228 4
.-TU~229 24
n,M 230 66
Tl.M 231 19
TLM 232 439
Tl.M 233 4
~
0-27
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2 )
Table 0.2.(Continued)
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,features
and grid shovel testing
(m 2 )
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2)
_.
TLM 234 (160)~.
Locus A 104
Locus B 56
TLM 235 (71 )
Locus A 12 1!!lii!;.
Locus B 26
Locus C 33
TLM 236 30
TLM 237 4
TLM 238 26
TLM 239 12
TLM 240 314
TLM 241 4
TLM 242 49
'""'"TLM 243 4
TLM 244 4
TLM 245 4
TLM 246 4
TLM 247 592
TLM 248 25
D-28
-
Table 0.2.(Continued)
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,features
and grid shovel testing
(m 2 )
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2 )
~TLM 249 24
TLM 250 4
I~TLM 251 17
TLM 252 25
TLM 253 4
TLM 256 6
TLI~257 4
Tl.M 258 12
TLM 259 123
-,§~.HEA 007 AHRS
HEA 012 AHRS
HEA 033 AHRS
HEA 035 AHRS
,~HEA 038 AHRS
HEA 081 AHRS
HEA 091 AHRS
,...:J
HEA 137 AHRS
HEA 174 2,000,-HEA 175 5,000
HEA 176 (304)
l.ocus A 300
l.ocus B 4
ll'-....
0-29
Table 0.2.(Continued)
Observed site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,features
and grid shovel testing
(m 2 )
Estimated site size
based on distribution
of artifacts,and
features (m 2 )
HEA 177 (13 )~
Locus A 4
Locus B 5 -Locus C 4
HEA 178 18 ~.
HEA 179 4
HEA 180 1,003
HEA 181 34
HEA 182 16
HEA 183 4
HEA 184 4
HEA 185 8 ••
HEA 186 600
HEA 210 8 ...."
HEA 211 20
FAr 070 AHRS
FAr 089 AHRS
FAI 090 AHRS
FAI 169 AHRS
FAI 213 100
FAI 214 4 ~
TYO 014 AHRS
*Number in parentheses indicates sum of a 11 loci.
0-30
Table 0.3.
Survey Locales Examined as Part of Cultural Resources Survey
Survey
Locale
Survey
Locale
Map
USGS
Mapa
Number
of Sites
AHRS Numbers b
1 E.77 0-5
2 E.78 0-5
4-E.79 0-5
4a E.80 0-5
S E.81 0-4
0-5-6 E.82 0-4
7 E.83 0-4 2 TLM 252,TLM 253
~8 E.84 0-4
9 E.85 0-4
10 E.86 0-4.-
11 E.87 0-4 1 TLM 034
12 E.88 0-4
13 E.89 0-4 1 TLM 030
14 E.90 0-4 2 TLM 027,TLM 029
~15 E.91 0-4
16 E.92 D-4
~17 E.93 0-4
18 E.94 0-3
19 E.95 0-3
210 E.96 0-3
20a E.97 0-3
r-21 E.98 D-3 3 TLM 043,TLM 058,TLM 233
2:2 E.99 0-3 6 TLM 104,TLM 199,TLM 200,
.j!!jpl"TLM 229,TLM 230,TLM 257
0-31
Table 0.3.(Continued)
Survey
Locale
Survey
Locale
Map
USGS Number
Mapa of Sites
AHRS Numbers b
23 E.100 0-3
24 E.101 0-3
26 E.102 0-3 1 TLM 038
27 E.103 0-3 3 TLM 039,TLM 048,TLM 175
28 E.104 0-3
29 E.105 0-3 1 TLM 040"
29a E.106 0-3 .1 TLM 050
~
30 E.107 0-2 7 TLM 031,TLM 032,TLM 036,
0-3 TLM 037,TLM 044,TLM 045,
TLM 046 ~.
31 E.108 D-2 1 TLM 033
0-3
31a E.109 0-3
32 E.155 0-2 ~.
33 E.110 0-2 8 TLM 079,TLM 232,TLM 240,
TLM 246,TLM 247,TlM 248,
TLM 249,TLM 250
34 E.111 C-2 1 TLM 047
35 E.112 C-2 ~
36 E.113 C-2
37 E.114 C-2 -).
38 E.115 C-2
39 E.116 C-2 -40 E.117 C-2
41 E.118 C-1 -41a E.119 C-1
43 E.120 C-1
0-32
Table 0.3.(Continued)
Survey
Loca 1e
Survey
Locale
Map
USGS Number
Mapa of S1 tes
AHRS Numbers b
44 E.121 C-1
E.122
45 L123 C-1 2 TLM 026,TLM 042
E.124
4·6 E.125 C-1
4-7 E.125 C-1
48 E.126 C-1 1 TLM 049
49 E.127 C-1
50 E.128 C-1-51 E.129 0-2 2 TLM 052,TLM 053
E.130
;.-.,52 E.131 0-5
53 E.132 0-5
54 E.133 0-5
55 E.134 0-3 2 TLM 063,TLM 080
57 L135 0-5
59 E.136 D-4
60 E.137 0-4
......61 E.138 D-4
63 E.139 0-4
,~64 E.140 0-4
65 E.140 0-4
66 E.94 0-3
"...,.
66a E.141 0-3
66b E.141 0-3,......
66c E.142 0;"3
66d E.142 0-3
67 £.143 0-3
.....0-33
Table 0.3.(Continued)
-
Survey
Locale
Survey
Locale
Map
USGS Number
Mapa of Sites
AHRS Numbers b
68 E.144 0-3 2 TLM 060,TLM 061 ..,.t"
69 E.145 0-3 1 TLM 059
70 E.146 0-3 "'""',
71 E.I03 0-3
72 E.147 0-3 1 TLM 064
73 E.148 0-3 •.
74 E.149 0-3
75 E.I05 0-3 -,
76 £.150 0-3
77 E.151 0-3 1 TLM 102 -
78 E.152 0-3 1 TLM 062
79 £.153 0-2 A
80 E.154 0-2 1 TLM 194
E.155 -81 E.156 0-2
82 E.157 0-2
83 E.158 0-2 2 TLM 238,TLM 239
84 E.158 D-2 3 TLM 077,TLM 241,TLM 242
85 E.159 0-2 1 TLM 065 -
E.160
86 £.161 0-2 .t-
87 E.160 0-2
88 E.162 0-2 1 TLM 072
~
89 £.163 0-2 1 TLM 075
90 E.163 0-2
91 E.164 0-2 1 TLM 069
92 E.165 0-2
93 E.166 0-2 -
0-34
Table 0.3.(Continued)
-
Survey
Locale
Survey
Locale
Map
USGS Number
Mapa of Sites
AHRS Numbers b
94 L167 0-2
95 E.168 C-2
96 E.168 C-2-97 E.169 C-2
97a E.170 C-2
99 E.I71 C-l
100 E.I72 C-1
101 E.I71 C-l
102 E.173 C-l
1103 E.174 C-l 1 TLM 073
104 E.175 C-l
106 E.176 C-l
,~
In7 E.177 C-l 2 TLM 074,TLM 076
Jl08 E.178 C-l.....109 E.179 0-2
110 E.180 0-2-111 E.181 0-5 1 TLM 118
112 E.182 0-4
113 E.183 0-4
114 E.184 0-3
115 E.185 0-3
!jl1~
116 E.186 0-3 5 TLM 120,TLM 121,TLM 125,
E.187 TLM 127,TLM 132
117 E.188 0-3
118 E.189 0-3 1 TLM 119
.-119 E.190 0-3
120 E.191 0-3
i'*-121 E.I92 0-2 1 TLM 115
0-35,-
Table 0.3.(Continued)
Survey Survey USGS Number AHRS Numbers b
Mapa ~'Locale Locale of Si tes
l\1ap
.~
122 E.193 C-2 1 TLM 183
123 E.194 C-1 1 TLM 196
124 E.195 C-1 5 TLM 185,TLM 189,-,
E.196 TLM 190,TLM 206,
TLM 207
125 E.197 0-3 7 TLM 122,TLM 123,TLM 124,
E.198 TLM 129,TLM 130,TLM 131,
TLM 133
126 E.199 0-4
127 E.200 0-2 14 TLM 128,TLM 134,
E.201 TLM 135,TLM 136,
E.202 TLM 138,TLM 139,TLM 140,
~'
TLM 141,TLM 142,TLM 143,
TLM 144,TLM 145,TLM 147,
'"""TLM 148
128 E.204 C-2 2 TLM 182,TLM 187
E.205
E.206
129 E.203 C-2 2 TLM 179,TLM 186
E.204 0-2
E.205
E.206
130 E.207 0-3 1 TL;·;126
131 E.208 0-2 6 TLM 146,TLM 149,TLM 150,
TLM 151,TLM 152,TLM 154 -,
0-36
Table 0.3.(Continued)
-
Survey
Locale
Survey
Locale
Map
USGS Number
Mapa of Si tes
AHRS Numbers b
Table 0.3 (Continued)
Survey
Locale
Survey
Locale
Map
USGS Number
Mapa of Sites
AHRS Numbers b
144b E.233 0-3 1 TLM 169 -
145 E.234 D-3 1 TLM 217
E.235 -
146 E.236 0-3
E.237
E.238
147 E.239 0-3
E.240
148 E.241 0-3
149 E.242 0-3
150 E.243 0-3 6 TLM 170,TLM 181,TLM 191,
E.244 0-4 TLM 193,TLM 197,TLM 245
151 E.245 0-4 3 TLM 051,TLM 160,TLM 164
152 E.246 0-4 2 TLM 172,TLM 192
E.247
153 E.248 D-4 5 TLM 137,TLM 165,
E.249 TLM 166,TLM 167,
TLM 180
154 E.250 0-5
155 E.251 0-5 1 TLM 178
156 E.252 0-4
157 E.253 C-2 1 TLM 204
158 E.254 C-1
159 E.255 C-1 2 TLM 173,TLM 251
160 £.256 C-1
161 E.257 0-5
0-38
l~~
Table 0.3.(Continued)
,,~
Survey Survey USGS Number AHRS Numbers b
Locale Locale Mapa of Si tes
Map
t~
p-f$/,162 £.82 0-4-
163 E.258 D-4
..1~164 E.259 0-3
165 E.260 D-3-166 E.261 0-2
167 E.262 0-3
168 E.263 0-3
169 E.264 0-3
170 E.265 0-2
f~171 E.266 C-2
172 E.267 0-5
I"""'173 E.268 0-5
174 £.269 0-5
....175 E.270 0-4 1 TLM 259
176 E.271 0-3
178 £.155 0-2 1 TLM 256.-179 £.272 C-1
a.All sites are within the Talkeetna Mts.quadrangle.
-b.Sites are listed in association with locale surveyed when site was
found,and therefore may not always fall within the boundaries of that
survey locale.
0-39
0.2 -Site Reports
AHRS Number TLM 005
Area:
Location:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Description:
South of Gold Creek Mouth
Proposed Railroad Route
Talkeetna Mts.0-6,Figure E.19
Appendix F
TLM 005 is located south of the confluence of Gold Creek with the
Susitna River.This historic site is known as the Gold Creek station
which was organized in 1920 or 1921 for the construction of the Susitna
River Bridge.
A new section house was constructed in the late 1930·s and was
reconstructed with a full basement in 1967 (AHRS files).There is a
photograph of the station in Brovald (1982:70).
0-40
-
Jl,rea:
Location:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Description:
AHRS Number TLM 006
Gold Creek Mouth
Proposed Railroad Route
Talkeetna Mts.0-6,Figure E.19
Appendix F
-
TLM 006 is the Susitna River Bridge along the Alaska Railroad at the
confluence of Gold Creek with the Susitna River.This steel railroad
bridge was fabricated by the American Bridge Company and installed in
1920,during the construction of the Alaska Railroad.The bridge
consists of 11 bents with one 504-foot through truss,three 70-foot
through girders,six 14-foot wood trestles,and two 70-foot trestle
approaches.Repairs since the original construction include casing and
new concrete tops on the piers and ties and the replacement of guard
rail (AHRS files).
0-41
Area:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Description:
AHRS Number TLM 007
Stephan Lake Outlet
Talkeetna Mts.C-4,Figure E.5
Appendix F
-
TLM 007 is located at the west end of Stephan Lake near its outlet.The
latitude and longitude coordinates reported by West in 1971,place the
site on the south side of the outlet creek (AHRS files).West reported
that artifacts were exposed on the surface and limited testing revealed
a multicomponent occupation at the site.Chert artifacts and charcoal
were collected,and West reported a date of 6000 years B.P.for the
site.This site was not visited during the present study.Although
this site was not visited during the present study,it is included
because of its historical significance in being the first site excavated
in close proximity to the project area.
0-42
--
-
Area:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Description:
AHRS Number TLM 009
Reported to be at the Tyone River Mouth
Talkeetna Mts.C-1,Figure E.8
Appendix F
-
TLM 009 was recorded in the AHRS files in 1979 on the basis of a
literature review.It is described as the "stick village"at the mouth
of the Tyone River in existence in 1903 when Monahan and McLaren
ascended the Susitna (AHRS files).However,the files also indicate
that the site location is somewhat unreliable.
In June,1953,Tvar Skarland visited the Tyone River mouth in an attempt
to locate the Ustick village".He states,"A reported old campsite at
the river junction (Tyone-Susitna)was not found,and I believe the
rl=ference was erroneous and perhaps pertained to the Tyone Ri ver-Tyone
Creek junction where an ancient village is located.However,a large
log cache was located at the junction of the rivers ll (Skarland 1953:5).
In 1980 and 1981,the mouth of the Tyone River was revisited.Alder and
w'illow thickets characterized the vegetation in the locale.Both the
north and south sides of the Tyone River mouth were surveyed.Evidence
of a modern fish camp was found on the north side of the Tyone River
mouth.No evidence of cultural remains was found on the south side,
although such remains were noted on the 1953 Susitna Archaeological
Survey map (Skarland 1953).Since the confluence of the Tyone Creek
with the Tyone River is outside of the project area,this location was
not investigated.
0-43
AHRS Number TLM 015;Accession Number UA78-65
Area:
Survey Locale 151:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northeast of Tsusena Creek Mouth
Figure E.245
Talkeetna Mts.0-4,Figure E.2
Appendix F
-
The site,at an elevation of approximately 639 m asl (2275 feet),is
located southeast of proposed Borrow Area F east of Tsusena Creek and
north of the Susitna River.Situated on ice-stagnation terrain charac-
terized 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.A low
ridge extends from this knoll toward the southwest and terminates in a
lower knoll.Numerous other knolls and ridges and over 20 kettle lakes
lie within a 1 km radius of the site.The site is located on a high
point of relief and the view from the site is unrestricted,encompassing
a radius of ca.1.6 km of accessible terrain including portions of five
kettle lakes to the north,northeast,west,and south.These lakes are
between 10-30 m lower than the site and are all easily accessible from
it.Much of the area between the lakes is poorly drained muskeg and
marsh.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 1-18 ha in size.Many of
the lakes are interconnected by their outlet and inlet streams.A lake
southwest of the site has an outlet to Tsusena Creek.Tsusena Creek,
which lies northwest of the site,is approximately 90 m lower in
elevation and is not in view.Vegetation at the site consists primarily
of shrub birch,lowbush cranberry,blueberry,Labrador tea,moss,and
lichen.Dense stands of black spruce are present at lower elevations
especially around the lake margins.Site TLM 051,situated near the top
of a slightly higher kame,is in a similar topographic context.
0-44
-
-
-
-
-
Jesting:
This site was identified during a preliminary reconnaissance conducted
in 1978 prior to the establishment of Watana Camp (Bacon 1978b).It was
l~evisited during the 1980 survey in order to check locational data and
Emvironmental 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 during 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
\,{as located on the higher of the two knolls as indtcated on.the original
site map (Bacon,personal communication).Intensive surface
reconnaissance on the higher knoll failed to identify earlier testing at
that location.Bacon (l978b)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 associated with an
orange sandy silt with pebble intrusion (Bacon 1978b:22)(Table 0.4).
Estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts is 4 square
meters (Table 0.2).
0-45
Table 0.4.
Artifact Summary,TLM 015
Provenience
Lithic Material
Description
-
Subsurface:2 Basalt flakes
0-46
-,
-
AHRS Number TLM 016;Accession Numbers UA78-66,
UA83-132,UA84-143
t\rea:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 150:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northwest of Deadman Creek Mouth
Figure 0.1
Square Placement,Figure 0.2
Figure E.244
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
I~Located at an elevation of 739 m asl (altimeter:2425 feet)
approximately 1.5 km east·of TLM 015,TLM 016 is located in the area of
kettle and kame topography bordered to the west and east by Tsusena and
Deadman creeks,respectively,and to the south by the Susitna River.
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 1978)is located on the knoll at the
site location.This knoll slopes very gradually eastward,blending into
the relatively flat terrain in that direction.The slope is steepest to
the we~t where it approaches an angle of 15-20 degrees.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
150 m to 1.5 km from the site and in size from 1-14 ha.A marsh,which
appears to formerly have been a small pond 30-40 m in diameter,lies
approximately 50 m to the southwest of the site.Deadman Creek,the
closest creek to the site,lies 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 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
0-47
consists primarily of tundra,shrub birch,and willow but includes dwarf
birch,lowbush 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.
Testing:
Surface and subsurface cultural material at this site was identified by
Bacon (1978b).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 1978).Six basalt and argillite flakes were
collected by Bacon from this blowout.He excavated a total of five
tests in the immediate vicinity of the surface exposure,three of which
contained artifactual material.It was not possible to identify which
of the five tests correspond to test pits 1,2,or 5;therefore letter
designations were employed for the reexcavated tests.Subsurface
testing revealed a 1 cm thick concentration of charcoal at 16.5 cmbs in
test pit 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 determination of 3675
±160 years:1725 B.C.(GX-5630)was obtained from the sample (Bacon
1978b:24).In addition to the bone,six flakes were excavated from test
pit 1 between 7.5 and 17.5 cmbs and were associated both with the
charcoal stained level and with an overlying gray-brown loess level
(Bacon 1978b:24).Two other tests in the site vicinity produced
cultural material in 1978.Test pit 2 produced a notched pebble
(UA78-66-3)and test pit 5 produced six flakes (Bacon 1978b:26,38).
The inventory of material collected by Bacon from surface and subsurface
testing included 18 flakes,1 notched pebble,and 40 bone fragments.
Systematic testing at TLM 016 consisted of the excavation of four 1 x
1 m test squares.Three of the squares were located in the immediate
vicinity of a surface erosional feature where a series of tests were
excavated in 1978 (Bacon 1978b).The squares were positioned in a
checkerboard pattern in order to intersect test A and test B
0-48
-
-
-
-
~,
(designations given to two of Bacon's tests).It was not until the
upper units had been excavated in three of the test squares that the
outlines of the three remaining tests excavated in 1978 could be
defined.The position of the 1 x 1 m test squares was such that all
three of the contiguous squares incorporated tests from subsurface
testing conducted in 1978.These tests were designated tests C,0,and
E.The subsurface outlines of these tests were easily defined due to
the mixed appearance of backfill matrix within the tests.The backfill
matrix was excavated and screened separately from the undisturbed area.
The provenience of the artifactual material recovered during testing in
1978 from the relocated tests is unknown.
An additional square was positioned 4 m southeast of the three
contiguous.squares.Excavation of this square was intended to address
questions regarding site extent.The goals of systematic testing at TLM
016 were to determine stratigraphic position,content,and extent of the
occupation reported by Bacon (l978b),as well as to obtain additional
information regarding the occupation thought to be associated with the
contact between the Watana and Oshetna tephras.Additional testing at
the site included four shovel tests placed north and east of the
excavation area.
A grid shovel testing program was undertaken,around the area of the
systematic test squares,to assist in determining the site size and the
distribution of cultural material.Forty-four grid shovel tests were
excavated,three of which yielded cultural remains.Shovel test 1
contained three chalcedony flakes,shovel test 2 produced a basalt
biface fragment (UA84-143-2;Figure 0.362a),and shovel test 3 yielded
three basalt flakes.
Discussion:
The results of systematic excavation confirmed the presence of a single
component at the site,as reported by Bacon (1978b).All four of the
test squares contained artifactual material at the stratigraphic level
associated with charcoal and charcoal-stained matrix (unit 4,Figure
0-49
0.3).The systematic and grid shovel testing inventory included 10
tools or tool fragments,143 pieces of lithic debitage,and 341 bone
fragments.The collection of artifacts is summarized in Table 0.6,and
their distribution by stratigraphic unit appears in Table 0.8.
Stratigraphy at the site consisted of ca.12-22 cm of soil/sediments
underlain by glacial material (Figure 0.3;Table 0.5).Six different
units were defined.Three units represent at least three sedimenta~y
sequences of volcanic tephra deposition.The tephras have been defined
at other sites in the project area on the basis of petrographic
laboratory work.The identification of these tephras in the field was
based primarily on color distinctions between the stratigraphic units.
The tephra designations are as follows:Devil (unit 2),Watana
(unit 3),and Oshetna (unit 5).Some of the observed variation in color
between units,and within units,may also be the result of soil forming
processes.Unit 2 may represent an eluvial horizon,and unit 3a,which
is the upper portion of the Watana tephra,is stained a dark reddish
brown color.
Disturbance of the stratigraphic units as a result of natural processes
such as cryoturbation,rodent burrowing,and root invasion was apparent.
Rodent disturbance was particularly common -in the area of the 1978 tests
suggesting that this disturbance took place after the excavation of
these tests.
The surface of the site is covered with a well-established organic
layer,unit la,with a well-formed and networked root mat underlain by
finely sorted organic material,unit lb.In the area of the 1978 tests
some surface disturbance was evident,as well as in an erosional area.
Between the Watana and Oshetna tephras a layer of charcoal-stained
matrix with charcoal pieces has been identified (unit 4).The charcoal
does not form a discrete layer,but rather appears to be partially mixed
with the Oshetna tephra (unit 5).The charcoal layer may represent a
paleosol that formed after the deposition of the Oshetna tephra.Due to
the acidic nature of boreal soils,leaching of the finely sorted organic
0-50
~!
-
....'
fraction of the paleosol may have occurred leaving the charcoal,which
is chemically inert,as all that remains of the surface.Lack of
continuity of the unit 4 surface may be the result of erosion after
occupation.
The cultural component at TLM 016 can be correlated to the charcoal-
stained matrix (unit 4)with artifactual material being frequently found
at the upper contact of and within the unit.Lithic artifacts consist-
ing primarily of basalt flakes were recovered from all four of the test
squares in association with this stratigraphic level.Small bone frag-
ments were also collected,but these occurred in only two of the test
squares,NIOO/E99 and NIOI/EIOO.
A total of 101 lithics were collected from unit 4 during systematic
testing.The size range of the lithic material varies from cobble
fragments of 4-7 cm to small,less than 1 cm flakes.With the exception
of one chalcedony flake and four argillite flakes,the lithic material
in unit 4 is basalt.Variation was evident in the spatial distribution
of lithic debitage in terms of both quantity and size range.While
N98/EI05 had the highest flake count,51 flakes,the lithic debitage,
with the exception of one flake,is 2.5 cm or less along the longest
axis.In contrast,only 12 lithics were recovered from N99/EIOO,
consisting primarily of basalt flakes in the 2.5-5 cm size range.
Basalt flakes collected from NICO/E99 and NIOI/EIOO include a size range
from 0.5-5 cm.Bacon's 1978 excavations yielded 2 argillite and 4
basalt flakes on the surface and 2 argillite,16 basalt flakes and a
notched pebble (UA78-66-3)in what has been defined during systematic
testing as unit 4.During the grid shovel testing program,three
chalcedony flakes were recovered from unit 4.
Nine tools were recovered during systematic testing (Table 0.6).Two of
these tools were found while reexcavating the portion of test B inter-
sected during systematic testing.Even though these two artifacts were
not found in situ,it is probable that they are from the single com-
ponent identified at the site.Seven tools and tool fra9ments were
found in unit 4 during the excavation of the test squares.These
0-51
include 1 basalt modified flake (UA83-132-50;Figure D.362b),1 basalt
biface fragment (UA83-132-73),and 5 basalt flakes core fragments
(UA83-132-40,41,42,43,45;Figure D.362e,f).The modified flake is
triangular in shape with unifacial retouch on the ventral surface of the
distal end.The biface fragment has been hinge fractured.All of the
flake cores are less than 5 em in size and their attributes suggest that
the original cobbles were subangu1ar to rounded with a weathered cortex.
Tools from the disturbed context consist of a chert endscraper
(UA83-132-6;Figure D.362c)and an argillite modified flake
(UA83-132-127;Figure D.362d).The endscraper has steep unifacial
retouch on the dorsal face of the convex distal end.Retouch does not
extend onto the lateral margins.The modified flake is tabular in shape
with continuous unifacial retouch along one of the edges.
Additional lithic artifacts collected during systematic testing include
7 flakes from various stratigraphic levels,3 flakes located on the
surface,and 22 flakes in disturbed contexts.The raw material type is
characteristically basalt with the exception of 1 argillite flake,1
chalcedony,and 1 chert flake.Artifactua1 material located on the
surface and in stratigraphic levels other than unit 4 appears to have
been displaced from unit 4 due to natural processes,testing conducted
in 1978,or during systematic excavation.The distribution of material
in other levels does not provide sufficient evidence for defining an
additional component at the site.
Faunal material collected during systematic testing included 341
specimens,four of which were identifiable (Table D.7).Identified bone
material included an ulna,sternum fragment and tarsometatarsus of
ptarmigan (Lagopus sp.),and a possible ulna fragment which has been
identified as probable caribou (Rangifer tarandus).The remaining
material con~isted of burned bone fragments of medium-large mammal.All
of the faunal material were burned with the exception of the ptarmigan
bone.Bacon1s 1978 excavations yielded 40 bone fragments,only one of
which was tentatively identified as a caribou rib fragment.
D-52
"""
-
,-
Faunal material was collected from two of the test squares,NI00/E99 and
NI0l/EIOO.Almost half of the material,146 specimens,was located in
disturbed contexts,i.e.,in rodent burrows and the backfill of test E.
The remaining material,with the exception of nine fragments,was
located within unit 4 and unit 6a.Bone located in unit 6a may be due
to postdepositional disturbance.The stratigraphic position of three
ptarmigan bones (unit la,unit 2,and backfill of test E)suggests that
this material is unrelated to the component associated with unit 4.
Five charcoal samples were collected from the site.All were collected
from unit 4.Two of the samples were submitted for radiocarbon dating.
These two samples were collected from a concentration of charcoal in
N99/EI00 and produced dates of 4950 ±120 years:3000 B.C.(Beta-7298),
and 3220 ±90 years:1270 B.C.(Beta-7299).In addition to these dates
is the date of 3675 ±160 years:1725 B.C.(GX-5630;Bacon 1978)which
came from the sample submitted in 1978.The dates provide a range of
1730 years for the charcoal level.The range could possibly support the
idea that the charcoal is not necessarily cultural in origin,but
associated with a surface that was exposed during the interim between
the Oshetna and Watana tephra depositions.While cultural charcoal may
be included with the charcoal within unit 4,it may be impossible to
distinguish from charcoal resulting from noncultural events.Although
the charcoal samples presumably do not provide exact radiocarbon
determinations for the cultural component,they probably date the
geologic surface associated with the occupation.
Evaluation:
TLM 016 is located on a kame in an area of ice-stagnation topography.
While the kame is not readily distinguished from others in the vicinity,
it is the highest point of topographic relief in the immediate area and
provides a panoramic view,including portions of four lakes to the north
and west.The location of the site,in conjunction with the artifact
assemblage,suggests that the site functioned as a hunting overlook
and/or a campsite.
D-53
A single component is suggested at the site based on the homogeneity of
lithic material and because the cultural material is situated strati-
graphically in a charcoal layer between the Watana and Oshetna tephras.
During excavation,most of the cultural material was found at the upper
contact of and within the charcoal level.The level may represent a
paleosol that developed during the interim between the tephra deposi-
tions.Absence of finely sorted organic material may be the result of
leaching leaving only the chemically inert charcoal.
Evidence that this surface was exposed for a long period of time is
reflected in the range of radiocarbon dates.Three dates ranged from
3000 B.C.to 1725 B.C.,with an inclusive range of 1730 years.The
range supports the idea that the charcoal may not necessarily be
cultural in origin but may have accumulated as the result of natural
processes during the interval between the Watana and Oshetna ashfalls.
Artifacts consisting primarily of basalt debitage and faunal material
were recovered.Argillite,chalcedony,and chert are present,but occur
infrequently,representing only 9%of the total lithic assemblage.The
distribution and types of lithic debitage at the site suggest that
various stages of lithic reduction occurred in different areas of the
site.The spatial differences in lithic distribution are equally as
likely to be the result of different occupations at the site.
While only a single prehistoric component appears to be represented at
the site,further excavation could address more accurately the question
of spatial variation.Two of the tools collected,a black chert
endscraper (UA83-132-6)and a notched pebble (UA78-66-3),in conjunction
with the dating of the stratigraphic position of the artifactual
material,suggests that the component be ascribed to the Northern
Archaic tradition.Collection of additional diagnostic artifacts,is
necessary to substantiate this affiliation.Observed site size based on
the distribution of artifacts is 79 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-54
-
-
-,
*
,-II::'0
0
0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0
0 0 •0 0 0 •0 0
0
~"'"0 0
0 0
o
Contour Inte~v~l:
Systematic Test Square c=J
Test Pit 0
Shovel Test 0
Grid Test:wi Artifacts •
Grid Test:Sterile 0
o
I
5
I
METERS
10
!
.5 m
Site Datum
Deflated Area
G.8acon,1978 Test Pit;
Re-excavated Area
x
Figure D.1.Site Map,TLM 016
0-55
,,-',.........,,
\...
Corp.0'Engln••,.Monum.nt
WA18/1978
.~"..D
------·5 ---~
..7
o
-
~,
-
Systematic Test Square
Site Datum (0.0 m)
D
X
a 2.5
!1ETERS
5
I
-
G.Bacon,1978,Test Pit
Re-excavated Area
Shovel Test
Deflated Area
12>
, I
:'-~-'
Contour Interval:.5 m
Figure 0.2.Square Placement,TLM 016
0-56
-
-
r~
-
DEPTH (em)
o
5
10
15
20
25
30
PROFILE UNIT
1.
1b
2
3.
3b
4 CULTURAL
5
s •.
6b
Figure 0.3.Composite Profile,TLM 016
0-57
Table 0.5.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 016
-
-
Unit
la
Ib
2
Description
Surface organic layer:roots and plant material from
Labrador tea,lowbushcranberry,crowberry,dwarf birch,
and lichen at the surface.Varies in thickness from
1-10 cm but is generally 1-3 cm thick.Lower boundary is
clear and wavy.Nonmineral 01 horizon.Continuous
except at the location,and in the vicinity,of 1978
tests.
Fine silty sand with partially decomposed plant fragments
and finely divided organic material;black (N 2.5/).
Usually very thin,less than 2 cm.Lower boundary is
abrupt to clear and wavy.Unit is not always easily
distinguishable from the overlying organic mat.02,or
humus,horizon.Very rare bone fragments,poss"ibly
derived from back dirt of previously excavated test pits.
Fine grained silt-sized particles;pinkish gray (5YR
6/2).Ranges from 1-9 cm,generally 2-4 cm.Abrupt,
wavy and irregular lower contact with unit 3.Tephra
(Devil);eluvial A horizon.Discontinuous,although
present in each of the test squares.Dries quickly to a
fine powder.Leaching of organic material at the upper
extent of the unit is evident.Root penetration.Basult
flake and rare bone fragments possibly derived from
testing disturbance.
0-58 -
r~
Table D.S.(Continued)
,~
-
I
Unit
:la
3b
4
Description
Fine to medium-grained particles,granular structure,
friable;dark reddish brown (SYR 3/4).Ranges from
1-6 cm,usually 1-3 cm.Clear to diffuse and wavy to
irregular lower boundary.Tephra (Watana);illuvial 82
horizon.Continuous across the grid squares.Oxidized,
particularly at the contact with unit 2.Roots common.
Very fine silt-sized particles;yellowish brown (10YR
5/6)to a very pale brown (10YR 7/4)(dry).Varies from
1-9 cm in thickness,usually 2-6 cm.Abrupt and smooth
boundary with underlying unit.Tephra (Watana).Con-
tinuous unit in the three contiguous test squares and
present in N98/EI0S.Dries to a fine powder.Gravels
and root penetration.Basalt flake possibly derived from
uni t 4.
Very fine silt-sized particles with charcoal staining,
flecks and pieces;black (10YR 2/1).Varies in thickness
from 1-9 cm,usually 2-4 cm.Boundary varies from clear
to diffuse and from smooth to wavy.Tephra (Oshetna)
mixed with charcoal.Located in the NE corner of
N98/EI05,and is generally continuous in the three
contiguous test squares with the exception of NI0l/E100
where the unit 1acks conti nu ity.Charcoa 1 may be
cultural and/or associated with a paleosol that formed
after the deposition of unit 5 (Oshetna tephra).Basalt
flakes and small bone fragments are common.Two radio-
carbon dates:3220 ±90 years:1270 B.C.(Beta-7299).
and 4950 ±120 years:3000 B.C.(Beta-7298).
0-S9
Table 0.5.(Continued)
-
Unit
5
6a
6b
Description
Fine silt to sand-sized particles with occasional gravels
and pebbles;grayish brown (10YR 5/2).Varies from
1-10 cm in thickness.Lower boundary i.s clear to
diffuse,and wavy to broken.Tephra (Oshetna);buried
eluvial A horizon.Present in each of the test squares
but lacks continuity.Unit is poorly sorted and appears
to be mixed with unit 6.Two basalt flakes,probably
derived from unit 4.
Sand and silt with pebbles and cobbles;usually strong
brown (7.5YR 4/6)although variable in color depending on
degree of weathering.Gradational lower boundary.
Glacial drift.Poorly sorted.Rare flakes and bone
fragments possibly due to postdepositional disturbance or
mixing with unit 4 during excavation.
Some fine silt,sand,pebbles and cobbles;light olive
brown (2.5Y 5/4).Glacial drift.Poorly or very poorly
sorted.Majority of cobbles were rounded,with glacial
striations observed.Cobbles were usually 8-15 cm in
diameter reaching a maximum of 30 cm.Excavation into
this unit determined limit of excavation.Basalt flake
probably intrusive from unit 4.
0-60
-
-
-
.....
-
-
-
Table 0.6.
J\rtifact Summary,TLM 016
Tools
.......
-
....
2
1
2
5
1---
11
Lithics Material
7
143
4
1
3---
158
Faunal Material
381
Mod ifi ed fl a kes
1 Argillite (UA83-132-127)
1 Basalt (UA83-132-50)
Scraper
1 Chert scraper (UA83-132-6)
Biface fragment
2 Basalt (UA83-132-73,UA84-143-2)
Flake core fragments
5 Basalt (UA83-132-40,41,42,43,45)
Notched pebble (UA78-66-3)
Argillite flakes
Basa 1t fl akes
Chalcedony flakes
Chert flakes
Cobbles fragments
Bone fragments
0-61
UASKA
U.S.DEP'I\OF
Table 0.7.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 016
-
Unit
1a
Organic Mat
2
Devil tephra
4
Oshetna tephra
with charcoal
6a
Glacial drift
Unknown
(Disturbed
context)
1978
excavation
Description
1 Ulna,unburned,ptarmigan (Lagopus sp.)
1 Long bone fragment,calcined,medium-
large mammal
1 Sternum fragment,unburned,ptarmigan
(Lagopus sp.)
6 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
164 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
22 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
1 Possible ulna fragment,proximal shaft,
calcined,probably caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
1 Tarsometatarsus,unburned,ptarmigan
(Lagopus sp.)
144 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined,
medi~m-large mammal
1 Dorsal rib fragment.calcined.probably caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
39 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments.
calcined,medium-large mammal
D-62
-
-
-
......
Table 0.8.
J\rtifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 016
Unit Description
~Surface 2 Argillite flakes
6 Basa lt fl akes-1 Chert flake
rl 3 Basalt flakest..
Devil tephra
,-2'/3a 1 Basa lt fl ake
Contact between-Devi 1 and oxidized
Watana tephra
~
3b 1 Basalt flake
~Watana tephra
4 4 Argi 11 i te fl akes
~
Oshetna tephra 106 Basalt flakes
with charcoal 4 Chalcedony flakes
~1 Basalt modified flake (UA83-132-50)
1 Basalt biface fragment (UA83-132-73 )
,.,~5 Basalt flake cores (UA83-132-40,41,
42,43,45)
..-1 Notched pebble (UA78-66-3)
5 2 Basa lt fl akes
Oshetna tephra
-
0-63
Table 0.8.(Continued)
Unit
6
Glacial drift
Rodent burrow,
backfill from 1978
excavations,and
unknown
Descri pti on
3 Basalt flakes
1 Argillite flake
21 Basalt flakes
1 Argillite modified flake
(UA83-132-127)
1 Chert scraper (UA83-132-6)
1 Basalt biface fragment (UA84-143-2)
3 Cobble fragments
0-64
_.
-
_.
.-AHRS Number TLM 017;Accession Numbers UA78-67,UA80-164,UA84-55
-
J~rea :
Site Map:
Survey Locale 153:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
~;etti ng:
Northeast of Tsusena Creek Mouth
Figure 0.4
Figure E.248
Talkeetna Mts.0-4,Figure E.2
Appendix F
-
-
"...
Located at an elevation of 654 m asl (altimeter:2147 feet),the site
is north of the Susitna River and east of Tsusena Creek.The site is
situated on a level kame near the top of a northwest-facing slope which
descends to Tsusena Creek which is approximately 122 m lower in
elevation.The bench upon which the site is located is a discrete
feature oriented northeast-southwest and is approximately 75 x 30 m
wide.Several other ~imilar 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 after which it
becomes a relatively flat,undulating plain of glacial drift
characterized by kettle and kame topography.The confluence of Tsusena
Creek with the Susitna River is located southwest of the site and is
approximately 152 m lower in elevation.A 180-degree field of view from
the southwest to the northwest encompasses the Tsusena Creek drainage
for a distance of several kilometers although the creek itself is not
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 despite some restriction by sheer bedrock
walls.Terrain on the west side of Tsusena Creek is visible from the
site,but the necessity of crossing the deeply incised canyon and the
d,eep,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,lowbush
cianberry,crowberry,and willow.Several large boulders,apparently
0-65
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.
Testing:
This site was identified by Bacon 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 (test
pit 1)produced 372 basalt flakes,a large number of which were cortex
flakes (Bacon 1978b:43).Only a portion of this subsurface flake
scatter was excavated by Bacon.The site was revisited and Bacon's
tests 1 and 3 were relocated.Test 1 was initially reexcavated to
positively identify the provenience of the flakes recovered by Bacon and
to draw a soil profile.
Eight survey shovel tests were excavated in the vicinity of test pit 1,
all with negative results.Prior to systematic testing,a grid shovel
testing program was implemented to locate additional subsurface material
and to assist in determining the areal extent of the site.Sixteen
grid shovel tests were excavated,but all were sterile.Based on this
subsurface testing,TLM 017 appears to be limited to the immediate
vicinity of test pit 1.The 1 x 1 m test square was,therefore,
superimposed over the northern half of test pit 1.Test pit 1 occupied
a major portion of the southeast quadrant of the test square.The goals
of the systematic testing were to determine the exact stratigraphic
position of the cultural material and the nature and extent of the
occupation.
Discussion:
Museum testing at TLM 017 included the reexcavation of Bacon's test
pit 1,excavation of 10 survey shovel tests,16 grid shovel tests,and a
0-66
~,
-
-
-
-
-
....
..-
1 x 1 m systematic test square.Only one test pit (test pit 1)and the
1 x 1 systematic test square superimposed over it yielded cultural
remains,894 basalt flakes.
The stratigraphy at TLM 017 consi~ts of ca.20 cm of soil/sediments
underlain by glacial material (Figure 0.5;Table 0.9).Six units have
been defined for TLM 017.The surface of the site is covered with a
well-established organic layer (unit 1a)which has a well-formed root
mat underlain by finely sorted organic material (unit Ib).Beneath the
organic units are at least three tephras identified as:Devil tephra
(unit 2),Watana tephra (unit 3),and Oshetna tephra (unit 5).
Occurring between the Watana and Oshetna tephras is a layer of charcoal-
stained silt,which contains some finely sorted organics mixed with
small charcoal pieces (unit 4).This charcoal matrix does not form a
discrete layer,but appears to be partially mixed with the Oshetna
tephra.Unit 4 may represent a paleosol that formed after the
deposition of the Oshetna tephra.There is some evidence of disturbance
of these stratigraphic units by natural processes,such as cryoturbation
and root penetration.Previous archeological testing in the area has
also caused some disturbance especially in the organic mat near test pit
1.
Test pit 1,located directly north and adjacent to a boulder,produced a
total of 836 flakes,many of which were recovered during reexcavation of
this test.The 372 basalt flakes excavated by Bacon were recovered from
a dark brown-b,l ack 1oess-cl ay unit 1 em thi ck located 23-24 cmbs and
just above a 1 em thick loess clay unit which overlies the sandy silt
and unsorted pebbles characteristic of glacial drift (Bacon 1978b:27).
This artifact-bearing unit has been subsequently defined as
soil/sediment unit 4.During the reexcavation of test pit 1,251 flakes
wlere found in the backfi 11.Thi rty-four additi ona 1 fl akes,excavated
during the preparation of the west wall of test pit 1 for profiling,
wl~re associated with what appears to be a dark gray paleosol (unit 4)
varying in depth from 11-24 cmbs.A C-14 sample was recovered from this
layer and consists of small charcoal flecks and matrix in association
wHh flakes.The subsurface flake scatter partly excavated in test pit
0-67
1,formed a very dense.concentration of flakes which appears to be
limited spatially to the immediate vicinity of the large boulder on the
southern wall of the test.
The 1 x 1 m systematic test square was placed such that its southeast
quadrant was superimposed over the northern half of test pit 1.During
the excavation of this square,test pit 1 was reopened.The backfill
was screened and an additional 155 basalt flakes were recovered from
thi s fill.Twenty-four more fl akes were recovered from the organ;c mat
and have been attributed to previous disturbance{s)when test pit 1 was
initially excavated or when it was reopened to profile the west wall.
The flakes,therefore,have been included in the total for test pit 1
backfi 11.
The results of systematic testing confirm the presence of a single
component at TLM 017.Fifty-eight flakes were recovered in situ during
excavation of the test square.These flakes were recovered primarily
from the southwestern quadrant and were found at the contact of the
charcoal-stained matrix {paleosol}and the Oshetna tephra.These basalt
flakes,many of which have some cortex present,range in size from less
than 1 to 3-6 cm.Some previously collected flakes also have cortex.
Flakes from TLM 017 could be defined as primary or secondary reduction
flakes.The primary reduction flakes indicate that the raw material
source was subangular to rounded cobble{s)with weathered cortex.The
types of lithic debitage and its distribution within a 2 m radius
suggest that a single prehistoric episode of tool manufacture occurred
at this site.
Evaluation:
TLM 017 is situated on a level bench near the top of a northwest facing
slope above Tsusena Creek.A 180-degree field of view,from the
southwest to the northwest,encompasses the Tsusena Creek and Susitna
River drainages.The location of the site,in conjunction with the
artifact assemblage,suggests that the site functioned as a chipping
station and/or hunting overlook.
D-68
*'"
~I
..-
-
'"""
-
--.
i\single component is indicated on the basis of the homogeneity of the
lithic material and the positioning of flakes near or at the lower
contact of a charcoal layer between the Watana and Oshetna tephras.
This charcoal layer may represent a paleosol that developed during the
interim between the tephra depositions.The basalt recovered from this
site has the same distinctive cortex as the basalt found at TLM 259,
~/hich is a quarry and primary reduction site.
The results of the shovel testing and the systematic testing indicate
that the site is limited to the immediate area north and west of a small
boulder which is apparent on the surface of the site.It is probable
that the majority of the site area has been excavated,and.it is
doubtful that the site extends any further north than the immedi ate
testing area.Observed site size based on the distribution of artifacts
is 6 square meters (Table D.2).
0-69
-
-*
(1978)
ooo
o
(1978/80)
oo
~\------
Test 3
oj 0
00
o 0
o N99 E9Do~
T ••t 1
METERS
Contour Interval:0.5 m
Systematic Test Square 0
Test Pit 0
Shovel Test 0
Grid Test:Sterile 0
Site Datum X
Rock $>
o 5
I
10
I
""""
Figure 0.4.Site Map,TLM 017
0-70
OEPTH (em)PROFILE UNIT
.....:
,'~
.....
.....
-
.....
!
o
6
10
15
20
25
30
1.
1b
2
·[@~~i0S0&l:,::0:::,:::::%}\:d",,:---3 a
3b
:~CULTURAL
6.
8b
Figure 0.5.Composite Profile,.TLM 017
0-71
Table 0.9.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 017
Unit
la
lb
2
Description
Surface organic layer:roots and plant material from
lowbush cranberry,crowberry,alpine azalea,heath,
lichens,and grass at the surface.Varies in thickness
from 1-4 cm but is generally 4 cm thick.Lower boundary
is clear and wavy.Nonmineral 01 horizon.Continuous
except in the vicinity of 1980 test pit.24 Basalt
flakes possibly displaced from backfill of Test Pit 1.
Fine silty sand with partially decomposed plant fragments
and finely divided organic material;black (5YR 2.5/1).
Varies in thickness from 1-6 cm,generally 3-6 cm.Lower
boundary is fairly distinct and smooth but occasionally
mottled with unit 2.Fairly continuous 02,or humus
horizon with charcoal present.Roots present.
Fine grained silt-sized particles;pinkish gray (7.5YR
6/2).Ranges in thickness from 1-6 cm,generally 2 cm.
Abrupt wavy and irregular contact with unit 3.Tephra
(Devil);eluvial A horizon.Discontinuous,although
present throughout the square.Dries quickly to a fine
powder.Leaching of organic material at the upper extent
of the unit is evident.Root penetrat;on.
D-72
-
~,
"""
Table 0.9.(Continued)
Unit
3a
:lb
4·
Description
Fine to medium silt-sized particles,granular structure,
friable,gritty texture;dark reddish brown (5YR 3/4).
Rang~s in thickness from 1-5 cm,usually 3 cm thick.
Clear to diffuse and wavy to irregular lower boundary.
Tephra (Watana);illuvial 82 horizon.Discontinuous,but
present throughout the square.Oxidized,particularly at
the ~ontact with unit 2.Roots common.
Very fine silt-sized particles;yellowish brown
(10YR 5/6)to a very pale brown (10YR 7/4)(dry).Varies
from 10-13 cm in thickness,usually 8 cm thick.Abrupt,
clear,and smooth boundary with underlying unit.Tephra
(Watana).Continuous throughout square.Dries to a fine
powder.Root penetration.
Very fine silt-sized particles with charcoal staining,
flecks,and pieces;black (7.5YR 2/0).Varies in
thickness from 1-11 cm,generally 4 cm thick.Boundary
varies from clear to diffuse and from smooth to wavy.
Generally continuous throughout N99/E99 except in NE
quad.Charcoal may be cultural and/or that formed after
the deposition of unit 5 (Oshetna tephra).Basalt flakes
occur at lower contact with unit 5.
D-73
Tab 1eO.9.(Continued)
Unit
5
6a
6b
Description
Fine silt to sand-sized particles with occasional
gravels,gritty texture;grayish brown (2.5Y 6/2).
Varies from 1-7 cm in thickness;generally 4 cm thick.
Lower boundary is clear to diffuse,and wavy to
irregular.Tephra (Oshetna);buried eluvial A horizon.
Present throughout square but lacks continuity.Unit is
poorly sorted and appears to be mixed with unit 6.
Basalt flakes occur at upper contact with unit 4.
Sand and silt with pebbles and cobbles;usually strong
brown (7.5YR 4/6)although variable in color depending on
degree of weathering.Graduational lower boundary.
Glacial drift.Poorly sorted.Oxidized,particularly at
upper contact with unit 5.
Some fine silt,sand,pebbles,and cobbles;dark
yellowish brown (lOYR 4/4).Glacial drift.Poorly or
very poorly sorted.Majority of cobbles are rounded,
with glacial striations observed.Cobbles are usually
8-15 cm in diameter reaching a maximum of 40 em frost
features present.This unit marked limit of excavation.
0-74 -
Table 0.10.
Artifact Summary,TLM 017
Lithic Material
894
Table 0.11.
Basalt flakes
Plrtifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 017
Unit Description
....
4/5 715 Basalt flakes
!"'~Contact between
paleosol and
Oshetna tephra
"....
Test Pit 1 179 Basalt flakes
(Backfill)
.....
.....
0-75
AHRS Number TLM 018;Accession Numbers UA78-60,UA80-165,
UA81-283,UA84-234
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 153:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northeast of Tsusena Creek Mouth
Figure 0.6
Fi gure E.249
Talkeetna Mts.0-4,Figure E.2
Appendix F
The site,located at an elevation of 717 m as1 (altimeter:2352 feet),
is east of Tsusena Creek and north of the Susitna River.The site is
located on a 1 km long east-west trending ridge at one of the highest
points of relief along this ridge.The site is exposed in a blowout on
the northern and eastern slopes just below the top of the easternmost
kn011.A terrace is located at the base of the slope to the north of
the kn011 approximately 15-30 m lower than the elevation of the site.
Beyond this terrace a g1acia11y scoured plain capped by drift extends
for several kilometers 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 ca.729 m asl (2391 feet)which is located approximately
400 m west-southwest of the site.To the north and east,the ground
s10pes continuously,affording an expansive view of the broad plain
extending northeast of the site which is characterized by kettle and
kame topography.A concentration of kettle lakes is situated
approximate1y 2-4 km to the northeast.The closest of these lakes,
approximate1y 8 ha in size and 1.5 km distant,is in view,as is a sma11
0.5 ha pond loc~ted approximately 800 m to the northeast.To the
southeast the ground is fairly flat for approximately 40 m to the edge
of the Susitna River va11ey shoulder where it begins to slope steeply
down towards the river located approximately 274 m 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
0-76
-
..-,
I
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 northern 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,denser
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
tl?rra in.
T(~sting:
This site .../as identified during a survey conducted in 1978 (Bacon
1978b:28).The site is partly exposed by blowouts on the north and
northeast slopes near the top of the ridge (Figure 0.6).Twenty-nine
flakes were collected from these blbwouts in 1978 and excavation of a
20 x 20 cm test at the northern edge of one of the blowouts resulted in
an additional 138 flakes.The subsurface flakes were excavated from a
depth of 20 cmbs and appeared to be associated with a buried paleosol
(Bacon 1978b:28).A single tool was surface collected at the site in
1978.This is a complete bifacially flaked triangular basalt point
exhibiting a ground concave base (UA78-60-1;Figure D.362g).Two
distinct raw materials are represented by the artifacts from the site:
blue-gray argillite and fine-grained black basalt.
The site was visited in 1980 for the purpose of recording locational
information and three additional artifacts were surface collected.
These include the medial portion of a basalt biface (UA80-165-1;Figure
D.362h),an argillite flake with facet possibly resulting from removal
of a blade or bladelike flake (UA80-165-2),and an argillite burin spall
(UA80-165-3;Figure D.362k).A high density of flakes was observed in
blowouts at the site.Basalt flakes were concentrated on the southwest
side of the knoll and argillite flakes on the northwest side with a
lower concentration of flakes between the two main scatters.Some
flakes were observed downslope to the northeast of the main blowout .
0-77
TLM 018 was systematically tested in 1981 with the excavation of three
1 x 1 m test squares.In addition,all surface material was
systematically collected in 1 x 1 m square units.
Additional testing at TLM 018,after an interval of three years,
included the systematic collection of surface artifacts which became
exposed in the interim and a program of grid expansion shovel testing.
Surface artifacts were located on the deflated portion of the knoll and
on the vegetated surface surrounding the deflated area.These artifacts
consisted primarily of unmodified flakes.Collection of surface
artifacts was by quadrants of 1 x 1 m collection units.The collection
units were established using the preexisting site grid,and are
comparable to the collection units used in the previous systematic
surface collection of artifacts at the site.
Grid expansion shovel testing was implemented to assist in determining
the spatial limits of the site.Shovel tests were placed at systematic
intervals expanding around the area of surface artifacts and the two 1 x
1 m test squares that contained subsurface artifacts (N100/E97 and
N98/E104).A total of 70 shovel tests were excavated,eight of which
contained artifacts.The artifacts were recorded from a variety of
stratigraphic contexts,and included 14 flakes of argillite,basalt,
obsidian,rhyolite,and quartzite material types.
Discussion:
The distribution of the surface artifacts tends to correspond to the
nonvegetated,actively deflating portion of the knoll.A cautionary
note must be interjected concerning the distribution of surface
artifacts.The vegetational cover at the site varies from a thin layer
of lichen and decomposed organic material (found in and surrounding the
blowout area)to a thick,more well developed,O-A horizon (in the shrub
area south and west of the blowout).The patchy distribution of this
lichen cover appears to obscure some of the surface artifacts.For
example,in surface collection unit NIOO/E97 the surface material
extended under the lichen and organic cover.
0-78
"1
....
~,
.....
-
Three tephra units were present at the site,but only the most recent
tephra (Devil)was well defined.The middle (Watana)and lower
(Oshetna)tephras were discontinuous above the drift (Figure 0.7;
Table 0.12).Erosional surfaces in test square N98/E104 indicate that
the O-A horizons and most recent tephra (Devil)lie unconformably on
drift in the eastern parts of the site indicating erosion during
pre-Devil times.In test square N95/E94 the upper three soil units were
intact but the lower stratigraphy consisted of drift intermixed with
tephra (units 4 and 5).The preservation of the three tephras near the
modern erosional area may be the result of stabilizing vegetation
suggesting that the northern area was vegetated and consequently more
stable in the past,which may explain the better prpservation of tephra
units in this portion of the site.
Although the soil units present what appears to be the common strati-
graphy for this area (i.e.,O-A horizons,Devil tephra,Watana tephra,
Oshetna tephra,drift)this knoll has undergone a more complicated
depositional and erosional history than the single composite soil
profile (Figure D.7)would indicate.Because of this,it is difficult
to discuss the number and location of archeological components in the
site and the stratigraphic relationship of surface to subsurface
artifacts.It is likely,however,that a broad differentiation can be
made between an upper IIcomponentll (units 1-3)which is post-Devil tephra
and a lower IIcomponent"(units 4-6)which is pre-Devil tephra.The two
"components II are separated by the Devil tephra whi ch fe 11 after 1800
years B.P.
Artifacts were found in association with both upper and lower contacts
of soil unit 5,mixed Oshetna tephra and drift (Figure 0.7).Given the
degree of mixing in the lower stratigraphy at this site,it is premature
to discuss or define a "component"associated with the lowermost tephra
(Oshetna).A similar argument can be made for artifacts found in
association with soil units 1 through 3,organics through Devil tephra.
Although stratigraphic control is better in these upper units,the
differentiation of two "components"may also be premature,based on
current data.
D-79
Surface material from an area of approximately 100 square meters was
collected in 1 x 1 m units in conjunction with systematic testing at the
site.A total of 1414 specimens were recorded,with the greatest number
being located in the northwest quadrant of the site.Basalt flakes were
found primarily in the southwestern quadrant of the site,while
weathered argillite flakes were recovered primarily from surface units
in the northwestern site quadrant.The surface collection,with the
exception of two argillite flake cores (UA81-283-2,3;Figure D.363b,
c),was comprised totally of flakes.Six modified flakes were recovered
(UA81-283-16,21,46,53,58,179),as well as one tci tho or boulder
spall scraper (UA81-283-13;Figure 0.363d).
A total of 570 subsurface artifacts,found in two of the three test
squares (N98/E104 and N100/E97),consisted almost exclusively of flakes
made from basalt,argillite,and obsidian.An obsidian flake core
(UA81-283-149;Figure 0.362i)is the only subsurface artifact that has
not been categorized as a flake.One argillite modified flake
(UA81-283-179)was also recovered.
Artifacts from the second surface collection period include 5 modified
flakes (UA84-234-49,103, 118, 125,220),1 chalcedony blade fragment
(UA84-234-192;Figure 0.362j),2 rhyolite biface fragments (UA84-234-6,
articulates with 44;Figure D.363a),1663 flakes,1 chert cobble
fragment,and 1 unburned caribou patella.Argillite was the predominant
material type (1008 flakes),with basalt being the second most common
material type (345 flakes).The differential surface distribution of
argillite and basalt flakes documented during the second collection was
similar to that of the first collection.The collection also includes
rhyolite and chert flakes,as well as single flakes of chalcedony and
obsidian.
The distribution of positive grid shovel tests and the location of the
two test squares that contained artifacts indicate that a large portion
of the site is deflated.The stratigraphic section in some of the
shovel tests represented well-defined vertical superposition of the
soil/sediment units.Although testing to date has been unable to
0-80
~'
-
"...
delineate the number,content,and position of the archeological
components,additional testing in the undeflated area may potentially
provide data to resolve these questions.
Evaluation:
The site is situated on a glacial kame which has a panoramic view to the
north.The environmental position of the site suggests that it may have
served as a lookout from which hunters waited for the appearance of game
on the plain to the north.Preliminary testing strongly suggests that
this site may have served this function during at least two times during
the past;both prior to and after the interval of Devil tephra
deposition.The raw material distribution of the debitage tends to
support this hypothesis because weathered argillite dominates the
surface collection while basalt is the major rock type associated with
the subsurface assemblage.The spatial and stratigraphic distributions
of the argillite and basalt flakes lend credence to the existence of
separate occupations.Argillite predominates in the northwestern
portion of the site and in soil/sediment units below the Devil tephra.
Conversely,basalt is most common in the southeastern portion of the
site and stratigraphically at the contact between the finely sorted
organics and Devil tephra.
The collection consists almost entirely of waste flakes which suggests
that hunters were actively engaged in the manufacture of tools and
weapons.The tci tho or boulder spall scraper found in the subsurface
test may suggest that the locale served as a brief camp,and the sheer
quantity of detrital material also supports this hypothesis.While the
results of the systematic testing are not conclusive,they do suggest:
that the site was occupied on at least two occasions,once prior to and
once after the Devil ash fall and that the duration of the occupation(s)
may have been for more than a single day.Observed site size based on
the distribution of artifacts is 171 square meters (Table 0.2).
D-81
o
o 0
o
o
*
o
•
.,
oooo
o
o
o
N95 E94
o
o
••r:,
o
Contour Interval:.5 m
Systematic Test Square D
Grid Test:wi Artifacts •
Grid Test:Sterile 0
Site Datum X
o
I
5
~1ETERS
10
Quadrant of a lxl m
Collection Unit Containing
Artifacts
Def lated Area
Figure 0.6.Site Map~TLM 018
0-82
-
DEPTH (em)
o
5
10
15
20
25
30
PROFILE
•
UNIT
1
2
3
4
5
6
CULTURAL
Figure 0.7.Composite Profile,TLM 018
0-83
Table 0.12.
Soil/Sediment Descriptions For Composite Profile,TLM 018
Unit Description
1 Organic zone,mat of variable thickness moss,lichen,
heaths
2 Finely sorted organics with many rootlets,lower contact
clear and irregular,upper contact gradational
3
4
Tephra (Devil);discontinuous across site (eroded out to
east),generally sharp and irregular upper and lower
contacts
Tephra (Watana);discontinuous in east part of site,
variable in thickness,well-sorted,oxidized layer not
found exclusively in upper part of unit but rather are
random oxidized zones throughout giving a patchy
appearance,lower contact sharp to gradational,upper
contact sharp
5 Mixed tephra (Oshetna)and drift;poorly sorted with
tephra,silt and sand and pebbles;irregular and
discontinuous unit,undulating contacts that vary from
clear to gradational
6 Oxidized sand pebbles and granules,poorly sorted,
oxidized,maximum pebble size ca.12 cm
0-84
Tab 1eO.13.
Artifact Summary,TLM 018
Tools
i
I
i
12
1
1
3
1
4
1
23
Modified flakes
5 Argillite (UA81-283-46,179;UA84-234-49,118,125)
6 Basalt (UA81-283-13,16,21,53,58;UA84-234-200)
1 Rhyolite (UA84-234-103)
Blade fragment
1 Chalcedony (UA84-234-192)
Burin spall
1 Argillite (UA80-165-3)
Biface fragments
1 Basalt (UA80-165-1)
2 Rhyolite (UA84-234-6 articulates with 44)
Triangular point
1 Basalt (UA78-60-1)
Flake cores
3 Argillite (UA78-60-2;UA81-283-2,3)
1 Obsidian (UA81-283-149)
Tci tho
1 Diorite (UA81-283-13)
0-85
Table 0.13.(Continued)
Lithic Material
-
2,254
1,179
1
78
5
1
91
212
1
1
3,823
Faunal Material
1
Argill He fl akes
Basa It fl akes
Chalcedony flake
Chert flakes
Obsidian flakes
Qua rtzHe fl ake
Rhyolite flakes
Flakes less than 1/8"mesh
203 Argi 11 He
8 Basalt
1 Chert
Argillite rock fragment
Chert cobble fragment
Unburned bone fragment
0-86
-
-
~i
Table 0.14 ..
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TlM 018
1,-
Unit
Surface
Table 0.15 .
Description
1 Patella,unburned caribou,(Rangifer
tarandus)
..-Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 018
Unit
Surface 2,098
673
1
26
1
89
212
4
6
Description
Argillite flakes
Basalt flakes
Chalcedony flake
Chert flakes
Obsidian flake
Rhyo 1ite fl a ke
Flakes less than 1/8 11 mesh
203 Argi 11 He
8 Basalt
1 Chert
Argillite modified flake
(UA81-283-46;UA84-234-49,118,125)
Basalt modified flakes
(UA81-283-13,16,21,53,58;UA84-234-200)
0-87
Table 0.15.(Continued)
Unit Description
....
1 Rhyolite modified flake (UA84-234-103)
1 Chalcedony blade fragment (UA84-234-192)
1 Argillite burin spall (UA80-165-3)
1 Basalt biface (UA80-165-1)
2 Rhyolite biface fragments (UA83-234-6,""'"
articulates with 44)
1 Basalt triangular point (UA78-60-1)
3 Argillite flake cores (UA78-60-2;
UA81-283-2,3)
1 Tci tho (UA81-283-13)
1 Chert cobble fragment
1 Argillite rock fragment (UA81-283-21)
1/2 2 Argi 11 ite flakes -.
Contact between
organic mat and 02
horizon
~
2 3 Argillite flakes
02 horizon 1 Basa It fl ake
1 Chert flake
1 Quartzite flake -
2/3 2 Argill ite fl akes
Contact between 430 Basalt fl akes
02 horizon and 1 Chert flake
Devil tephra 1 Argillite modified flake
~
(UA81-283-179)
,~
0-88
-
Table 0.15.(Continued)
Unit Description
:3 2 Argillite flakes
Devil tephra
3/4 1 Basa lt fl ake
Contact between 1 Chert flake
Devi 1 and Watana
,~
tephras
4/5 139 Argillite flakes
Contact between 34 Basalt flakes
Watana and mixed 31 Chert flakes
"....Oshetna tephras 1 Obsidian flake
5 7 Argill ite fl akes
Mixed Oshetna tephra 29 Basalt flakes
~and glacial drift 17 Chert flakes
1 Obsidian flake core
(UA81-283-149)
5/6 3 Basalt fl akes
~Contact between 1 Chert flake
mixed Oshetna tephra
and glacial drift
4/6 1 Argill ite flake
Contact between 1 Rhyo 1ite fl ake
Watana tephra and
glacial drift
0-89
Table 0.15.(Continued)
Unit Description
~l
-
Below Watana 1 Obsidian flake
tephra
Reworked Drift 7 Basalt flakes
2 Obsidian flakes
Subsurface 1 Basalt fl ake
unknown 1 Rhyolite flake
~W!
',-
0-90
-
Area:
USGS Map:
Site Locatoj on:
Setting:
AHRS Number TLM 020
Mouth of Portage Creek
Talkeetna Mts.D-5,Figure E.l
Appendix F
..-The site,a historic inscription dated 1897,is located at the
confluence of Portage Creek and the Susitna River.The inscription is
approximately 4 m above the level of the beach and directly adjacent to
it.It can be seen from the beach but to be approached requires a
short,relatively easy climb over bedrock.
~)escri pti on_:
The site consists
slab of bedrock.
as follows:
of a 40 x 40 cm inscription engraved into a vertical
The text of the inscription in letters 4-5 em high is
MILO DECKER
L.F.JUDSON
W.A.DICKEY
H.J.KENNASTON
July.?
1897
-
A party of prospectors,including William A.Dickey,ascended the main
branch of the Susitna River in 1897 to the Devil Canyon area,where they
found the river to be impassable.Dickey and his companions turned
back,even though a group of Indians,camped in the vicinity of Portage
Creek mouth,offered to show them a portage route around the canyon.
Dickey's journey was reported ;n the November 1897 issue of National
Geographic (Bacon 1975a;Cole 1979).The rock inscription marks the
furthest ascent of the Susitna River by this party.
D-91
Other than the inscription itself,no historic or prehistoric cultural
material was observed in the vicinity and no subsurface testing was
conducted at the site.Estimated site size based on the distribution of
artifacts is 4 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-92
-
~,
AHRS Number TLM 021;Accession Number UA80-68
J\rea:
Site Map:
Site Location Map:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northwest of Confluence of Gilbert Creek with
Kosina Creek
Locus A,Figure 0.8
Locus B,Figure 0.9
Locus C,Figure 0.10
Figure E.48
Talkeetna Mts.C-2,Figure E.?
Appendix F
-
Three distinct loci (A,B,and C),are located along the exposed rocky
crest of an east-west trending ridge at an elevation of ca.884 m asl
(2900 feet).Locus A is situated at the extreme eastern end of the
ridge overlooking Kosina Creek downstream from the confluence of Gilbert
Creek with Kosina Creek.Kosina Creek is approximately 122 m lower than
the elevation of locus A.Loci Band C are located 0.5 km and 1 km,
respectively,to the west of locus A on high points of the ridge which
offer unobstructed views to the north and south of low kettle and kame
topography.
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.Kettle
lakes are in view,from all loci,to the north and southeast of the
site.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.Vegetation
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
w'ell defined and is truncated by a north-south stream channel.
0-93
Testino:
¥
Testing was concentrated at locus A,although 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.Approximately half the surface
material observed was collected.An argillite biface fragment
(UA80-68-239;Figure D.364a),2 quartzite modified flakes (UA80-68-144,
238),and 1 chert flake were found spatially isolated from the flake
scatters (Table 0.16).Four test pits were excavated but only test pit 4
produced cultural material from the surface to 5 cmbs.Artifact raw
material types include argillite,chert,and quartzite.
Locus B:Locus B consi~ts of six flake scatters exposed in a blowout on
the crest of the ridge at a point slightly higher than the general ridge
line.Scatter 1 included the medial section of an argillite preform
(UA80-68-190;Figure D.364b).All observed surface artifacts were col-
lected (Table 0.17).Test pit 1 produced burned bone fragments and
charcoal at a depth of 9 cmbs.A radiocarbon determination of 1160
±100 years:A.D.790 (DIC-I878)was obtained from this charcoal
(UA80-68-1a).A single flake (not collected)was observed in situ in
the edge of a blowout adjacent to test pit 1 at the same depth as the
bone and charcoal horizon in test pit 1.It is possible that the
radiocarbon date obtained on the charcoal from test pit 1 may date the
surface artifacts exposed by deflation.
Locus C:Locus C consists of a single flake scatter exposed in a blow-
out.The scatter consisted of 21 brown chert flakes,6 basalt flakes,
and 2 rhyolite flakes clustered within aIm diameter (Table 0.18).All
21 chert flakes and two basalt flakes were surface collected.Test
pit 1,located at the locus datum,produced one basalt modified flake
(UA80-68-237)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.
0-94
-
-
-
For locus A,estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts
is 200 square meters.For locus B,estimated site size based on the
distribution of artifacts is 25 square meters.For locus C,estimated
site size based on the distribution of artifacts is 8 square meters
(Table 0.2).
0-95
Table 0.16.
Artifact Summary,TLM 021 Locus A
Provenience
Lithic Material
Surface:
Scatter 1
Scatter 2
Scatter 3
Scatter 4
Isolated Finds
Subsurface:
Test Pit 4
Description
628 Argillite flakes
2 Chert flakes
0-96
-
-
Table 0.17.
Artifact Summary,TLM 021 Locus B
Provenience Description
0-97
Table 0.17.(Continued)
Provenience
Faunal Material
Surface:
Scatter 6
Subsurface:
Test Pit 1
Table 0.13.
Description
2 Unidentifiable fragments,calcined,mammal
6 Unidentifiable fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
-
-
-
Artifact Summary,TLM 021 Locus C
Provenience
Lithic Material
Surface:
Description
Scatter 1
Subsurface:
Test Pit 1
2 Basalt flakes
21 Chert fl&~es
6 Flakes (uncollected)
1 Basalt modified flake (UA80-68-237)
0-98
...,
,
/
(,
~
'"'","
I
I
'"
o
2
..,~..._--...........-
'"I
I
I
I
""",-"'
\
"'__"',t::::)Te8t 1
....----...._,_
,I
\
\
\
\
\
\
~,...
I~
P;rtifact Concentration -1-
Deflated Area Limit
Figure 0.8.Site Map,TLM 021 Locus A
0-99
-
-
-
-
,
\
I,
/
/
"'"
3
A c:a.300 m
-,-I
o
-:-
-\-
"/
/
/
I
I
I
I
I
I
/
I
/,-..._/
I'I'
"."'-,,.""I ..._....
\
\
\
\
\
\-!-x
"'\)88t 1
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
I
J
/
I
"'"".
"'"/
/
/....----_...-------------
Test Pit
deflated area
-...
Surface Artifa~t
Artifact Concentration
Locus B Subda-cum
_I-
I
X
METERS
Deflated Area Limit
Figure 0.9.Site Map,TLM 021 Locus B
0-100
,-
i~!
-pt-
~
C!J
-...~"\I I\--'
~
I
~
-1-
Locus A
ca.675 m
~~-------.
(,,--..,.-,"'-.".',
f I @\I ~,~
...._----;
G $~ca.600 m
...-~........~,,,
r \
\\\,
\..,
J ,
f ,
I \
I \
\\,~
Locus C Subdatum x
Test Pit
Deflated Area
o
..-...C__'
o 5
METERS
10
Spruce Tree
Dwarf Birch
Boulder
Flake Scatter
Contour Interval:.25 rn
Figure 0.10.Site Map,TLM 021 Locus C
0-101
AHRS Number TLM 022;Accession Numbers UA80-69,UA81-238 J
UA84-122
M!'I
""'"
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Mouth of Tsusena Creek
Fi gure 0.11
Proposed Borrow E,Figure E.283
Talkeetna Mts.0-4,Figure E.2
Appendix F
....
The site,located in proposed Borrow Area E,is situated on the east
bank of Tsusena Creek at its confluence with the Susitna River.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.It varies from approximately 400-800 m in width and
is 450 m asl (altimeter:1477 feet).From the site location both the
north and south banks of the Susitna River are in view to the west.The
terrain rises steeply to the north and northeast of the site where the
elevation is ca.61 m 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 ca.30 m waterfall upstream from the mouth of
the creek.The site is mantled by a mature forest of mixed white
spruce,birch,aspen,and cottonwood.Wood,both charred and rotten,is
clearly visible over most of the site.Some black spruce occurs in
poorly drained areas.A thick vegetation mat of sphagnum moss,lichens,
~nd grasses covers the floor of the forest.
Testing:
A shovel test revealed charcoal and burned bone at 15 cmbs.This was
subsequently expanded into test pit 1,which produced additional bone
0-102
-
-
J~
--
-
and charcoal and three river cobbles thought to represent a hearth.
Four other shovel tests were excavated at this site during the initial
survey testing.With the exception of one possible thermally altered
rock,these tests were culturally sterile.
A grid shovel testing program was implemented to assist in determining
the site size and the distribution of cultural remains.Seventeen grid
shovel test were excavated.Two grid shovel tests (N98/E94 and
NI06/E94)produced unburned bone in the vegetation mat and the finely
divided organic unit (Table 0.21).Surface survey of the stream and
river terraces,including the eroding banks,for ca.150 m to the north
and east of the site did not reveal additional cultural material.
During the systematic testing phase,five 1 x 1 m test squares and five
additional shovel tests were excavated.Two of the test squares
(NIOl/E94 and NI03/E92)were placed near test pit 1 in order to confirm
the presence of the presumed hearth features.The extent of these
features was tested by the excavation of test squares NIOO/E96 and
NI04/E95.The fifth test square (NI04/E99),placed in what appeared to
be a house pit depression,proved to be sterile.This assessment may be
a function of the limited excavation in this square.Heavy rains and
thawed frost flooded the square and prevented excavation beyond soil
unit 3.
Discussion:
Thermally altered rock,faunal material,cobbles,and a quartz flake
comprise the cultural material recovered from this site (Tables 0.20,
0.21,and D.22).The stratigraphic postion of this material suggests
three occupations,all fairly recent as indicated by radiocarbon dating.
fll modern radiocarbon date was obtained from charcoal collected during
survey testing (DIC-1878)and another radiocarbon date of 300 ±70
years:A.D.1650 (DIC-2252)derived from charcoal collected during
systematic testing.The occupations are represented by hearth features
and/or faunal material found in soil units 1 and 2,4,and 6 (Figure
0.12).Six hearth features were identified during systematic testing.
D-I03
Stratigraphy at the site is characterized by alternating sequences of
sand,silt,and organic horizons.A total of 21 soil/sediment units
were defined,however,only eight are of interest in terms of the
cultural material (Figure 0.12).The bulk of the stratigraphic section
is fluvial in origin (sand and silt)with buried A horizons interspersed
between the fluvial sediments (Table 0.19),a situation not unexpected
given the location of the site at the confluence of Tsusena Creek with
the Susitna River.The general sequence of soil and sediment units is
fairly uniform from test square to test square.Variability exists in
the thickness of each unit and the coloration of some of the units.
Evidence for the upper occupation at the site consists of faunal remains
found in soil units 1 and 2 of test square N100/E96 and in grid shovel
tests N106/E94 and N98/E94.This material is unburned and better
preserved than other bones found at the site.It is associated with
rotten wood found in the finely divided organics (unit 2).Some pieces
were found at the contact of these two stratigraphic units.The
assemblage includes various skeletal elements of moose (Alces alces)and
caribou (Rangifer tarandus).Cultural modification is evident on three
bone fragments.Cut marks are present on a vertebral epiphysis of a
moose (Alces alces)and a long bone fragment of undetermined genera.A
third bone exhibits possible carving marks.A metapodial showing an
epiphyseal fusion line and a vertebral epiphysis,both of moose,
indicate an age of between one and two years for the individual
represented at the site.
The middle and lower occupations are represented by several hearth
features.Features 1a and 2 are associated with unit 4,while the lower
occupation features 1b,3,4,and 5 are associated with unit 6.Both of
these soil/sediment units are A horizons separated from each other by
sand and silt.
Features 1a and 1b consisted of ca.30 thermally altered rocks,pebbles,
and ca.465 calcined bone fragments which were scattered through test
square N101/E94.It became apparent that two hearths were present when
the southern and western walls were seen in cross section.Because of
0-104
-
-
-
-
-
•c
-
the closeness of the two hearths,it is difficult to distinguish which
rocks belong to which hearth.However,it is clear that the two hearths
are superimposed and stratigraphically distinct as indicated in the
south wa 11 of the test.Faunal remains associ ated wi th these features
are all fragmentary calcined specimens.The bone inventory includes a
scaphoid bone (in five fragments)of caribou (Rangifer tarandus),2
vestigial phalanx fragments of moose (Alces alces),1 arctic ground
squirrel (Spermophilus parryi)mandible fragment,and ca.460 long bone
.and unidentifiable bone fragments of medium-large mammal.
The combined hearth area extends beyond test squares N101/E94 in all
directions.The hearth depression from feature 1a is approximately
12 cm at its deepest point,while feature 1b is approximately 10 cm deep
at its ~eepest point.Both hearths seem to be linear,i.e.,longer than
wide,but additional excavation is required to define their exact
configuration.A radiocarbon date on charcoal from hearth 1b produced a
date of 300 ±70 y~ars:A.D.1650.Feature la,being stratigraphically
above lb,would therefore be more recent.
Feature 2 contained seven thermally altered rocks lining the perimeter
of a slight depression that intersected the western wall of N103/E92.
This feature is associated with soil unit 4.It extends approximately
60 cm from north to south and approximately 25 cm out from the western
wall.No bones or artifacts were found in direct association with this
feature.It is possible that 8 burned bone fragments found at the
contact between soil units 3 and 4 are part of this middle occupation.
Two additional thermally altered rocks were uncovered at the bottom of
feature 2.
Feature 3 is located in soil unit 6 and contained a group of six rounded
cobbles in the southwest quadrant of test square NID3/E92.These rocks
did not appear to be altered by thermal processes and no cultural
material was found in association with the feature.It is possible that
this rock configuration is the result of natural and not cultural
processes.
0-105
Feature 4 is a hearthlike feature and was found in soil unit 6 of test
square N100/E96 stratigraphically below a charred log.A total of eight
pieces of thermally altered rock were found in the square and were
located primarily in the northwest quadrant.A large depression (ca.
70 cm deep)covers the eastern section of the square.It intersects the
north,south,and east walls so that the full extent of this feature is
unknown.The strata are truncated,as seen in the soil profile,and the
sand unit that the rocks intersect is absent from both the large
depression and also from a smaller depression located in the southwest
quadrant.The soil profile of the east wall shows a sharp boundary
between the depression and a disturbed sand/silt area.A charcoal lens
and a wood-rich stratum parallel the lines of this boundary.These
strata are capped by a well-developed,more recent soil.The smaller
depression that intersects the south wall is less clearly of cultural
origin.
Feature 5 is also associated with unit 6.This feature,found in
NI04/E9S is comprised of three thermally altered rocks (uncollected)
which do not appear to be part of a hearth.
Evaluation:
Three periods of cultural occupation have been documented at this site,
and several cultural features have been noted.The lack of trade goods
and one of the radiocarbon dates suggest that at least the earliest
occupations of the site occurred during precontact times,either before
trade goods had been introduced or before they were common.This could,
however,be a spurious result of the small sample.
The site ;s situated in a sheltered forested valley bottom at the
junction of the Susitna River and Tsusena Creek.Based on its physical
setting and the occurrence of hearths and possibly other features,this
site appears to represent a favored campsite which was reoccupied
several times.The hearths appear to be linear features characterized
by thennally altered rock,caribou bone,and moose bone.This type of-
feature is commonly associated with Athapaskan sites in the Alaskan
0-106
-
'""'"
-
-
'"'"'
-
.~.
,-
interior,suggesting late prehistoric Athapaskan occupation of the
region.
The relatively rapid rate of soil deposition and the preservation of
organic remains indicate that this site will prove to be useful for
defining the activities associated with this time interval in the upper
Susitna River valley.The preservation of organic material at the site
presents the possl bil ity that tools made of bone and antler may be
recovered.Any such discoveries would be significant because the
organic component of the Athapaskan tool kit during this period is
poorly documented and understood.Observed site size based on the
distribution of artifacts is 57 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-107
•0 0
0 NO ""'"
0
E 99 ..~
0 -®
N'OO
E'OO
~
-
-
Systematic Test Square 0 0 4 8
Shovel Test 0 HETERS
Grid Test:wi Artifacts •
Grid Sterile 0 Contour Interval:.5 m
Test:
Site Datum x
Slump ;;:;
Figure 0.11.Site ~ap,TLM 022
0-108
-
-
DEPTH (em)
o
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
PROFILE UNIT
1
2
3
4 (CULTURAL)
5
6 (CULTURAL)
7
8
Figure 0.12.Composite Profile,TLM 022
0-109
Table 0.19.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 022
Unit
1
Description
Duff;variable in thickness,0 horizon.
material.
Cultura 1
2
3
4
5
Finely divided organic matter;very dark brown (lOYR
2/2).A horizon.Sharp upper contact,at times with
gradational lower boundary.
Silt to sandy silt;dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2)to
light brownish gray (2.5Y 6/2).Leached zone E horizon.
Generally sharp contacts but variable in thickness.
Finely divided organic matter;dark brown (7.5YR 3/2).A
horizon.Thin layer with greasy texture.Continuous
across site with clear upper and lower boundaries.
Cultural material.
Intermixed sand and silt;yellowish brown (IOYR 5/6)to
brown (7.5YR 4/4).Fluvial deposit.Generally found as
mixed sand/silt stratum,however at times the two
sediment types appear as distinct lens.Continuous
across site.
0-110
-
Tabl e 0.19.(Continued)
i"
i
Unit
6
j'
Description
Finely divided organic matter;very dark brown (10YR
2/1).A horizon.Thin layer with greasy texture.
Generally sharp contacts.Continuous across site.
Cultural material.
Well-sorted,medium grain size sand;yellowish brown
(10YR 6/4).Fluvial deposit.Sharp contacts.
Continuous deposit except where truncated by cultural
features.
Well-sorted to moderately well sorted silt with inclusion
of medium grained sand;brown (10YR 5/3).Fluvial
deposit.Sharp contacts.Continuous across site.
I"""
I
Note:11 more soil/sediment units were defined in test square NI03/E92.
These represent 5 larger units of sandy silt capped by a buried A
horizon.These units are not described here for two reasons:no
cultural material was associated with these soil units and only 1 test
square was excavated to this depth.
0-111
Table 0.20.
Artifact Summary,TLM 022
Lithic Material
1
ca.45
ca.10
9
ca.65
Faunal Material
ca.712
Quartz fragment
Thermally altered rocks
Thermally altered rocks (uncollected)
Cobbles (uncollected)
Bones and fragments
0-112
Table D.21.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 022
Unit
1/2
Contact between
organic mat and
finely divided
organi cs
land 2
filii xed vegetation
mat and finely
divided organics
Description
1 Right mandibular fragment (condyle),
unburned,moose (Alces alces)
1 Distal phalanx,unburned,moose,
(Alces alces)
1 Vestigial phalanx,unburned,moose
(Alces Alces)
1 Vestigial phalanx,unburned,probably
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Vestigial phalanx,unburned,cervid
5 Long bone and unidentifiable fragments,
unburned,medium-large mammal
1 Molar fragment,unburned,probably moose
(Alces alces)
1 Mandible fragment,unburned,possibly moose
(Alces alces)
1 Cervical vertebra epiphysis,unburned,
moose (Alces alces)
1 Possible cervical vertebra fragment,
unburned,probably moose (Alces alces)
1 Vertebra epiphysis,unburned,cut mark,
probably moose (Alces alces)
1 Rib fragment,unburned,probably moose
(Alces alces)
1 Right distal tibia fragment,unburned,
moose (Alces alces)
D-113
Table 0.21.(Continued)
Unit Description
3/4
Contact between
dark grayish brown
silt and finely
divided organics
4 and 6
Associated with
hearth features
1a and 1b
1 Distal metapodial fragment,fusion line
visible,unburned,moose (Alces alces)
1 Rib vertebral facet,~nburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right distal radius fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Probable spinous processes,unburned,cervid
1 Long bone fragment,unburned,~ut mark,
large mammal
1 Unidentifiable fragment,unburned,possible
carving marks,medium-large mammal
151 Long bone and unidentifiable fragments,
unburned,medium-large mammal
8 Long bone and unidentifiable fragments,
calcined and heavily burned,medium-large
mammal
2 Vestigial phalanx fragments,calcined,moose
(Alces alces)
1 Scaphoid (five fragments),calcined,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Vestigial phalanx fragment,calcined,cervid
1 Mandible fragment,calcined,arctic ground
squirrel (Spermophilus parryi)
ca.460 Long bone and unidentifiable fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
0-114
-
~,
Table 0.21.(Continued)
r-,
Unit
Subsurface Unknown
Description
1 Oistalfragment medial phalanx,
calcined,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Vestigial phalanx fragment,calcined,
probably caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
8 Tooth fragments,calcined,.medium-large
mammal
1 Long bone fragment,unburned,large
mammal
53 Long bone and unidentifiable fragments,
burned and calcined,medium-large mammal
0-115
Table 0.22.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 022
~I
-
Description ~,Unit
~
4 7 Thermally altered rocks
Associated with
hearth feature 2
~
4 and 6 ca.30 Thermally altered rocks
Associated with
hearth features
la and lb
6 6 Cobbles (uncollected)
Associated with """
hearth feature 3
6 8 Thermally altered rocks
As soc ia ted with
~hearth feature 4
6 3 Thermally altered rocks (uncollected)
Associated with
hearth feature 5
Sllbsurface 1 Quartz fl ake
unknown 7 Thermally altered rocks (uncollected)
3 Cobbles (uncollected)
~
0-116
AHRS Number TLM 023;Accession Number UA80-70
!\rea:
Site Map:
Survey Locale:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
~;etting :
West of Tsusena Creek Mouth
Figure 0.13
Proposed Borrow E,Figure E.283
Talkeetna Mts.0-4,Figure E.2
Appendix F
The site,a collapsed trapper's cabin,is located in proposed Borrow E
west of the mouth of Tsusena Creek at the mouth of an unnamed,clear
water creek which joins the Susitna River from the north.The cabin
remains,not visible from the river,are located on a relatively flat
alluvial terrace,at an elevation of 443 m asl (altimeter:1454 feet),
east of the braided mouth of the creek and 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 ca.152 m 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.
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 sad roof.The lowest logs remain in situ,enabling
measurement of the cabin to be made,the dimensions are approximately
11 1 5"x 16 1 4"m with the long axis orfented west-northwest.The remains
of a door measuring 2 1 2"x 4
1 6 11 cm is evident in the southwest wall
facing the Susitna River.The logs exhibit saddle notching at the ends.
The ground in the immedi ate vi ci nity of the Gabi n is 1 ittered with.
0-117
historic cultural debris (Figure 0.13),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 IRON"was
collected (Table 0.23).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 tests were dug in the vicinity of the
.cabin 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 1 s.This cabin,according to Hobgood (1980,oral communica-
tion),was one of a string of 10 line cabins approximately 10 miles
apart with Vogel·s main headquarters cabin located on the Talkeetna
River.Vogel,primarily a wolf trapper,quit trapping in 1949 and died
in Anchorage in 1979.The May 1972 issue of Alaska Magazine contains an
article by Oscar H.Vogel entitled liMy Years with the \~olves".A photo-
graph of one of Vogel·s line cabins illustrates the above article and is
probably representative of what the cabin at site TLM 023 looked like
prior to its collapse.Estimated site size based on the distribution of
artifacts is 90 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-118
'"'"
,""'"
Table 0.23.
J~rtifact Summary,TLM 023
Provenience
Historic Remains.
Surface:
(Collected)
Surface:
(Uncollected)
Description
1 Glass bottle (NUXATED IRON)
(Numbers are keyed to site map)
1 6
11 stovepipe sections
2 Fryi ng 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
0-119
o
Shovel Test
(8 31CJ o
9.8 m.~d:d
4_,'/::;:>-:-4
0 0gS -:-4
I 2-.-
17-:-
19-:-
Shovel Test
@ 68 0
8.9 m.
18-:-
Shovel
Test
@ 1140
10.8 TIl.-
Shovel Test o
o
I
2
I
METERS
4
I
-
Surface Artifact ~-
Site Datum x
Note:See site report for
key to surface artifacts
Figure D.13.Site Map,TLM 023
0-120
AHRS Number TLM 024;Accession Numbers UA80-71,UA84-141
Area:
Site Map:
Site Location Map:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
}etting:
Northwest of Tsusena Creek Mouth
Figure 0.14
Figure E.282
Talkeetna Mts.0-4,Figure E.2
Appendix F
.~
The site,located northwest of Tsusena Creek just north of proposed
Borrow Area E,is upstream from the mouth of a small unnamed creek which
joins the Susitna River from the north.It is situated on the end of a
ridge approximately 300 m west of the creek,and overlooks an alluvial
terrace to the south.The site is located about 1 m below the point of
a small projection and is about 10 m above the level of the alluvial
terrace.To the northwest the ridge rises gradually for about 400 m and
then becomes part of a hill connected to the upper valley bench which
rises steeply to 478 m asl (altimeter:1568 feet)elevation.The site
is situated in a dense stand of birch,white spruce.and alder which
I"estri ct the vi ew from the site.A thi ck carpet of moss covers the
ground.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 forbs.Labrador
tea,and high bush berries.Black spruce are present on the alluvial
terrace below the site.
}esting:
j~shovel test produced a single basalt flake at a depth of 20-30 cmbs
(Table 0.24).This black basalt flake has a white patina on the dorsal
surface.The shovel test was expanded into a 40 x 40 cm test pit (test
pit 1)but no additional cultural material was found.Six rock
fragments,three of which exhibit facets that appear polished,were
collected from test pit 1.Laboratory analysis indicates that these
rocks are silicipus metasedimentary types and that the facets are
0-121
natural cleavage planes.Three additional shovel tests and a second
test pit were also excavated,but proved to be sterile.
A grid shovel testing program was implemented to locate subsurface
material and to assist in determining the areal extent of TLlYl 024.
Thirteen grid shovel tests were excavated;however,no subsurface
cultural material was recovered in any of these tests.Three basalt
flakes were recovered from the surface of the present moss mat adjacent
to test pit 2 (NIOI/ElOI).Drift pebbles and disturbed matrix were
observed in the moss cover adjacent to test pit 2 and suggest that the
flakes may have originated from the original excavation of this test.
The cortex on the basalt flakes is similar to that found on basalt
cobbles at the quarry site at TLM 259 located to the southwest adjacent
to the Susitna River.Observed site size based on the distribution of
artifacts is 8 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-122
~,
-
-
liable 0.24.
Artifact Summary,TLM 024
Provenience
Lithic Material
Surface:
Subsurface:
Test pit 1
Description
3 Basalt flakes
1 Basa It fl ake
6 Rock fragments
0-123
~~
-H-
~-
~.~
0
~i
O~0 -~r--1"T.at
0 ""'"
0°()
T8ab1
0
0
,
,?
0
lI'I
~i
Contour Interval:1 m
Test pit
Shovel Test
Grid Test:Sterile
Site Datum
Surface Artifact
Spruce Tree
o
o
o
x
_I-
I
a 4
METERS
8
-
Figure 0.14.Site Map,TLM 024
0-124
AHRS Number TLM 025;Accession Numbers UA80-72,UA81-225
Area:
Site Map:
Site Location Map:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Southwest of Watana Creek Mouth
Figure 0.15
Figure E.49
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
The site,located south of the Susitna River and southwest of the mouth
of Watana Creek,is situated at the northeast end of a ridge at the
highest elevation of a streamlined knob,which is a crag-and-tail
feature at ca.792 m asl (2600 feet).Site topography exhibits sharp
relief from the surrounding terrain which is 91-122 m 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
jis oriented towards the southwest,overlooking a small valley.To the
north a long stretch of the Susitna River 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
E~xposed at the summit of the hill and on the slopes to the north and
southeast.Mosses,Labrador tea,and low brushes are the common
vegetation on the site,with higher brush dominating the slopes below.
Vegetation on the surrounding plain 100 m 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.
}estil1g:
Survey level testing showed the site to contain both surface and
subsurface cultural material.A surface flake scatter covering an area
4 (north-south)x 35 m (east-west)was exposed in a blowout (Figure
0-125
0.15).Within this larger scatter,a concentration of flakes occupied
an area of 6 (north-south)x 4 m (east-west).Artifacts collected on
the surface consist of:1 chert modified flake (UA81-225-2),2
microblade fragments (UA81-225-3,6;Figure 0.364c,d),1 chert biface
(UA81-225-5;Figur~0.364h),1 argillite microblade core (UA81-225-1;
Figure 0.364g),2 microblade core tablets (UA80-72-10;UA81-225-4;
Figure 0.364f,e),and 1 hammerstone (UA81-225-9;Figure 0.364i).Twelve
flakes were also collected on the surface.Other observed surface
flakes were left in situ (Table 0.25).Three test pits were excavated,
two of which produced cultural material.A single chert flake was found
in test pit 1 at 11 cmbs.Test pit 2 produced two basalt flakes between
7 and 10 cmbs.Raw materials of artifacts represented at this site are
quite diverse and include argillite,basalt,chalcedony,chert,and
obsidian.Estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts is
140 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-126
-
Table 0.25.
Artifact Summary,TLM 025
Provenience Description
U thi c Materi a 1
""'"Surface:4 Argillite flakes-4 Basa It fl akes
I,1 Chalcedony flake
1 Chert flake
r"lI:l:
I 2 Obsidian Flakes
1 Chert modified flake (UABl-225-2)
.-2 Argillite microblade fragments
(UABl-225-3 t 6)
1 Chert biface (UABl-225-5)
1 Argillite microblade core (UABl-225-1)
p;;;;1 Argillite microblade core tablet
(UABl-225-4)
1 Chert microblade core tablet (UABO-72-10)
""""1 Hammerstone (UABl-225-9)
1 Rock fragment
""'"1 Ochre piece
Subsurface:
~Tl~st Pit 1 1 Chert flake
Test Pit 2 2 Basalt flakes
~
-
0-127
-
".....
"\
\T ••t 2 ~q
-H-
.....~....
"--....,....,
1 .....-1-..........
).,-................
(-".....
-:-,
.I..".-_...........,."
"'........
""
-:-
T.et 3o
-:--:--:-
-;-
1oTeet
",'"
",,'"
"./
./.,-
~
("_....-,
.......,..._l_-'-',
~~--_~__~~~I,
I
I
/
'"/
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"""~
/
I
I
I
I
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t
\I
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Test Pit o
o
I
..,...4,
Site Datum x :·lE7ERS
Surface Artifact -:-
Artifact Concentration _I-
I
Def lated .~rea
Bedrock
Figure 0.15.Site Map,TLM 025
0-128
AHRS Number TLM 026;Accession Numbers UA80-73,UA81-218,UA84-139
J\rea:
.Site Map:
Survey Locale 45:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
~;etting:
Across from Goose Creek Mouth
Figure 0.16
Figure E.123
Talkeetna Mts.C-1,Figure E.8
Appendix F
-~.,..,
The site is located on the north side of the Susitna River across from
the mouth of Goose Creek.It is situated at 693 m asl (altimeter:2275
feet)on the southwestern point of a projection of land ca.1.5 km long.
At this point the Susitna River forms a tight bend,flowing almost
completely around the site.Two abandoned stream channels cut across
the top of the ridge,one immediately northeast of the site and the
other approximately 900 m northeast in the vicinity of site TLM 042.
The site is ca.46 m above the Susitna River with the point increasing
in elevation to the northeast to ca.762 m asl (2500 feet).The view to
the northeast is excellent for approximately 3 km upriver.The view
across the river encompasses approximately 1 km of the Goose Creek
drainage.In this area the Susitna River is wide and shallow with
qravel bars and islands in sight.Several small kettle lakes are
located 2-3 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 forming the major vegetation.The
slopes leading down to the Susitna River are steep,eroded,and poorly
vegetated.Spruce are present at the bottom of the slope and increase
in density with proximity to the river.
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.All observed surface artifacts were
collected from the exposure and include 1 chert endscraper-(UA80-73-1;
0-129
Figure 0.364k),1 chert biface (UA80-73-4;Figure 0.364j),2 flakes,and
2 river cobbles (Table D.26).All of these artifacts were found on
active erosional surfaces.Seven shovel tests and three test pits
revealed no subsurface artifacts.The 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.The river
cobbles were out of geologic context and may represent the partial
remains of a cultural feature.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.No other cobbles or cultural materials were observed while
preparing the bank to draw a soil profile.
Additional intensive surface survey and shovel testing were conducted
because no subsurface or in situ cultural material had been found at the
site.Eighty-five shovel tests were dug (not shown on site map).Only
one shovel test (test B),located 103 degrees and 31 m from the site
datum,produced cultural material,134 calcined bone fragments.The
bone occurred above 9 cmbs and seemed to be associated with a dark A
horizon just below the humic mat.
A shovel testing expansion program was undertaken to assist in
determining site size and the distribution of cultural materials.
Thirty-four grid shovel tests were excavated around the shovel test
containing calcined bone.One of the grid shovel tests (shovel test 1,
NI04/EI04)contained a basalt flake.Observed site size based on the
distribution of artifacts is 75 square meters (Table 0.2).
D-130
"""
-
"""
-
Table 0.26.
Artifact Summary,TLM 026
0-131
....
-
0 ~j
0
0 0 0
0
0 -0 0
0 0 0 0 •0 0 0 ~Site Datum S.T.1 0 0
ca.31 m 0000 0 0 0
'JI'il!ll'!Il',
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Teet B
0 0 0
0 0
0
...",
/'-
Shovel 0 5 10Test01
Grid Test:wi Artifacts •METERS '"""
Grid Test:Sterile 0
Artifact -:-Contour Interval:1 mSurface
Shovel Test 1 S.T.1
-~
Figure D.16.Site Map,TLM 026
0-132
AHRS Number TLI~027;Accession Numbers UA80-74,UA81-243,UA84-218
J~rea :
Site Map:
Survey Locale 14:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
~;etting:
North of Fog Creek Mouth
Figure 0.17
Figure E.90
Talkeetna Mts.0-4,Figure E.2
Appendix F
,~
The site is located on the south side of the Susitna River at the mouth
of a stream which joins the Susitna River from the east,north of the
mouth of Fog Creek.Situated on the summit of a discrete cone-shaped
knoll,at an elevation of 487 m asl (altimeter:1598 feet),approxi-
mately 100 m from the river margin,the site overlooks both the Susitna
River and the mouth of the small clear water stream to the south.The
knoll forms the end of a ridge which extends northeast towards higher
ground.In all other directions the 30 m high knoll slopes steeply to
the level of the Susitna River.The top of the knoll is approximately
:W m 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 River 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 (2625 feet).Below the site there is evidence of
terracing by the Susitna River.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,lowbush cranberry,mosses,and lichens.
The vegetation at the base of the knoll changes from birch and aspen to
black spruce,highbush cranberry,grasses,and sphagnum moss.
Jesting:
During the initial survey,this site was discovered through subsurface
testing.No surface indication of the site was observed,however,
cultural material was found in each of the three 40 x 40 cm test pits
0-133
excavated on the relatively flat summit.Cultural remains were
recovered from two different soil horizons in test pit 1,although test
pits 2 and 3 yielded cultural material from the lower horizon only.
A grid shovel program was undertaken to assist in determining site size
and the distribution of cultural materials.Forty grid shovel tests
were excavated,seven of which yielded artifacts.Forty-eight argillite
and three basa 1t fl akes were recovered,as well as one basa 1t modi fi ed
flake (UA84-218-2).
Results from the preliminary testing suggested that the site may
encompass the entire top of the knoll and may contain vertically
stratified cultural material bracketed by deposits of volcanic ash.To
confirm these contentions three 1 x 1 m test squares were excavated at
the site during the systematic phase of testing.
Discussion:
Testing at TLM 027 involved the excavation of 3 test pits,40 grid
shovel tests,and 3 test squares.The cultural remains recovered from
these testing episodes consisted of 40 tools or tool fragments,561
flakes,and 2 cobbles.Tables 0.28 and 0.29,respectively,provide a
total artifact inventory and distribution by stratigraphic unit.Three
components were defined at this site an the basis of systematic testing.
Survey testing consisted of the excavation of three test pHs,all of
which yielded cultural material.Test pit 1 produced two distinct raw
material types,each associated with a different soil horizon.Three
basalt flakes were discovered between 3-5 cmbs at the contact between
the humus layer and a whitish gray volcanic ash (Devil tephra).Between
16 and 24 cmbs and associated with the contact between a dark gray
volcanic ash (Oshetna tephra)and glacial drift,11 large patinated
light green argillite flakes and an argillite rejuvenation flake
(UA80-74-10;Figure D.365k)were found.It is uncertain whether or not
the larger flakes have been retouched due to the weathered and extremely
soft nature of these artifacts.These specimens appear to be associated
0-134
-
-
..."
....,
"""
.-
~iith a subsurface scatter which was only partly exposed by this test.
Test ~it 2 produced 12 flakes from a depth of 20-25 cmbs which appear to
be struck from the same argillite material as the specimens recovered in
the lower soil horizon in test pit 1.Test pit 3 produced two basalt
flakes and six argillite flakes from a depth of 22-28 cmbs.
The artifacts recovered during the grid shovel testing program
originated from theOshetna tephra (unit 5),the contact between the
Oshetna tephra and the glacial drift (unit 5/6),and the glacial drift
(unit 6).The only tool,a weathered basalt unifacially modified flake
(UA84-2I8-1),was recovered from an unspecified unit,but apparently
from a lower stratum related to the Oshetna tephra.
All three 1 x 1 m systematic test squares produced cultural material and
six soil units were identified (Figure 0.18;Table 0.27).Although the
upper component was found in one square,the two lower components were
Irepresented in all squares.The lower components can be distinguished
by their characteristic raw materials (basalt and weathered argillite)
and apparent differences in lithic technology (bifacial vs.unifacial,
respectively).The stratigraphic differentation of these two
components,both of which are located in the lowermost tephra unit,was
clear only in test square NIOI/EIOO where the soil units were minimally
disturbed.The bifacial,basalt industry was discovered in association
with an organic level located at the contact of soil units 4 and 5,
lMhile the weathered argillite unifacial industry was associated with the
contact of units 5 and 6.The Oshetna tephra (unit 5)appears to
contain a mixture of both technological industries.
The spatial distribution of the artifacts indicates that most of the
knoll top probably contains both weathered argillite and basalt
.artifacts,representative of the lower components,while the most recent
component is more sporadic in horizontal distribution.The stratigraphy
appears more disturbed from grid north to grid south •
.Upper Component:The upper component was not well represented.
Evidence for this component was clearly defined in only one test square
0-135
and consisted of three basalt flakes from the contact between the 02
horizon and the Devil tephra (unit 2/3).Three other flakes (two
argillite and one chert)and a cobble recovered from the Devil tephra
(unit 3)may also be a part of this component,but their direct
association cannot be demonstrated at this time.The three basalt
flakes found in test pit 1,during survey testing,also appear to be
associated with this component.Two radiocarbon samples taken from this
component suggest that the upper component may be as old as 1800 years
B.P.One sample (UA81-243-3)from the lower portions of the finely
divided organics (unit 2)yielded a date of 140 ±45 years:A.D.1810
(DIC-2244).The other sample (UA81-243-2)from the contact of the
finely divided organics and the Devil tephra (unit 2/3)produced a date
of 1800 ±55 years:A.D.150 (OIC-2284).
Middle Component:The second occupation was characterized by a
relatively higher percentage of basalt artifacts,as compared to the
other occupation levels.A radiocarbon sample derived from the contact
of the Watana and Oshetna tephras (unit 4/5)produced a date for this
component of 3210 ±80 years:1260 B.C.(DIC-2286).The 202 flakes
represented the widest variety of raw materials,including argillite,
basalt,chalcedony,chert,obsidian,and rhyolite.The tools,however,
were either argillite or basalt.Argillite tools consisted of 2
modified flakes (UA81-243-281,282),1 complete blade (UA81-243-219;
Figure D.365g),and 6 blade fragments (UA81-243-218,224,225
articulates with 226,249,441;Figure D.365e,f,d,a,h).Basalt tools
consisted of one rather amorphous biface (UA81-243-32;Figure D.366c)
and two basalt flake cores (UA81-243-30,33;Figure 0.366a).
Lower Component:Artifacts from the lowest component occur in the
Oshetna tephra (unit 5),in the glacial drift (unit 6),and at the
contact between these two units (unit 5/6).This component is
characterized by the predominance of highly weathered argillite and
blades.Two features were delineated at the site,both of which con-
tained weathered argillite only and were characterized by large flakes,
blades,and modified flakes.Because of the high degree of weathering
on this material it is difficult to assess the extent of retouch or
0-136
-
-
~.
,~
utilization of these artifacts.The location of these features in the
Oshetna tehpra (unit 5)and at the contact between the Oshetna tephra
and the glacial drift (unit 5/6)makes assigning them to specific
cultural components difficult as this unit contains elements of both of
the lower components.The presence of only argillite artifacts and
blades in these features may indicate their association with the lower
component.
Feature 1,located in the southeast corner of test square NIOI/EIOO,
associated with the contact between the Oshetna tephra and glacial drift
(unit 5/6),consist of a flake scatter surrounding a rounded cobble.
The largest flake is 10 cm long while the remaining flakes varies
between 3 and 7 cm in length.Some modification is apparent on seven
specimens (UA81-243-56,57,58,59,60;63 and 65).A single blade
(UA81-243-61;Figure D.365i),snapped at both ends,is associated with
this flake scatter.These artifacts ringed a rounded cobble which
appears to be the same,but unweathered,material as the flakes.There
is little evidence of wear on the cobble or other indication of its use
as a hammerstone or anvil.Its association with the cultural material
and its existence in a soil unit devoid of other cobbles suggest that
the presence of this cobble is a result of cultural and not natural
activity.
Feature 2,located in the northeast quadrant of NI08/EIOI,associated
1Nith the Oshetna tephra (unit 5),was composed of 22 pieces of
argillite:17 flakes,2 blade fragments (UA81-243-231,235;Figure
O.365j),1 core (UA81-243-229;Figure 0.365m),1 core fragment
(UA81-243-230;Figure 0.3651),and 1 rejuvenation flake (UA81-243-233).
The polyhedral blade core (UA81-243-229)is blocky in appearance with
the platform preparation apparently limited to the immediate area of
blade removal.The core fragment (UA81-243-230)shows a retouched
platform area similar to that seen in UA81-243-229.
Other tools recovered from the Oshetna tephra include 3 argillite blades
and blade fragments (UA81-243-389,448,456;Figure D.365b,c),1 basalt
0-137
biface (UA81-243-284),and 1 basalt flake core (UA81-243-372;Figure
D.366b).
Evaluation:
The site commands a panoramic view to the south down and across the
Susitna River valley.This may suggest that it was an overlook from
which hunters manufactured tools while waiting for the appearance of
large mammals below.The restricted nature of the topographic feature
upon which the site is situated strongly implies that it did not serve
as a large camp or village site.The site was occupied at least three
times during the past,the last time sometime slightly after A.D.200
The radiocarbon determinations which provide the minimum limiting dates
for the Devil tephra are from the contact of units 2 and 3 of this site
and may actually date the latest period of occupation at this site.The
sparse nature of the artifactua1 material and lack of diagnostic
specimens recovered from this occupation,make it difficult to further
evaluate the site use during this time period.
The second occupation occurred about 1260 B.C.It was characterized by
a relatively higher percentage of basalt artifacts,as compared to the
other occupation levels.This occupation also displays the greatest
diversity in raw materials.
The oldest component at the site did not yield charcoal or other organic
material suitable for radiometric dating.However,its occurrence below
the Oshetna tephra establishes its age as older than the minimum
limiting date for the Oshetna ash.The 1ithics recovered from this
component exhibit considerable weathering which suggests their exposure
on the surface for a long period prior to the deposition of the Oshetna
tephra.The assemblage is c~~racterized by blades which bear a strong
resemblance to similar specimens of the Ugashik Narrows phase,
documented from the Alaska Penninsu1a (Dumond 1977).
Based on typological comparison of the assemblage with the Ugashik
Narrows material,the pronounced degree of weathering on the specimens,
0-138
-
","",
and the occurrence of the component below the Oshetna tephra,it is not
unreasonable to postulate an age of approximately 7000 years B.P.for
this component.Based on the foregoing discussion,this component
appears to be one of the oldest archeological assemblages discovered
during the course of the cultural resource survey for the Susitna
Hydroelectric Project.Observed site size based on the distribution of
artifacts is 105 square meters (Table D.2).
0-139
o
o
5.1.6•
o
o o o
Systematic Test Square 0 0 5 10
Test Fit 0
METERS \~
Grid Test:wi Artifacts •
Grid Test:Sterile 0 Contour Interval:.5 m
Site Datum X
Birch Tree @ -
-
Figure 0.17.Site Map,TLM 027
0-140
j~'
-Figure 0.18.Composite Profile,TLM 027
0-141
Table 0.27.
Soil/Sediment Descriptions for Composite Profile,TLM 027 -
-
Unit
1
Description
Organic layer,roots,moss,lichen,and decomposed plant
fragments.Continuous though variable in thickness.
-
~,
2 Very finely divided organics mixed with silt;dark
reddish brown (5YR 2.5/2).Variable in thickness and
continuity.Contacts with unit 3 are both gradational
and sharp.
3
4
A horizon/tephra (Devil).Variable in color depending on
degree of alteration.Unaltered tephra is pinkish gray
(7.5YR 7/2),while altered tephra is light brownish gray
(2.5Y 6/2).Sharp lower boundary.Thickness variable
throughout site.
Tephra (Watana).Variable in color depending on degree
of oxidation;upper subzone dark reddish brown (5YR 3/4)
highly oxidized with sand-sized concretions and grades
into less oxidized zone strong brown (7.5YR 4/6)that in
turn grades into unaltered tephra brownish yellow
(lOYR 6/6).Forms sharp upper contact with unit 3.Unit
4 mixed with unit 5 in test squares Nl08/E10l and
Nl13/E100 while in test square NIOI/EIOO the contact
between units 4 and 5 is sharp.
0-142
-
Table 0.27.(Continued)
Unit Description
5 Tephra (Oshetna).Variable in color upper portions are
brownish gray (IOYR 5/3)that grade into a gray
(IGYR 5/1)tephra.Units 4 and 5 are separated by a thin
charcoal layer in square NIOI/EIGO.Continuous although
in squares NI08/EIOI and NI13/EIOO mixed with unit 4;
pebble and granules from unit 6 are mixed with unit 5 in
these two test squares.In square NIOO/EIOI the contact
between 5 and 6 is sharp but wavy.
6 Intermixed sand,pebbles,and granules;strong brown
(7.5YR 5/8)to yellowish red (5YR 4/6).In square
NIOI/EIOO sandy layer between unit 5 and underlying
granules and pebbles.
0-143
Table D.28.
Arti fact Summary,TLI\1 027
Tools
-
18
13
2
2
5
40
Modified flakes
16 Argillite (UA80-74-25;UA81-243-46,47,51,52,56,
57,58, 59,60,63, 65,222 articulates with 223,281,
282)
2 Basalt (UA81-243-42;UA84-218-1)
Blades and fragments
13 Argillite (UA81-243-61,218,219, 224,225
articulates with 226,231,235, 249,389,441,448,456)
Bi faces
2 Basalt (UA81-243-32,284)
Rejuvenation flakes
2 Argillite (UA80-74-10;UA81-243-233)
Flake cores and fragments
2 Argillite (UA81-243-229,230)
3 Basalt (UA81-243-30,33,372)
0-144
-
-
-
-
Table D.28.(Continued)
l.ithic
~Iaterial
-~
300
210
17
32
1
1
2
563
Argi 11 ite fl akes
Basa lt fl akes
Chalcedony flakes
Chert flakes
Obsidian flake
Rhyo 1 ite fl a ke
Cobb 1es
0-145
Table 0.29.
Artifact Summary By Stratigraphic Unit TLM 027
-
...,
Unit Description
c_
2/3 3 Basa It fl akes
Contact between
02 hori zon and
Devil tephra -
3 1 Argi 11 ite fl ake -Devil tephra 2 Chert fl akes
1 Cobble
4 3 Argi 11 i te fl akes
Watana tephra 24 Basalt fl akes
5 Chert fl a kes
2 Argillite modified flakes (UA81-243-222 .,
articulates with 223)
3 Argi 11 ite blades (UA81-243-224,225
articulates with 226)
4/5 50 Argillite flakes
Contact between 108 Basalt flakes
Watana and 14 Chalcedony flakes -
Oshetna tephra 11 Chert flakes
1 Obsidian flake -1 Rhyo 1i te fl ake
4 Argillite blades and fragments
I~
(UA81-243-218,219, 249,441)
1 Argillite rejuvenation flake (UA80-74-10)
0-146
Table 0.29.(Continued)
Unit
4·and 5
M:i xed Watana
and Oshetna tephras
5
Oshetna tephra
5
Feature 2
Upper portion
of Oshetna tephra
Description
14 Basalt flakes
3 Chert flakes
2 Argillite modified flakes (UA81-243-281,
282)
1 Basalt biface (UA81-243-32)
2 Basalt flake cores (UA81-243-30,33)
71 Argillite flakes
51 Basalt flakes
3 Chalcedony flakes
11 Chert flakes
2 Argillite modified flake fragments
(UA81-243-46,47)
1 Basalt modified flake (UA81-243-42)
3 Argillite blades and fragments
(UA81-243-389,448,456)
1 Basalt biface (UA81-243-284)
1 Basalt flake core (UA81-243-372)
17 Argillite flakes
2 Argillite blade fragments (UA81-243-231,
235)
1 Argillite rejuvenation flake (UA81-243-233)
1 Argillite flake core (UA81-243-229)
1 Argillite flake core fragment (UA81-243-230)
0-147
Table 0.29.(Continued)
-
Unit
5/6
Contact between
Oshetna tephra
and glacial drift
5/6
Feature 1
Contact between
Oshetna tephra
and glacial drift
6
Glacial drift
Unknown
Subsurface
Description
73 Argillite flakes
5 Basalt flakes
2 Argillite modified flakes (UA81-243-51,52)
45 Argillite flakes
7 Argillite modified flakes (UA81-243-56,57,
58, 59,60,63,65)
1 Argillite blade (UA81-243-61)
1 Cobble
9 Argillite flakes
31 Argillite flakes
5 Basalt flakes
1 Argillite modified flake (UA80-74-25)
1 Basalt modified flake (UA84-218-1)
0-148
""".
-
-I
""".
AHRS Number TLM 028;Accession Number UA80-75
t\rea:
Site Map:
Site Location Map:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
~ietting:
Esker Southwest of Tyone River Mouth
Locus A,Figure 0.19
Figure E.50
Talkeetna Mts.C-1,Figure E.8
Appendix F
The site,consisting of two loci (A and B),is located on the northern
margin of the Susitna River downriver from the mouth of the Tyone River.
The two site loci are situated on a long esker at an elevation of
c:a.701 m·as 1 (2300 feet)whi ch para 11 e 1s a bend of the ri ver for
aipproximately a kilometer.The esker is a discrete topographic feature
with a 2 m wide flat crest approximately 30 01 above the level of the
Susitna River.A well-used game trail runs the entire length of the
esker.
L.ocus A:This locus is located a few meters below the highest elevation
at the northeast end of the esker.The outlet stream from a small lake
northwest of locus A joins the Susitna River 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.
L.ocus B:This locus is located approximately 750 m southwest of locus A
on the level crest of the same ridge line~The view from both loci is
grood 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
a:nd white spruce,dwarf willow,bearberry,mosses,and lichens.To the
southeast the terrain is characterized by poorly drained areas predomi-
nantly vegetated with black spruce,birch,and sphagnum moss including
0-149
areas of muskeg and standing water.The Susitna River borders the site
to the southeast.
Testing:
Surface survey along the top of the esker resulted in the collection of
two isolated flakes.
Locus A:At locus A one argillite flake was found in a blowout
approximately 10 m south of the highest elevation on the ridge line
(Table 0.30).Intensive surface surveYt one shovel test t and two test
pits in the vicinity of the blowout did not result in the location of
any additional cultural material.Test pit 1 was placed at the edge of
the blowout where the flake was found;the shovel test and test pit 3
were placed at the highest elevation of the ridge.
Locus B:At locus B a basalt waste flake was surface collected from the
middle of the game trail which follows the ridge crest (Table 0.30).
Again t intensive survey and a single test (test pit 1)in the area where
the flake was found failed to produce any additional cultural material.
For locus At estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts
is 4 square meters.For locus Bt estimated site size based on the
distribution of artifacts is also 4 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-150
-
-
-
-
-
Table 0.30.
J\rti fact Summary,TLM 028
Provenience
Lithic Material
Surface:
Description
,.,..
-
.-
Locus A
Locus B
1 Argillite flake
1 Basalt flake
0-151
Contour Interval:.5 ~--
-
,
-,,-
I
12,6
I
METERS
o,Test Pit 0
Shovel Test 0
Site Datum X
Surface Artifact I-\-
Spruce Tree '*~eflated Area ,.....,
~--,
Figure 0.19.Site Map,TLM 028
0-152
-AHRS Number TLM 029;Accession Numbers UA80-76,UA84-65
Alrea:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 14:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
North of Fog Creek Mouth
Figure 0.20
Figure E.90
Talkeetna Mts.0-4,Figure £.2
Appendix F
--
-
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,northeast of
the mouth of Fog Creek.The site is approximately 200 m south of site
TI_M 027 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.The elevation of the
site above the level of the river is approximately 30 m and 464 m asl
(altimeter:1521 feet).Both the stream mouth and the knoll upon which
site TLM 027 is located are in view,although the stream itself is
obscured by vegetation and a steep slope.The Susitna River,its flood
plain,and the adjacent uplands are also visible and easily accessible
from the site.The views to the south and east are restricted to less
than 50 m due to fairly dense black spruce and the increasing slope.
The primary orientation of the site is to the northwest overlooking the
stream and stream mouth.A well-used game trail crosses the site,then
lE~ads from the higher ground southeast of the site to the Susitna River
flood plain to the northwest.Vegetation at the site includes scattered
b"irch,black spruce,lowbush 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 upstream from the mouth.
0-153
Testing:
Site TLM 029 was found during survey when a shovel test revealed
artifacts near the terrace edge.A 50 x 70 cm test pit (test pit 1)was
excavated near this location and produced 214 flakes (203 basalt,10
chert,and 1 quartzite).No tools or faunal remains were recovered.
Three additional test pits were excavated on other portions of the
terrace and one on a bench lying above it,but they contained no
cultural material.
A grid shovel test program was initiated to assist in determining site
size and the distribution of cultural materials.A total of 34 grid
shovel tests were excavated at the site,three of which contained basalt
flakes.On completion of the shovel test expansion program,it became
clear that the distribution of cultural material was restricted to the
edge of the terrace overlooking the Susitna River.To more carefully
examine the context of the artifacts at the site,a 1 x 1 m test square
was excavated at N99/E97.This square was placed diagonally adjacent to
test pit 1.The location was selected because it has a fairly level
surface,is centrally located in relation to the terrace edge,and lies
in close proximity to the portion of the site containing the highest
density of cultural material.
Discussion:
The excavation of test square N99/E97 confirmed that basalt was the
primary lithic material utilized at TLM 029.During the grid shovel
test expansion,nine basalt flakes were recovered from three shovel
tests.Approximately 500 basalt flakes were removed from test square
N99/E97.The test square also produced a basalt endscraper (UA84-65-56;
Figure D.366d),2 unidentifiable bone fragments (Table 0.33),and 3
pieces of ochre.Most of these artifacts were associated with the
Oshetna paleosol and tephra (units 5a and 5b)and attributed to one
cultural component.
0-154
""""
-
-
i"
-,
'~
Nine soil/sediment units were identified in the test square excavation.
Figure 0.21 shows the vertical position of these units~and Table 0.31
provides a description of the unit characteristics.Although some of
the stratigraphic units are mottled and mixed~their superpos.ition is
generally consistent throughout the test square.Overlying the glacial
drift in the stratigraphic sequence are three tephra units.The Oshetna
tephra is overlain by a thin (ca.0.5 em)discontinuous paleosol from
which 266 basalt flakes were recovered.The Devil and Watana tephras,
lying above,also produced basalt flakes~but in far fewer numbers.The
sequence is capped by a compacted black sandy silt and the organic root
mat.
Table 0.32 provides an artifact inventory and Table 0.34 lists the
frequencies of artifacts by stratigraphic unit for all phases of testing
at the site.Although flakes do appear in all units from the upper
contact of the Devil tephra to the lower contact of the Oshetna tephra~
95%of the lithic debitage with stratigraphic provenience lay within the
Oshetna paleosol (unit 5a)~the Oshetna tephra (unit 5b)and their
contacts.The bone and ochre were also recovered from these units.The
stratigraphy of test pit 1 was distorted by solifluction~so flakes from
this test had to be assigned to stratigraphic unit unknown.Test pit 1
flakes,lying at 14-34 crnbs,however,did appear to be associated with a
light orange silty clay unit which was mottled with gray ash.
On the basis of survey and systematic testing,it appears that TLM 029
;s a single component site.This assessment is based on the frequency
distribution of cultural material within stratigraphic units,and the
similarities in lithic tool manufacturing technologies and raw material
preference for the assemblage as a whole.It is likely that artifacts
found in the upper stratigraphic units at the site have been displaced
from their original context by cryoturbation and other soil formation
processes.
0-155
Evaluation:
Site TLM 029 is located on the edge of a terrace overlooking the Susitna
River.This location provides a clear view of the Susitna River,its
flood plain,and the adjacent upland areas,as well as the unnamed creek
northeast of the site.Although artifacts were recovered from several
soil/sediment stratigraphic units,a single component is likely to be
represented at the site.This component is associated with the Oshetna
paleosol and tephra and i~comprised of unmodified flakes,an
endscraper,two heavily burned bone fragments,and ochre fragments.
Despite the fact that no diagnostic artifacts were recovered,the
stratigraphic position of the assemblage suggests it may be associated
with the Northern Archaic tradition which has been documented between
the Watana and Oshetna tephras at other sites in the study area.
An examination of the lithic assemblage recovered from the site
indicates an emphasis on a biface and core/flake tool manufacturing
technology.A dense scatter of lithic debitage within the test square
s~ggests an area of primary refuse for lithic tool manufacturing and
maintenance activities.Other maintenance activities are indicated by
the presence of an endscraper (e.g.,hideworking,woodworking),and
artistic or ritualistic activities are suggested by the presence of
ochre.This site may have served as a temporary seasonal camp or
hunting lookout.Hunting sites are often placed in locations providing
maximum visual coverage of an area considered likely for game to be
present.Observed site size based on the distribution of artifacts is
31 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-156
-
-
-
1"""
Systematic Test Square 0
'rest Pit 0
Grid Test:wi Artifacts •
Grid Test:Sterile 0
Site Datum X
~~""
Game Trail /....;,,/
//
ON *
0
II?0 0
0
...,9
?>
0 0 0
It)....
(
0 4 8
METERS
Contour Interval:.5 m
o
o
o 0
'1//
"'/II'/,
J?,,
"""o ,~,.,
1,I,
/,'/'I"1/
""II
"I'
"II
1/
/I
II
,I
!I
I!
/1
1/.
II
""I,
'1II
'1II
'I
'I
'1I,
I,
5.T.1 0•
o
OT.P.3
o
o
o
o
P-
!
Figure D.20.Site Map,TLM 029
0-157
DEPTH (em)
o
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
PROFILE UNIT
1
2
3
4a
4b
5a
Sb
6a
6b
CULTURAL
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Figure D.21.Composite Profile,TLM 029
D-158
Table D.31.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 029
.....
Unit
1
2'
3
Description
Organic root mat.Loosely compacted and contains
decomposed organic material and sandy silt towards the
base;strong brown (7.5YR 4/6).Varies between .ca.1 cm
and 16 cm in thickness.Vegetation includes blueberry,
1110SS,lichens,Labrador tea,lowbush cranberry,and
crowberry in the area of the test square.
Loosely compacted sandy silt with charcoal and heavy
carbon staining;black (N 2/).Distributed continuously
throughout the test square.Unit varies in thickness
from 0.5-5 cm.Lithics at lower contact.
Fine grained silt and tephra (Devil)with heavy carbon
staining and some charcoal flecking;light brownish gray
(10YR 6/2)to very dark gray (10YR 3/1).Moderately to
densely compacted.Distributed continuously.Varies
from ca.0.5-8 cm in thickness.Contact with unit 2
diffuse;contact with 4a distinct.Cultural material
present •
0-159
Table 0.31.(Continued)
~,
Unit
4a
4b
Sa
5b
Description
Fine-grained sediment composed of tephra (Watana)and
sandy silt.Moderately compacted and lightly to heavily
oxidized.Color varies from yellowish red (5YR 4/6)to
dark reddish brown (5YR 3/4).Distributed continuously
throughout the test square,but varies in thickness from.
ca.2-17 em.Contacts diffuse and heavy mottling is
present.Cultural.
Moderately compacted fine grain tephra (Watana)with
slightly sandy silt;yellow (10YR 7/6).Continuous,but
ranges in thickness from 0.5-10 em.Contact with unit 4a
diffuse;contact with units 5a and 5b distinct.Few
lithic artifacts associated with this stratigraphic unit.
Moderately compacted sandy silt with charcoal flecking
and heavy carbon staining;black (N 2/).Oshetna
paleosol.Discontinuous.Generally about 0.5 em in
thickness.Distinct contacts.Primary cultural unit.
Moderately compacted sandy silt and tephra (Oshetna)with
charcoal flecking;light brownish gray (10YR 6/2).
Generally continuous.Varies between ca.0.5 and 15 cm
in thickness.Distinct contacts with unit Sa,but more
diffuse contacts with unit 6a.Contains lithic and bone
artifacts.
0-160
-
_.
.-.
Table 0.31.(Continued)
r
Unit
~ib and 6
6a
6b
Description
Oshetna tephra mixed with the oxidized and unoxidized
glacial drift;light olive brown (2.5YR 5/4)to dark
grayish brown (2.5Y 4/2).Generally occurs below the
Oshetna tephra unit.Loosely compacted texture
Distributed discontinuQusly.When separate samples of
units 5b and 6 were mixed together they produced a
soil/sediment unit virtually identical to that observed
in the profiles.
Loosely compacted coarse sandy silt with cobbles;
yellowish red (5YR 5/8).Oxidized glacial drift.
Continuous.Contact with unit 5b fairly distinct;the
contact with unit 6b is diffuse and often ambiguous.
Artifacts found at the contact of unit 5b.
Coarse sandy silt with pebbles and cobbles and is loosely
compacted in texture;dark yellowish brown (10 YR 3/6)to
olive brown (2.5 Y 4/4).Unoxidized glacial drift.
Diffuse contacts with unit 6a.
0-161
Table D.32.
Artifact Summary,TLM 029
Tools
-
-
1
Lithic I~aterial
748
12
1
1
762
Faunal Material
2
Other
3
Scraper
1 Basalt (UA84-65-56)
Basalt flakes
Chert flakes
Quartzite fl ake
Basalt fragment
Unidentifiable bone fragments
Ochre pieces
D-162
Table 0.33.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 029
r~Unit
Sa
Clshetna
paleosol
Sb/6a
.Contact between
Oshetna tephra
and oxidized drift
Description
1 Unidentifiable bone fragment,heavily
burned,mammal
}Unidentifiable bone fragment,heavily
burned,medium-large mammal
0-163
Table 0.34.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 029
Unit Description
~
2/3 2 Basalt flakes
Contact between -
black silt and
Devil tephra ~,
3 14 Basa lt fl akes
~.
Devil tephra
3/4a 3 Basalt fl akes ~
Contact between
Devil and ~
oxidized Watana
tephras ~
4a 3 Basa lt fl akes
Oxidized Watana
tephra
4b 2 Basalt flakes
Unoxidized Watana
tephra
-
0-164
Table 0.34.(Continued)
Unit Description
4b/5a 1 Basalt fl ake
Contact between
unoxidized Watana
tephra and Oshetna
paleosol
·4b/5b 6 Basa lt fl a kes
Contact between
unoxidized Watana
and Oshetna tephras
5a 266 Basa It fl akes
~Oshetna paleosol
5a/5b 28 Basa lt fl akes
Contact between
Oshetna paleosol
and Oshetna tephra
5b 80 Basalt flakes
Oshetna tephra 1 Basalt scraper (UA84-65-56)
2 Ochre pieces
..-0-165
Table 0.34.(Continued)
Unit Description -
5b/6a 76 Basa It fl akes
Contact between 1 Ochre piece
Oshetna tephra
and oxidized
drift
--Subsurface"267 Basalt flakes
unknown (Survey 12 Chert flakes
""'"testing and 1 Quartzite flake
backfi 11 )1 Basalt cobble fragment
~q
0-166 -
AHRS Number TLM 030;Accession Numbers UA80-77,UA81-217,
UA83-114,UA83-130
l'fflfm
P,rea:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 13:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Fog Creek
Figure 0.22
Square Placement,Figure 0.23
Survey Level Testing North i,Figure 0.24
Survey Level Testing South t,Figure 0.25
Grid Shovel Testing,Figure 0.26
Figure E.89
Talkeetna Mts.0-4,Figure E.2
Appendix F
-
The site is located at an elevation of 482 m asl (altimeter:1581.feet)
on the south margin of Fog Creek upstream from the confluence of Fog
Creek with the Susitna River.Situated on the point of a river 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 30 m to a broad,
relatively flat,forested 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 and dense spruce forest.
Both Fog Creek and the Susitna River are easily accessible from the
site.A deeply incised game trail traverses the terrace on which the
site is located and continues eastward up the ridge.Scattered spruce
.and birch are present at the site but do not block the view.Lowbush
0-167
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.
Testing:
....
030 included systematic testing,survey testing,and grid
Figure 0.22 illustrates the topography of the site area
of the terrace that were examined during systematic and
Testi ng at TLI"1
shovel testing.
and the portions
survey testing.
The site was initially found when artifacts were observed eroding out of
the game trail that traverses the site.A complete basalt side-notched
point (UA80-77-520;Figure 0.3670)was collected from the trail.Five
test pits were excavated at the western end of the site,four of which
produced cultural material.
Twelve 1 x 1 m test squares were excavated during systematic testing.
The test squares were placed adjacent to one another and located on the
northern edge of the terrace.At this location the terrace edge is
oriented east-west paralleling Fog Creek.A series of 10 test squares
were placed between two of the initial survey test pits (test pits 1 and
4).Square placement was designed such that one test square was
superimposed over test pit 1 and another test square intersected test
pit 4.An additional eight squares were placed between these squares in
a configuration that would provide a continuous series of profiles
between the two test pits.The objective of this square placement
strategy was to clarify the relationship between two radiocarbon dates
obtained from the two initial survey test pits and to ascertain the
number,content,and stratigraphic position of the prehistoric
component(s)reported at that time.Once excavation of the ten initial
test squares was completed,two additional squares (105/E107 and
NI05/EI09)were excavated.Excavation of these two squares was
undertaken to resolve questions regarding the relationship of
artifactual material to the stratigraphic sequence in this area of the
0-168
""":
....
-
..-
site.Refer to Figure 0.23 for the location of the test squares and
their relationship to the 1980 test pits.
Testing subsequently conducted as part of the resurvey of survey locale
13 consisted of a number of shovel tests placed in the southern portion
of the terrace from ca.75-180 m,south of the main excavation area.
The three shovel tests that produced subsurface artifactual material
were expanded into 40 x 40 cm test pits.Additional shovel tests were
placed along the western terrace edge,four of which produced
a.rtifactual material (Figures 0.24 and 0.25).
A grid shovel testing program was implemented to determine the areal
€!xtent of the Fog Creek site,and to clarify the relationship between
the artifactual material in the main excavation area and subsurface
material located during resurvey testing.A 10 x 10 m grid was
established over the terrace using the systematic testing site grid,and
shovel testing was conducted at 10 m intervals.Two hundred twenty-four
shovel tests were excavated,ten of which contained artifactual material
(Figure 0.26)•
Discussion:
TLM 030 is located on a kame terrace on the east side of the Susitna
River.The terrace parallels the river and is dissected by a number of
drainages.The terrace is deeply incised north of the site by Fog
Creek,a major tributary of the Susitna River,and is dissected to the
south by a small,clear,moderately incised stream.
Initial survey testing was confined to the northern edge of the terrace
overlooking the broad flat delta of Fog Creek and its confluence with
the Susitna River.A high density of artifactual material was found in
four of five test pits located along the terrace edge.Surface
artifactual material,including a side-notched point (UA80-77-520),was
located on a game trail.The game trail crosses the site and traverses
the moderately steep slope of the western terrace edge to an alluvial
plain of Fog Creek.The surface material is confined to the sloping
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portion of the trail
downslope movement.
co 11 ected.
suggesting that these artifacts are undergoing
Except for the point the surface material was not
~I
~,
The four test pits that contained artifactual material (test pits 1,3,
4 and 5)were located on top of the terrace.No artifacts were located
in an additional test pit (test pit 2)which was situated on a bench ca.
2 meters below the main terrace area.The artifact inventory from the
initial survey test pit include 519 flakes and 3 tools.Flakes are
primarily basalt with a number of other material types represented.
Tools consist of a rhyolite side-notched point base (test pit 1;
UA80-77-89;Figure D.367a),a side-notched basalt point (test pit 1;
UA80-77-327;Figure D.368g),and a retouched basalt flake (test pit 5;
UA80-77-517;Figure D.370f).Artifactual material was recovered from
within the Watana and Oshetna tephras and from the contact between these
tephra units.
Charcoal samples collected from two of the test pits were submitted for
radiocarbon dating.Dates of 2310 ±220 years:360 B.C.(test pit 1;
DIC-1877),and 4720 ±130 years:2770 B.C.(test pit 4;DIC-18BO)were
obtained.The recent sample was collected from what was interpreted to
be a charcoal lens at the upper portion of the unoxidized Watana and the
older date was from a charcoal lens between the Watana and Oshetna
tephras.The site was revisited and test pits 1,3,and 4 were opened
in order to reevaluate site stratigraphy particularly in reference to
the radiocarbon dates.Thirty basalt flakes were collected.
Systematic Testing:All twelve of the test squares excavated during
systematic testing contained artifactual material.High densities of
material were recovered from the northernmost squares which are situated
on the terrace edge,with the greatest number of artifacts recovered
from NI0S/El09.Surface artifacts that were located on a game trail
during the initial survey were relocated,and a basalt point preform
(UAB3-130-1956;Figure D.368d)near the base of the terrace was
collected.A total of ca.88,615 lithics,10,356 bone fragments,1967
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miscellaneous items (ochre,pellets (insect scat)and floral and faunal
specimens),and 120 tools or tool fragments were recovered from all
levels of testing.The inventory of artifacts is summarized on Table
0.36,and distribution by stratigraphic unit is summarized on Table
0.38.
Site stratigraphy at TLM 030 includes six major soil/sediment units and
a paleosol.With the exception of unit 2,each of the units is divided
"into two or more subunits that are distinguished by variations in color
and/or texture.The subunits probably result from postdepositional
alterations of the original sediment.With few exceptions the vertical
placement of stratigraphic units is consistent between test squares.
Figure 0.27 illustrates the stratigraphic relationship between the
various units,and Table 0.35 provides descriptive information on the
units ahd subunits defined at the site.
The stratigraphic sequence at TLM 030 consists of ca.30 cm of fluvial
and volcanic sediments overlying glacial deposits.Glacial deposits of
sandy drift,pebbles,and cobbles form the basal unit (unit 6).The
upper 10-20 cm of the glacial material is weathered and oxidized (unit
6a).The unit is moderately developed as indicated by concretions and
cementation of the sand particles.The glacial material is overlain by
a very fine silt to clay size sediment that contains sand grains and
small pebbles (unit 5).This sediment is probably fluvial in origin and
i~related to the nature of terrace formation.
Sediments that are volcanic in origin form the bulk of the sedimentary
material.These tephra sediments are superimposed over the fluvial
sediment.The matrix contains silt size particles with glass shards and
particles with glass mantles.At least four tephra events have been
substantiated by petrographic analysis of samples collected from the
site.Only three of the tephras are identifiable in the field,and the
d'ivisions between these tephra units are based on distinctive color and
texture variations.Characteristics of color and texture may be
attributed to soil forming processes.The tephra designations,
0-171
according to their order of deposition,are as follows:Oshetna (unit
4b),Watana (unit 3),and Devil (unit 2).
Unit 4 refers to all of the sediments between the.paleosol,or the
Watana tephra (unit 3)in places where the paleosol is absent,and the
fluvial deposits (unit 5).While the Oshetna tephra (unit 4b)is the
predominant unit in this stratigraphic position,a number of localized
subunits are also identified (units 4a, 4c,4d,4e,4f,and 4g).Unit
4a is a very fine silt sediment that is sometimes present in isolated
thin lenses between the paleosol and unit 4b,the Oshetna tephra.Units
4c,4d,and 4e occur at the same relative stratigraphic position as the
Oshetna tephra.Units 4f and 4g are located within the Oshetna tephra.
These additional subunits are sporadic in occurrence and are probably
the result of prehistoric cultural modification of the original
sediment.
A paleosol is located between the Watana (unit 3)and Oshetna (unit 4b)
tephras.The paleosol appears as a discrete discontinuous lens that is
characterized by small-medium size charcoal pieces and carbonized
organics.Although the paleosol lacks continuity,it is located in all
twelve of the test squares.
The Watana tephra (unit 3)has the greatest depth of any of the tephra
units defined at the site.The unit may actually represent the
accumulation of more than one episode of volcanic ash deposition.The
subunits of unit 3 (units 3a,3b,and 3c)are probably related to the
variations in the accumulation of iro~oxides and organics in the
volcanic sediment.Distinctions between subunits are based on color and
texture with variation from a fine yellowish brown matrix (unit 3c)at
the lower extent of the unit to a granular dark reddish brown or reddish
black matrix with concretions (unit 3a)at the upper extent of the unit.
Organic material is also often associated with the occurrence of both
sterile discrete areas distinguished by a waxy texture and consolidated
sediment.These disturbed areas are also included under the unit 3a
designation.The Devil tephra (unit 2)overlies the Watana tephra and
is the uppermost unit in the tephra sequence.
0-172
~I
~,
~,
The present site surface is comprised of a living,fibrous vegetation
mat (unit la)and a thin lens of decayed plant material (unit Ib).The
predominant species is sphagnum moss averaging 15 cm in thickness.The
moss is interspersed with roots and stems of herbaceous species.
Decayed tree limbs and stumps are incorporated into the organic layer.
The insulating properties of the vegetation mat promotes frozen soil
conditions as noted in sediments in peripheral areas of the site.
Variation in the thickness of the unit in the excavation area may be
correlated with differential cryoturbation of the sediments between test
squares.
Disturbance of the stratigraphic units as a result of natural processes
Clf cryoturbation,bioturbation,and root invasion is apparent.
Cryoturbation is the primary source of disturbance of the volcanic
sediments as indicated by the convoluted appearance of contacts between
these units,and the mottled appearance of the Watana tephra subunits.
In the Oshetna tephra,artifacts followed the undulating surface of the
upper contact,and,although artifacts would frequently appear vertical
in orientation,they would in actuality be following the contours of the
unit 4b surface.Cryoturbation has probably resulted in the displace-
ment of artifacts from their original depositional context.
During systematic testing ca.86,000 lithic specimens were recovered,
and later classified according to their morphological attributes and raw
material type.The use of a generalized classification scheme,as
described below,in the initial analysis allows for more specific
y'esearch on raw material preferences or availability,stages of lithic
reduction,spatial distribution of artifact classes,and comparison
between cultural components to be conducted in the future.
lwo major categories were considered in the morphological analysis of
lithic material.The first,tools,is discussed separately below.
Tools are defined as artifacts that show signs of secondary modifica-
tion,use modification,or manufacture for a specific purpose.The
second category,1ithi c debitage,compri sed the far greater percentage
0-173
of artifacts at the site.Relevant classes of debitage include flakes,
exhausted flake cores,cobble fragments,and cobbles.Flakes retaining
attributes of manufacture,flake fragments,and small pieces of shatter
that are thin in cross section are combined within the flake class,
constituting 99.9%of all artifacts at TLM 030.A further subdivision
of the flake class by size was made during laboratory screening of all
flakes recovered from the field.Flakes separated from the matrix in
the field plus the bulk samples (unseparated matrix and flakes)were
passed through 1/811 mesh screen,while other selected samples were only
fine screened,or passed through 1/16"mesh.Regardless of screening
procedure,all flakes of less than 1/8"in size are listed as a group in
Table 0.36.
Also included with the debitage ~ategory of lithics were angular shatter
or exhausted flake cores,which consist of lithics that have been worked
on all surfaces but often lack bulbs of force or other characteristics
that are diagnostic of flakes.Cobble fragments,some of which contain
negative bulbs of force,are pieces that have cortex on the dorsal
surface and have a rounded dorsal contour.Cobbles were deemed
artifactual if they had been modified and/or were exotic to the
stratigraphic unit in which they were found.
Nine general classes of raw material were identified and include
argillite,basalt,chalcedony,chert,chert/chalcedony,granite,
obsidian,quartzite,and rhyolite.The classes represent four broad
groups related to rock genesis,andean be described as extrusive
igneous rocks and glass (basalt,rhyolite,and obsidian),intrusive
igneous rock (granite),siliceous sedimentary material (argillite,
chalcedony,chert,and chert/chalcedony),and metamorphic rock
(quartzite).
While the four major groupings based on rock genesis are mutually
exclusive,gradations of mineral composition occur within each group,
sometimes making it visually difficult to discriminate between raw
material classes.Distinctions were made,however,on the basis of
grain size,gross mineral composition,and light transmission.For
0-174
~,
-
example,both chalcedony and chert are cryptocrystalline silicas,but a
distinction between the two can be made on the basis of translucency,
i.e.,chert is opaque whereas chalcedony is translucent.The majority of
debitage is composed of basalt,representing 92%of the total lithic
assemblage.It is the only material that consistently has cortex
present,and is represented in the.full range of morphological classes
(i.e.,flakes,exhausted flake cores,cobble fragment$,and cobbles).
lhe cortex of the basalt has a distinctive weathered appearance and its
contour indicates that the source was fluvial cobbles.Argillite is the
second most common material,representing 6%of the collection.With
the exception of one piece of angular shatter and one cobble fragment,
all of the argillite debitage are classified as flakes.Chalcedony and
chert debitage comprises over 1.5%of the lithics.The remalnlng raw
materials of rhyolite,obsidian and quartzite are rare and collectively
do not account for more than 0.5%of the total.In addition to the
above items,blocky pumi ce fragments,therma lly fractu red rocks and rock
fragments,and shale fragments were also collected.
During all phases of testing,110 tools or tool fragments,classified as
points,preform,bifaces,core tools,scrapers (endscrapers/scrapers),
modified (retouched)flakes,and modified cobbles,were recovered.
Examples are illustrated in Figures 0.367,0.368,0.369,0.370,0.371,
and 0.372.The vast majority of the artifacts were recovered from the
3/4b contact and unit 4b.Two retouched flakes and a biface fragment
were recovered from the contacts of 2/3,3b/c,with four tool fragments
being found at the contact of 1/2 and within unit 2.One interesting
find which demonstrates that vertical displacement has occurred between
the upper and lower levels of the site is an argillite biface fragment
(UA83-130-1939;Figure 0.371c)from the Devil tephra (unit 2)which was
found to articulate with a fragment (UA83-130-1950;Figure 0.372c)from
the Oshetna tephra (unit 4b).The atypical weathering on the fragment
from the upper level exceeds that of other artifacts from unit 2,and
thus is indicative of an increased length of exposure.The three tools
from middle stratigraphic contexts may also have their origins in other
levels but have subsequently been displaced.
0-175
Included within the total tool inventory are 18 relatively complete
points and six point bases.Most were recovered from the upper contact
of the Oshetna tephra or within the Oshetna tephra.Basalt and
argillite are the primary lithic materials employed in point
manufacture,with chert and rhyolite being used infrequently.Varying
from triangular to lanceolate in outline,the length of complete points
ranges from 26-63 mm,width from 18-30 mm,and thickness from
3.9-10.3 mm.Most frequently,however,points measured between 43 and
49 mm in length and 6.4-6.9 mm in thickness.The majority of the
complete points and point bases have notches,concave to straight bases,
and normally basal thinning and/or grinding.The mode of flaking varies
from non-patterned to collateral,with secondary flaking or retouch
present on the margins of three of the points.
The preform fragment (UA83-130-1956)recovered from the site can all be
described as bifaces and may possibly represent one stage in projectile
point manufacture.It is a basal fragment which is a lanceolate,and
exhibits slightly flattened cross section.Primary flaking is apparent
on both faces of the preforms and varies from irregular flakes
terminating in step and hinge fractures to collateral flakes.
A total of 36 bifaces,17 complete and 19 fragmentary,were collected
from TLM 030.In general,these basalt and argillite tools can be
described as roughly ovate in shape,with irregular flaking,end lacking
secondary modification.There is one rhyolite biface end fragment
(UA83-130-1957).This may indicate that they had been discarded during
manufacture.The 22 basalt bifaces and fragments contrast with those
made from argillite in size,variability of shape,and amount of
retouch.The basalt specimens are generally smaller than the argillite
specimens,ranging from 50-85 mm compared to the 60-113 mm length of the
argillite piece~.Ranging from round to triangular to elongated in
shape,the basalt bifaces also vary from biplano to biconvex in cross
section,and exhibit irregular to continuous and from partially
unifacial to mostly bifacial retouch.In contrast,the argillite
bifaces have irregular to biconvex cross sections and exhibit relatively
continuous bifacial retouch.
0-176
Two basalt core tools,roughly ovate to tear-shaped,with multiple
retouched edges and with some cortex present,were present in the lower
site stratigraphy (unit 4b).The tear-shaped specimen has two edges
that converge to form a point.This specimen measures 80 mm in length
compared to the 65 mm length of the more ovate specimen.
Testing produced 11 endscrapers of argillite,basalt,chert,and
rhyolite,plus one argillite scraper.All of the endscrapers have
convex working margins with moderate to steep unifacial retouch,
typically on the dorsal surface.The largest endscraper is the single
one of argillite,made on an irregular flake measuring 62 mm on its
largest axis.The five basalt endscrapers,ranging from thumbnail to
tear-shaped,measure 21-40 mm in length,while the three complete chert
endscrapers;roughly tear-shaped,vary from 38-47 mm.The working edges
of the four chert specimens encompass more than the end and continue
onto one of the adjacent margins.The one rhyolite endscraper,
tear-shaped and measuring 45 mm in length,also has unifacial retouch
along part of one lateral margin.The one argillite scraper,measuring
54 mm and exhibiting a straight to convex working edge,has steep
unifacial retouch on the dorsal surface of one of the lateral margins
and on the distal end.
Of the 28 retouched flakes recovered 4 are made of argillite,21 of
basalt,2 of chert,and 1 of obsidian.Ranging in size from 45-68 mm,
the argillite retouched flakes are irregular to roughly ovate in shape,
with unifacial and bifacial retouch of varying intensity on the margins.
The basalt flakes range in size from 23-74 mm,have retouch generally
limited to the margins,and comprise the full spectrum of shapes from
circular to ovate to triangular to elongate.Four of the basalt
specimens have bifacial retouch along at least one margin,and 18 have
unifacial retouch,with the majority exhibiting retouch on their dorsal
surface.The chert flakes,one irregularly shaped and measuring 49 mm,
the other ovate and measuring 42 mm,both have marginal unifacial
retouch on their dorsal surfaces.The single retouched obsidian flake
is roughly square,measures 23 mm in length,and has unifacial retouch
on both dorsal lateral margins.An interesting observation is that in
0-177
each of the nine cases in which flakes have been retouched on the distal
margin,it is this margin that is the longest.
The final category of tools is modified pebbles and cobbles.One
cobble,measuring 108 mm,is ovate with bifacial retouch on opposing
margins.The other cobble,measuring 110 mm,has battering present at
one end and is heavily modified on the opposit~end as well as on an
adjacent portion of one side.Battering is present on opposing ends of
both pebbles,one a round quartz hammerstone measuring 42 mm and the
other a 75 mm ovate-shaped possible hammerstone.
The faunal remains from TLM 030 are comprised of ca.10,500 calcined to
heavily burned bone and tooth fragments,generally ranging from 5-15 mm
in length (Table 0.37).Much of the bone has a dark brown mottled
appearance.The fragments,almost entirely attributable to medium-large
mammal,are unidentifiable below the class level,except in the case of
three burned molar fragments and one vertebral facet that could be
classified as artiodactyl,and one phalanx fragment probably of caribou.
The order of Artiodactyla is represented in Interior Alaska primarily by
caribou (Rangifer tarandus),moose (Alces alces),and Oall sheep (Ovis
dalli).In terms of recognizable skeletal elements,medium-large mammal
long bones and possible rib fragments are identified.Only three
fragments are recognized as small-medium mammal,and only one fragment
possibly belonged to a bird.
Bone occurred in nine of the 12 test squares at the site (no bone was
found in N104/E104,N103/E105,or N104/E106).In five of these squares,
however,the faunal assemblage totaled less than 10 fragments for the
entire square.Only in N105/EI09 and N104/E110 did the square totals
exce~d 1000 bone fragments.Stratigraphically,bone occurred from
unit 3 through the contact betweerj units 4b and 6.By far the heavi est
concentration was found in stratigraphic unit 4b,particularly in
N105/E109.Although bone was recovered from each quadrant in this test
square from 4b,the greatest density occurred in the southwest quadrant
where over 1000 finely comminuted bone fragments of 1-5 mm and ca.1700
fragments ranging from 5-23 mm were found.
0-178
~.
In addition to lithic and faunal remains,ochre pieces,thermally
altered rock,and small angular rock shatter were accessioned.Floral
specimens consist of 1 seed (possibly Rosa acicularsis or wild rose),1
undientified foral part (possibly a bud scale from an unidentified
shrub),and 1 equisetum macrofossil.Thirty-five pellets of compact
vegetable material were also recovered;these appear to be insect scat,
pr'obably caterpillar (A.A.Batten,University of Alaska Museum,
pE!rsonal communication).A single beetle carapace was recovered from
the sediments.
Artifactual material was found in association with all six of the
soil/sediment units,but was predominantly recovered either from the
contacts with the tephra units or within tephra sediments.The location
of artifacts in sediments other than the defined tephra units may be the
result of displacement.
Cr'iteria used to define components at the site in order of prominence
are:1)ability to delineate a surface or l.evel associated with
artifactual material,2)presence of sterile strata separating one level
of artifacts from another,3)the recovery of diagnostic artifacts that
would suggest a cultural horizon not represented in other levels,and
4)the presence of raw material or artifact types absent in other
le!vels.The ability to establish at least one of these relationships
was considered sufficient to define a component.Using these criteria
blo distinct components can be identified at this site.Artifactual
material from the middle stratigraphic units and contacts (2/3,3,3a,
3b,3b/c,and 3c)was not assigned to either the upper or lower
component and did not meet the previously mentioned criteria.Parsimony
dictates that a distinction cannot be made between the middle units and
the defined components.A third or middle component may exist at the
site,but the available information does not allow definitive statements
to be made concerning the origin of this artifactual material.
The upper component is positioned stratigraphically at the contact
between the finely sorted organic layer (unit Ib)and the Devil tephra
(unit 2).Artifacts located within units Ib and 2,and at the contacts
0-179
of units 1/2 and 1/3 were assigned to this component.Over 750 lithic
artifacts were recovered from this stratigraphic context and,with the
exception of four tools or tool fragments and fourteen ochre pieces,all
of the material consisted of unmodified flakes of a variety of material
types.Three tools recovered from the 1/2 contact and unit 2 consist of
a chert endscraper (UA83-130-1124;Figure 0.370i),a retouched basalt
flake (UA83-130-820L and ~basalt biface tip (UA83-130-1477).The
fourth tool (UA83-130-1939)articulates with a fragment (UA83-130-1950)
from the Oshetna tephra (unit 4b),to form a complete argillite biface.
The location of these two fragments in temporally distinct sediments
indicates that displacement has occurred and that there was mixing of
artifacts from different components.The distribution of ~rtifacts
between the test squares was disproportionate with nearly three-quarters
of the artifacts located in NI0S/EI07 (Figure 0.23).
The highest density of artifactual material is associated with the lower
component,representing over 99%of the artifact inventory.The lower
component is associated with all aspects of the Oshetna tephra unit.
Artifacts found within the tephra (unit 4b),at the contacts of the
tephra with other units (contacts 3/4,4/5,and 4/6),and in units at
the same relative stratigraphic position (units 4c and 4d)were assigned
to the lower component.Three additional stratigraphic units are also
associated with the lower component.However,these latter units were
not defined until after excavation and artifactual material associated
with the units had been recorded as belonging with unit 4b.Artifacts
were found in all squares,totalling from a few hundred to tens of
thousands in the individual 1 x 1 m test squares.
The upper contact of the artifact level was irregular but easily defined
due to the Quant ity of 1ithi c deb itage on its su rface.The lower
boundary was cvincident with a rapid decline in artifact concentration.
Consequently,the Oshetna tephra could be isolated as a cultural level.
In some areas of the site,the unit was clearly separated from the
sterile upper stratigraphic level of unit 3c.The artifact level is
capped by a thin,discontinuous charcoal lens that represents the
paleosol.Horsetail was also observed at this contact and a sample was
0-180
-
-
~J
.~
~
,
collected (UA83-I30-3423).The paleosol developed in the interval
bl:tween the depositions of the Oshetna and Watana tephras.The location
of artifacts throughout the Oshetna tephra unit may be related to the
unconsolidated nature of the sediment during the period of occupation.
Lichen was found on the upper surface of a number of artifacts,
indicating that these artifacts were exposed for a period of time prior
to the development of the paleosol.
Lack of consistency in the vertical placement of stratigraphic units was
evident within unit 4 in the eastern portion of NI05/EIOl,the northern
half of NI04/EI08,and within NI05/EI09.In NI05/EIOl and NI04/EI08 the
Oshetna tephra appeared truncated and in NI05/EI09 the artifactual units
w~~re not the uniform gray color of the artifact level in other test
squares.A number of subunits of unit 4 that occur at the same relative
stratigraphic position were defined in these three squares (units 4c,
4d,4e,4f,and 4g).The three test squares that lack consistency with
the generalized composite profile also have much higher artifact
frequencies,with the greatest concentration in NI05/EI09 which
represents a third of the artifacts from the lower comp6nent.
AI"tifactual material fromNI05/EI09 included ca.28,000 lithic and 8,000
bone fragments in conjunction with concentrations of red ochre of which
nearly 1,000 pieces were collected,and hundreds of small,angular rock
fl'agments.The base of the 1arger rocks rested in the lower extent of
unit 4.Bone fragments,ochre,and lithic material were exposed when
the rocks were removed.In the northeast quadrant of the test square
the 1ithi c concentrati on formed a pavement interspersed with matrix.In
some areas of the square,particularly in the southwest quadrant,
artifacts were within an ochre-stained matrix.The density of material
in this square and the truncated nature of the sediments suggest that
cultural material may be concentrated around a feature,such as a hearth
or a more complex structural feature.
Niinety-four of the 110 tools and diagnostic artifacts recovered during
all phases of testing are in association with the lower component.
These artifacts are representative of several material types,stages of
0-181
._~---~~-----~~_._~_.-_._---~---_._-
manufacture,and functions.The majority of tools consist of flakes
with unifacial or bifacial retouch along one or more margins.In
addition,a number of side-notched points,endscrapers,bifaces and
biface fragments,and modified cobbles were recovered.This material
was summarized above.In N103/E111 a cluster of argillite bifaces was
associated with a subangular cobble.Six complete bifaces and one
fragment,which articulates with a fragment from unit 2,are associated
with this cluster.
All but five of the ca.10,500 bone fragments "recovered during
systematic testing originate from the lower component and most of this
material was recovered from four of the twelve tests squares (N105/E107,
N104/E108,N105/E109,and N104/E110).A discussion of these remains
appeared above.
Ten charcoal samples were submitted from the site for radiocarbon
dating.Nine of the samples were collected from either the paleosol
between the Watana (unit 3)and Oshetna (unit 4b)tephras or in
association with the Oshetna tephra.The tenth sample was collected from
the lower extent of the finely divided organic layer (unit 1b)to its
contact with the Devil tephra (unit 2).
The sample from the finely divided organic layer (unit 1b)provided a
date of 170 ±90 years:A.D.1780 (Beta-7684).The sample was
submitted to provide an upper limiting date for the deposition of the
Devil tephra (unit 2)and for the upper component associated with the
contact between the organic layer and the Devil tephra.Given its
stratigraphic position,it is possible for the sample to incorporate
carbon from the more recent organic material with which it is in close
association.Therefore the date may not provide an accurate limiting
date for the upper component or the deposition of the Devil tephra.
A suite of seven dates was obtained for the paleosol between the Watana
(unit 3)and Oshetna (unit 4b)tephras.Multiple samples were dated in
order to:(1)provide and upper limiting date for the extensive lower
component and the deposition of the Oshetna tephra,(2)assess spatial'
0-182
.....
-
variation across the test squares in dating the paleosol,and (3)
determine the duration of time represented by the paleosol.
The dates from the paleosol range from 1730-3290 years B.P.for an
inclusive span of 1560 years.Two of the dates,1730 ±120 years:A.D.
220 (Beta-7689)and 2690 ±70 years:740 B.C.(Beta-7301),are more
recent than would be expected given the stratigraphic position of the
samples relative to other dates from the site for the paleosol.
Exclusive of the above two samples dates for the paledsol range from
3160 ±70 years:1210 B.C.(Beta-7687)to 3290 ±130 years:1340 B.C.
(Beta-7686)a time span of only 130 years.The intervening dates are
3180 ±170 years:1230 B.C.(Beta-7685)and 3290 ±60 years:1340 B.C.
(Beta-7300).This reduced temporal interval should represent a
reasonable upper limiting date for the lower component and the
deposition of the Oshetna tephra.
Although the two youngest dates for the paleosol are from the
easternmost test squares of N104/E110 (Beta-7689)and N103/E111
(Beta-7301),there does not appear to be any spatial patterning in the
dates.An additional date for N103/E111 of 3270 ±90 years:1320 B.C.
(Beta-7690)precludes the establishment of an east to west cline in
dates for the paleosol.
The formation of the paleosol may span the 1560 years between 1730 years
B.P.and 3290 years B.P.represented by the seven dates from the unit,
but sampling difficulties are inherent in attempting to bracket the
formation of a unit only a centimeter thick.Mixing of charcoal pieces
from different periods of the paleosol in sampling the thin unit will
normally generate a range of dates narrower than the true duration.
Potential sources of contamination exist in the organic accumulation
present in units 3a and 3b of the Watana tephra and in the downward
displacement of carbon through cryoturbation.Such contamination could
explain the two early dates for the paleosol.
The oldest date from the site,5130 ±140 years:3180 B.C.(Beta-7302),
was derived from radiocarbon dating of a large piece of charcoal.The
0-183
base of the charcoal piece was within the Oshetna tephra (unit 4b),
although the upper extent of it was associated with the paleosol.The
assignment of the date to a stratigraphic level is problematic.The
sample differs from other charcoal samples collected from the paleosol
in that it is a single large piece as opposed to a concentration of
smaller charcoal pieces.The sample may provide a fortuitous lower
limiting date for the paleosol or may be cultural in origin and date the
lower component directly.
component.Unit 4e is a cultural unit at the same relative
stratigraphic position as unit 4b which contained carbonized matrix in
direct association wi·th artifacts.Unit 4e is positioned between the
Devil tephra (unit 2)and a fine silt level (unit 5).The disconformity
represented by the absence of the Watana tephra (unit 3)increases the
potential for illuviation and transport of carbon from the upper levels.
The contextual difficulties surrounding the sample preclude its use as a
date for the lower component.
The final sample,1870 ±120 years:
from unit 4e in a wall of NI06/EI02.
A.D.80 (Beta-7691),was collected
It was intended to date the lower .....
-
Due to the density of material recovered during initial survey testing,
the presence of multiple components,and the advantageous setting of the
site,the vicinity around the confluence of Fog Creek with the Susitna
River was selected as a high archeological potential area deserving of
reinvestigation.In conjunction with renewed survey level testing of
survey locale 13 at the time of systematic testing,the remainder of the
terrace south of the original find of TLM 030 was tested.
Subsurface testing was conducted on the terrace from 75 m south of the
main excavation area to the stream which forms the southern boundary of
this terrace segment.Seven productive shovel tests were located
between 75 and 180 m south of the main excavation area.Three of the
shovel tests were expanded into 40 x 40 cm test pits.Figure 0.24 and
0.25 show the location of the test pits,four productive shovel tests,
and negative shovel tests in the vicinity.Test pit 1,located
0-184
,"""
approximately 115 m south of the systematic tests and ca.35 m from the
terrace edge,produced 32 argillite flakes.Test pit 2,located ca.15
m west-southwest of test pit 1 and ca.15 m from the terrace edge,
yielded 357 flakes of five different materials.Test pit 3,situated
ca.40 m south of test pit 2 and immediately adjacent to the western
terrace edge,had 13 flakes of basalt and argillite.A dusky red,1 cm
thick,lens of ochre was located within the Oshetna tephra.Material
from all three test pits came from Watana and Oshetna tephra units,
extending down to on top of ~he drift in test pit 2.The shovel tests,
numbered consecutively with the test pits,yielded a total of 8 flakes
of argillite and a single speci~en of basalt.Shovel tests 4 through 7
are distributed from 50 m north of test pits 1 and 2 and 10-30 mfrom
the western edge of the terrace.
Survey testing on the Fog Creek terrace served to recover artifacts
along the western edge of the terrace in stratigraphic units that may be
correlated to the lower component located during systematic excavations
to the north.The distribution of artifacts along the western terrace
edge,thought to be contiguous with the archeological finds at the north
E~dge of the terrace,prompted the shi ft from reconna i ssance 1eve 1 survey
procedures to a controlled grid testing program.
Grid testing was initiated to define the spatial extent of the site and
to determine whether artifactual material recorded during subsequent
reconnaissance testing on the western terrace margin represented ~
separate site or an extension of the main site locus.The entire
terrace was mapped and gridded as an extension of the established grid
with the site datum at NlOO/ElOO.Points were established and
l~levations recorded at even 10 m intervals across the terrace.Shovel
testing began with the easternmost grid line,E170,and continued
westward to ESQ.Testing commenced at the southern extent of each
I~asting grid line and proceeded to the northern terminus of the line
unless cultural material was encountered.Subsurface tests were placed
in the southwestern corner of each 10 m grid square.The testing
interval was selected to minimize site disturbance while defining site
size.The matrix was screened through a !"mesh and all artifacts
D-185
collected by stratigraphic unit.Ten of the 224 shovel tests produced
cultural material (Figure 0.26).
The artifact inventory from the ten positive grid shovel tests includes
235 lithic artifacts and 5 bone fragments.The majority of lithic
material consists of basalt flakes,accounting for 91%of the total
inventory.A modified basalt flake (UA83-130-2119)was recovered from
N80/E100.The flake is triangular in outline with continuous bifacial
retouch along one side.
Artifacts from grid shovel tests were recovered from a number of
stratigraphic contexts corresponding to both components defined during
systematic testing.Overall,the stratigraphic sequence of the shovel
tests is represented by the stratigraphic section from systematic
testing.All positive shovel tests were located in well-drained areas.
Several negative shovel tests represented areas of very poor drainage as
indicated by water-saturated sediments.A number of tests placed in low
areas in the central portion of the terrace contained gravels and silts
interbedded between the Watana tephra (8 horizon)and the Devil tephra
(eluvial horizon).The sediment may represent an episode of stream
transport across the terrace.
The vicissitudes of artifact distributions are shown by the results of
survey level survey and the subsequent grid shovel testing program over
the same area.Grid shovel tests placed between productive survey tests
were often sterile.The discontinuous distribution of artifacts is
exemplified by the sterile grid shovel tests at S10/E70 and S20/E70
despite their proximity to test pits 1 and 2,and shovel tests 4 and 5
(Figure 0.26).The artifact density and the limited shovel testing
program result in a very conservative appraisal of site limits.
Survey level testing in conjunction with controlled grid shovel testing
provides for the delineation of site boundaries.Discussion of the site
boundaries is facilitated by dividing the site into two segments.The
northern segment of the site in which systematic testing was conducted
extends as a ca.40 m wide strip (N70 to N110)for approximately 60 m
0-186
-
A.
-
'~
....
(E80 to E140)along the northern terrace edge.This portion of the sit~
occupies the relatively open,well-drained region at the northwestern
corner of the terrace between the black spruce forest to the south and
east,and the steep terrace slopes to the north and west.Clusters of
large birch trees adjacent to the northern terrace edge,make this
portion of TLM 030 easily discernible from the air.The western segment
is contiguous with the northern segment.It starts as a ca.20 m wide
strip along the western terrace edge,expanding to approximately 40 m
back from the edge in the middle of the terrace.In the southern half
of the terrace,the distribution of artifacts appear to taper back to
the terrace edge ca.170 m south of the systematic tests.The western
segment of the site is heavily vegetated with black spruce and lacks the
distinctive features of the northern segment which might concentrate
prehistoric activity.The flood plain of the Susitna River west of the
terrace currently supports a thick forest cover negating the beneficial
vantage which the western terrace edge would convey under a more open
vegetation regime.
Evaluation:
TLM 030 is located on a river terrace upstream from the confluence of
Fog Creek with the Susitna River.Testing indicates that the site area
is expansive and encompasses the northern terrace edge which overlooks
Fog Creek and the western edge paralleling the Susitna River.Lithic
artifacts were recovered from shovel tests and test pits extending ca.
180 m along the western terrace edge and ca.60 m along the northern
terrace edge.The abundance of artifactual material in conjunction with
the ca.2571 square meter areal extent of the site indicates that the
terrace was used intensively by prehistoric peoples •
The two components defined during systematic testing occur at the upper
contact of the Devil tephra and within the Oshetna tephra.
Interpretation of the number and stratigraphic position of components is
in only partial agreement with the results of the initial survey
testing.Support for the upper component in the Watana tephra defined
during initial survey testing was not provided by systematic testing.
0-187
However,an additional component was defined at the contact between the
Devil tephra and the finely divided organics.The hearth features
defined in the initial survey may represent a well-developed A horizon
and the charcoal lens which constitutes the paleosol rather than
cultural acti vity.
A suite of radiocarbon samples collected from a paleosol which overlies
the lower component provides upper limiting dates of 3290 ±130 years:
1340 B.C.(Beta-7686)and possibly as early as 5130 ±140 years:3180
B.C.(Beta-7302).The upper component can be tentatively dated based
upon its stratigraphic position relative to the Devil tephra.
The majority of the artifactual material was recovered from the lower
component.The inventory includes lithics,floral and faunal remains,
and red ochre.Tools and tool fragments cover a broad spectrum.These
include diagnostic artifacts of side-notched points,endscrapers,and a
variety of bifaces.Basalt lithic debitage,including primary reduction
flakes and secondary flakes,along with a large number of bifaces and
biface fragments suggest that tools of this material were manufactured
at the site.Artifacts of argillite,the next most frequent material,
may also have been reduced at the site,although the lack of
cortex flakes may indicate initial preparation off the site.Numerous
other material types constitute only a small fraction of the lithic
assemblage and may not be readily available in the vicinity of the site.
The generally small size of these flakes may be related to the
modification of existing artifacts.
Faunal remains from the lower component indicate that the processing of
small-large mammals (possibly caribou)and also birds was taking place
at the site.The processing or disposal of bone is concentrated in the
eastern portion of the systematic excavation.The concentration is
correlated with a hearth feature and the calcined to heavily burned
nature of the faunal material may have contributed to its preservation.
Skeletal completeness does not allow for assessment of specific species
or proximity of the kill site.Floral remains include seeds and an
equisetum macrofossil.High artifact density,in association with red
0-188
......
r
I
ochre,and the concentration of bone in three of the 1 x 1 m test
squares indicate a feature.A hearth or more complex structural feature
would explain the artifact concentration and sediment disturbance in
this area of the site.A program of further excavation,
microstratigraphic analysis,and spatial analysis is required to
ascertain the nature of the feature.
The site may have functioned in a variety of capacities as suggested by:
1)the advantageous ecological setting,2)proximity to water sources,
3)access between the Susitna River and the upland plateau including Fog
Lakes,and 4)the generalized nature of artifact types.The multiple
components indicate repeated use of the terrace for at least 3000 years.
Based on its relative stratigraphic position,the upper component may
possibly be related to the Athapaskan tradition,although it is
important to note that there are no diagnostic artifact types to confirm
this assumption.The lower component can be attributed to the Northern
t~rchaic tradition,based on the diagnostic elements of the artifact
assemblage,stratigraphic position,and radiocarbon dating.TLM 030
holds high potential for a more complete delineation of the Northern
t~rchaic tradition.The ecological setting and extremely high frequency
of artifactual remains suggest the site may have functioned as a
seasona 11y reoccupi ed camp or poss ib ly a more permanent type of
settlement.Presently less than one-third of one percent of the site
area has been tested.Observed site size based on the distribution of
artifacts is 2571 square meters (Table D.2).
0-189
Contour Inter .....: t m
Intermedl.te Contour
Site Oatum 1"'100 El001
-
-
*GI~V",
'.
..........
...........
-:-------:-;, ,,..'..,, ,
.....to"..
.,'
"
........
•
"
,'.
'...
;100
Figure 0.24
'..
:
N QO
N 70
S 90
N 10
N 50
N 30
5 10
550
530
S 70
/II 110
E 40 E 60 E 80 El00 E 120 E140 E1BO E 180
.....'
Figure 0.22.Site Map,TLM 030
0-190
......
w w w w w w w w w w w
N M •~a ~a ~Q ~NQQ0 0 0 Q 0 0 _-~- -~--- --_.
X
N100 E100
•Test 5
N 105-
N106 -
N 103 -
N 104-
N107 _
'.
...'
,'
"
/~~"...,.~~
/...,
~
"
-
Systematic Test Square L1TI
TE~st pit
Site Datum (0.0 m)
Intermediate Contour
•
X
0··..•.
0 5 10,I
NETERS
Contour Interval;1 n
-Figure D.23.Square Placement,TLM 030
0-191
-
\~
-
E90ESO
o
o
'0
o
Test 1
o
E 70
S.T.5
G
o 0
:S.T.6
G
I 0
E60
o
S:r.4
0:0
o
...."0
Test 2
E50
.·S.T.7 *.
G G~II).~.'".4G •N20-/...;;....0.
'.;-
N 10 -
Test Pit o o
I
10
I
20
Intermediate Contour .
Shovel Test:w/Artifacts
Shovel Test:Sterile
o
o
HETERS
Contour Interval:1 m
Figure 0.24.Survey Level Testing North t,TLM 030
D-192
o o o .'o
o
o
*Gk/V
..........
Ego
..1
....../
o
.......""...."
E80
...' I
o
.'..,.
: 0o
..........
......
'E60 ••••.••••'E70E50
580-
..-
0 10 20
Test pit 0 I ,I,.,;.;;,
Shovel Test:Sterile 0 m:TERS
Intermediate Contour ........Contour Im::erval:1 1":'.~
Figure D.25.Survey Level Testing South t,TLM 030
D-193
Grid Shove'Te.t:A~tifact.Recoveted •Teu Pit aSterile0ShovelTe.t 0 •Sit e Datum (N 100 E100)x C)~N 110
G~0
·•0 0 0 0 ~-,
N 90 -•0 0 0 0 .,
••••0 0 0 0 0
N 70 -0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
·•0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .,
N 50 -0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
~·0 •0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
N 30 -0 0 •0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -S.T.7 0
·0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ..
N 10 -0 •0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
S.T.60
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ,-
S.T.50
S 10 -0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
S.T.40 -oTest1
o;.est 2
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
S 30 -0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
~
S 50 -0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
a Test b -0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0
S 70 -0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
.....
S 90 0
I I .I I I I
E 40 E 60 E 80 E100 Et20 E140 E160 EtSO
...,.
Figure 0.26.Grid Shovel Testing t TLM 030
0-194
DEPTH (em)
o
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
PROFILE UNIT
1a
1b
2
38
3b
3e
4a
4b
5
6a
6b
CULTURAL
Figure D.27.Composite Profile,TLM 030
D-195
Table 0.35.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 030
~,
......
Unit
1a
1b
Description
Surface organic layer:fibrous root mat with living and
partially decayed plant material from sphagnum moss,
dwarf birch,Labrador tea,lowblJsh cranberry,and other
herbaceous wood shrub vegetation at the surface.Varies
in thickness from 1-29 cm,but is usually 8-12 em.The
lower boundary is clear and smooth to wavy.Nonmineral
01 horizon.Continuous surface cover across the
excavation area.Layer is thickest in areas of sphagnum
moss ground cover.Contains decayed wood and roots up to
5 cm in diameter.
Fine silty sand with finely divided organic material,
macroplant fragments,and rootlets;black (5YR 2.5/1).
Varies in thickness from less than 1 cm to a maximum of 4
cm.Sharp and smooth to wavy lower contact.02 horizon;
peat layer with charcoal.In places unit 1b is
undifferentiated from unit la,but the unit is generally
continuous.Fibrous root material follows the contact
between 1b and 2.Three basalt flakes were found within
the unit,additional artifacts were recovered at the base
of the unit along the contact with unit 2.A radiocarbon
date of 170 ±9u years:A.D.1780 was obtained from the
unit.
0-196
-
Table 0.35.(Continued)
-Unit
2
1~,
Description
Very fine silt size particles;varies in color from very
dark gray (10YR 3/1)to brown (10YR 4/3)to pinkish gray
(5YR 6/2).Variation in color may be due to downward
leaching or organic material.Varies in thickness from
2-11 cm,but is usually 3-5 cm.Lower contact ranges
from clear to indistinct and is very wavy and irregular.
Tephra (Devil);eluvial A horizon.Unit is generally
continuous and is present in all of the test squares.
Unit is dense and compact.Artifacts are found at the
contact and within this unit.
Very fine silt size particles;reddish black (lOR 2.5/1)
to yellowish brown (10YR 5/6).Massive unit that
includes three subunits (3a,3b,3c)and varies in
thickness from 3-27 cm with considerable variation
occurring in individual test squares.The lower contact
is sharp and wavy.Tephra (Watana);B horizon.Forms a
continuous unit in all of the test squares with the
exception of N106/E102.Absence of unit 3 in the
northern portion of that square 5uggests that
postdepositional erosion was active at the site.The
unit frequently appears very mottled with 3a occurring
predominantly at the.upper extent and 3c at the lower
extent.Variation between subunits may represent a
continuum based on organic and iron accumulation and is
related to soil-forming processes.Artifacts occur at
the upper and lower contacts and within unit 3.Only 7
flakes are recorded from 3c.
0-197
Table 0.35.(Continued)-
Unit
3a
3b
3c
Description
Very fine silt size particles with granular structure and
some cemented concretions;reddish black (lOR 2.5/1)to
dark reddish brown (5YR 2.5/2).Very irregular and wavy
boundaries.Tephra (Watana);illuvial B horizon.
Organic and iron accumulation.Often described as being
mixed with unit 3b and 3c.Bioturbation observed in the
form of ant colonies measuring up to 25 cm in diameter.
Very fine silt size particles with granular structure;
dark reddish brown (5Y 3/4 to 5Y 3/3).Contacts vary
from sharp to diffuse.Tephra (Watana);illuvial B
horizon.The sediment has a coarse texture,but peds
will break apart and dry into a fine powder.Often
occurs as large irregular mottles.Predominant subunit
of unit 3.
Very fine silt size particles that lack granular
structure;yellowish brown (10YR 5/6).Very wavy and
irregular contacts with subunits 3a and 3b,sharp
undulating contact with charcoal lens and unit 4b.
Tephra (Watana);B horizon.Generally occurs at the
lower extent of unit 3.Dries to a very fine powder.
0-198
~,
-
-
~~ble 0.35.(Continued)
-
Unit
Charcoa 1
Lens
(Paleosol)
4a
4b
Description
Small-medium size pieces of charcoal and carbonized
plant material;black (10YR 2/1).Occurs as a lens less
than 1 cm in thickness.Paleosol.Lens is discontinuous
but found in all of the test squares.Bifurcates in some
places.Appears as isolated charcoal concentrations at
the upper contact of units 4a and 4b.Radiocarbon dates
cluster between 3160 years B.P.to 3290 years B.P.for an
inclusive range of 130 years.
Very fine silt size particles;light yellowish brown
(10YR 6/4).Unit is no more than 1 cm thick.Contacts
are sharp and smooth.Occurs in isolated pockets
directly beneath charcoal concentrations associated with
the paleosol.Identified in six of the test squares.
Greasy in texture when wet and dries to a fine powder.
It is lighter in color although similar in texture to
unit 4b beneath it.Unit does not contain artifacts.
Very fine silt size particles;grayish brown (10YR 5/2)
to very dark gray (lOYR 3/1).Vari es in thi ckness form
1-10 cm and is usually 3-5 cm.Extremes of thickness
occur within individual test squares.The lower contact
with unit 5 is clear and smooth.Tephra (Oshetna);
buried eluvial horizon.Present in all test squares,
although in some places it lacks continuity.In
NI04/EI08 unit is possibly truncated.Matrix is greasy
in texture.Variation in color appears to be the result
of downward staining or leaching of charcoal from the
paleosol.
0-199
Table D.35.(Continued)
Unit Description
Contains some rounded pebbles at the lower boundary.
Unit is at times subnormal to the surface and does not
vary with surface slope.Abundant artifacts are located
along undulating upper contact,at the lower contact and
throughout the unit.
The following subunits of unit 4 are restricted spatially and are not
included in the composite profile.
4c
4d
Very fine silt size particles,greasy in texture when
wet;in situ matrix is dusky red in color (lOR 3/4),but
dries to a brown (lOYR 5/3).Varies from 1-8 cm in
thickness.Contacts are diffuse.Tephra (Oshetna);
buried eluvial horizon with red ochre staining.Isolated
unit that was defined in three of the test squares
(NI05/EIO?,NI04/El08,and Nl05/EI09).Located at the
same stratigraphic position as unit 4b and represents
cultural modification of that matrix.Artifacts are
found throughout unit.
Fine silty matrix that is somewhat grainy in texture;
when moist,matrix is reddish black in color (lOR 2.5/1),
dries to a dark reddish brown (5YR 2.5/2).Ranges from
1-8 cm in thickness.Upper contact is with unit 2 and
lower contact is with unit 5,contacts vary from clear to
diffuse.Isolated unit that was defined only in NW
corner of Nl04/EI08 and SE corner of NI05/ElO?
Associated with small charcoal fragments,lithics,and
0-200
Table 0.35.(Continued)
-
-
Unit
4e
4f
49
1-,)
Description
small bone fragments.Located at the same relative
stratigraphic position as unit 3 and 4b.
Fine silty matrix with granular structure;black (5YR
2.5/1).Ranges from 1-3 em in thickness.Contacts are
clear.Upper contact is with unit 2 and lower contact is
with unit 5.Tephra (Oshetna)?Located at the same
relative stratigraphic position as unit 4b and is
confined to a limited section of the north and east walls
of N106/E102.Contains artifacts and small charcoal
flecks.
Fine silty matrix,greasy in texture;dark reddish brown
(2.5YR 2.5/4).Thickness of 1-3 em.Upper contact is
with units 4g and 4b,lower contact with 4b/5a.Isolated
unit positioned stratigraphically within unit 4b that was
defined only in N105/E109.Associated with artifactual
material.
Fine silt size particles.Dark yellowish brown
(10YR 4/4).Less than 1-2 em in thickness.Upper
contact is with unit 4b and lower contact is with unit
4f.Discontinuous lens positioned stratigraphically
within unit 4b that occurs in an isolated area of
N105/E109.Associated with artifactual material.
Very fine silt to clay size particles (plastic and sticky
when wet)with small sand grains and occasional rounded
pebbles;varies in color from grayish brown {10YR 5/2 -
0-201
Table 0.35.(Continued)
Unit
6a
6b
Description
unit 5a)to dark yellowish brown (lOYR 4/6 -unit 5b).
Ranges in thickness from 1-16 cm although it is usually
4-6 cm.Contacts are clear and smooth,and generally
less irregular than the overlying units.Cobbles and
rounded pebbles frequently protrude into unit from the
underlying unit (unit 6).Differentation between units
5a and 5b is based on color only.Unit 5a occurs at the
upper portion of unit 5.Artifacts recovered from this
unit were probably derived from unit 4.
Very coarse sand,pebbles,and cobbles;dark reddish
brown (5YR 2.5/2).Upper extent of glacial drift
deposit;weathered.Poorly or very poorly sorted.The
majority of the cobbles are rounded.Frost-shattered
cobbles are present.The cobbles are usually 5-10 cm in
diameter,reaching a maximum of 18 cm.Moderately
developed unit with concretions and cementation of sand
particles.Artifacts recovered from this unit probably
derived from unit 4.
Very coarse sand,pebbles,and cobbles;olive brown (2.5Y
4/4).Glacial drift.Similar to unit 5a but lacks
concretions and is loosely consolidated.Excavation into
this unit determ"ined limit of excavation.
0-202
-
-
-
Table 0.36.
Artifact Summary,TLM 030
.-
-
31
11
20
13
Modified flakes
4 Argillite (UA83-130-1259,1924, 1929,1944)
24 Basalt (UA80-77-517;UA83-130-125,352,540,820,
1253,1254,1256, 1261, 1524,1572,1621,1934,
1953,1990a,1990b,2119,2872,2875,2876,2877,
2878,2879,2880)
2 Chert (UA83-130-1258,1577)
1 Obsidian (UA83-130-1955)
Scrapers
2 Argillite (UA83-130-1920,2873)
4 Basalt (UA83-130-1263,1380,1922,1941)
4 Chert (UA83-130-1124,1421,1921,1938)
1 Rhyolite (UA83-130-1262)
Bifaces
12 Argillite (UA83-130-128 articulates with 129,621,
1257,1939 articulates with 1950, 1942,1943,
1945 articulates with 1946, 1947,1948)
8 Basalt (UA83-130-618,1027,1260,1575,1576,1925,
1933,1958)
Biface fragments
3 Argillite (UA83-130-620,1523,1927)
10 Basalt (UA83-130-619,669, 787,1578,1725,1916,
1940,2116,2874,3192)
D-203
Table 0.36.(Continued)
-
-
6
1
17
6
1
1
3
1
Biface end fragments
1 Argillite (UA83-130-1477)
4 Basalt (UA83-130-350,880,1936,1954)
1 Rhyolite (UA83-130-1957)
Preform fragment
1 Basalt (UA83-130-1956)
Notched points
5 Argillite (UA83-130-127,130,1923;1949"
articulates with 1951)
11 Basalt (UA80-77-327,520,UA83-130-48,349,351,
867,1005, 1915, 1931, 1932,1935)
1 Rhyolite (UA80-77-89)
Notched point bases
·2 Argillite (UA83-130-126,1952)
3 Basalt (UA83-130-441,442,1917)
1 Chert (UA83-130-1937)
Stemmed point base
1 Basalt (UA83-130-124)
Lanceolate point
1 Basalt (UA83-130-353)
Rejuvenation flakes
3 Basalt (UA80-77-1,2,430)
Flake core
1 Basalt (UA83-130-1919)
0-204
-
-
-
-
Table 0.36.(Continued)
.t-lloil
2
~
2
Flake core fragments
2 Basalt (UA80-77-474;UA83-130-2170)
Core tools
2 Basalt (UA83-130-535,1573)
.-
-
.....
-
3
2
120
Lithic Material
4,327
1
56,546
29
262
895
2
1
37
1
3
51
372
Hammerstones
(UA83-130-969,1892,3366)
Modifi edeobb les
(UA83-130-1464,1926)
Argi1l ite fl akes
Argillite piece (angular shatter)(UA83-130-1912)
Basalt flakes
Basalt pieces (angular shatter or exhausted flake core
fragments)
Chalcedony flakes
Chert flakes
Chert pieces (angular shatter)
Chert flake (crazed)(UA83-130-1632)
Obsidian flakes
Obsidian piece (angular shatter)(UA83-130-2623)
Quartz flakes
Quartzite fl akes
Rhyo 1ite fl akes
0-205
Table 0.36.(Continued)-
24,553
1,413
50
9
1
1
1
12
28
16
2
2
88,615
Faunal Material
ca.10,356
Flakes less than 1/8"mesh
1,231 Argi 11 ite
23,067 Basalt
232 Chert and Chalcedony
4 Obsidian
19 Rhyolite
Rock fragments (less than 5 cm -thermally altered?)
Thermally altered rocks (greater than 5 cm)
Rock fragments with charcoal stain
Ochre-stained-pebble-(UA83-130-550)
Ovate biplano pebble (UA83-130-2889)
Cracked cobble (UA83-130-2719)
Cobbles
Cobble fragments
Blocky pumice fragment
Shale fragments
Pieces of unidentified material (UA83-130-3088)
Bone and teeth fragments
0-206
-
Table D.36.(Continued)
Other
,...,
1!928
35
1
1
1
1
1967
Ochre pieces
Pellets
Seed
Unidentified floral part
Beetle carapace (UA83-130-3271)
Equisetum sample (UA83-130-3423)
D-207
Table 0.37.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 030
Unit
3a and 3b
Within oxidized
Watana tephra
Description
2 Possible rib fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
-
-
3b/c 1
Withi n Watana
tephra (contact
between illuvial and
lower zone of B horizon
Unidentifiable bone fragment;slightly
burned,medium-large mammal
Contact between
Watana tephra
(unoxidized,lower extent
of tephra unit)and
Oshetna tephra
3c/4b 1 Unidentifiable bone fragment,calcined,
medium-large mammal
....
3/4b
Contact between
Watana tephra and
Oshetna tephra
14 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
208 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined to
heavily burned medium-large mammal
1 Unidentifiable bone fragment,heavily
burned,taxon unidentified
0-208
-
-
-
Table 0.37.(Continued)
Unit Description
.....
-
.-
4b
Within Oshetna
tephra
4b/d
Contact between
Oshetna tephra and
dark silty matrix
4c
Within Oshetna
tephra (tephra
with ochre)
2 Molar fragments,heavily burned,artiodactyl
1 Possible vertebral facet,calcined,
artiodactyl
3 Possible rib fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
24 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
1 Possible rib fragment,calcined,
small-medium mammal
1 Unidentifiable bone fragment,calcined,
small mammal
1 Unidentifiable bone fragment,calcined,
bi rd
6,824 Unidentifiable bone fragment,calcined to
heavily burned,medium-large mammal
1,000+Bone meal fragments (ca.1-5 mm),calcined
to heavily burned,taxon unidentified
1 Unidentifiable bone fragment,calcined,
small-medium mammal
174 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined to
heavily burned,medium-large mammal
3 Long bone fragments,calcined,-medium-large
mammal
1,029 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined to
heavily burned,medium-large mammal
0-209
Table 0.37.(Continued)
Unit
4d
Dark silty
matrix with
artifacts
Description
6 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammals
2 Long bone fragments,calcined,medium-large
mammal
4b/5
Contact between
Oshetna tephra and
very fi ne s"il t
horizon
4b/6
Contact between
Oshetna tephra and
gl aci a1 drift
5
Within very fine
silt hori zan
1 Molar fragment,burned,artiodactyl
1 Phalanx fragment,calcined,probably caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Unidentifiable bone fragment,calcined,
small-medium mammal
64 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
950 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined to
heavily burned,medium-large mammals
39 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined to
heavily burned,medium-large mammals
1 Unidentifiable bone fragment,calcined,
medium-large mammal
0-210
-
-
-
Table 0.38.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 030
~,
-
-
Unit
1b
Within finely
sorted organic
horizon
1/2
Contact between
organic horizon and
Devil tephra
1/3
Contact between
organic horizon and
Watana tephra
2
Within Devil
tephra
Description
3 Basalt flakes
5 Argillite flakes
173 Basalt flakes
7 Chert flakes
1 Flake less than 1/8"mesh (basalt)
1 Basalt modified flake (UA83-130-820)
1 Chert scraper (UA83-130-1124)
9 Basalt flakes
39 Argillite flakes
442 Basalt flakes
2 Chalcedony flakes
6 Chert flakes
3 Obsidian flakes
5 Rhyolite flakes
77 Flakes less than 1/8"mesh
2 Argi 11 ite
68 Basalt
7 Chert and chalcedony
0-211
Table 0.38.(Continued)
Unit
2/3
Contact between
Devel and
Watana tephras
3
Withi n Watana
tephra
3a,3b
Within oxidized
Watana tephra
(illuvial horizon)
Description
1 Argillite biface fragment (UA83-130~1477)
1 Basalt biface fragment (UA83-130-1939)(1939
articulates with UA83-130-1950,from 4b)
14 Ochre pieces
12 Argillite flakes
200 Basalt flakes
2 Chalcedony flakes
6 Chert flakes
1 Quartzite flake
2 Rhyolite flakes
1 Basalt modified flake (UA83-130-1953)
1 Rock fragment (less than 5 cm thermally
altered?)
1 Argillite flake
38 Basalt flakes
1 Chert flake
55 Argillite flakes
631 Basalt flakes
4 Chalcedony flakes
8 Chert flakes
1 Ob~idian flake
1 Rhyolite flake
10 Rock fragments (less than 5 cm thermally
altered?)
2 Ochre pieces
D-212
-
-
-
Table D.38.(Continued)
Unit Description
-
3b/c
Within Watana
tephra (contact
between illuvial
and lower zone
of B horizon)
3c
Within Watana
tephra (unoxidized.
lower extent of
tephra unit)
3/4
Contact of
W'atana and
Oshetna tephras
31 Argillite flakes
275 Basalt flakes
1 Chalcedony flake
5 Chert flakes
2 Basalt modified flakes (UA83-130-1990a.
1990b)
1 Argillite biface fragment (UA83-130-1523)
1 Ochre piece
11 Basalt flakes
37 Argillite flakes
478 Basalt flakes
7 Chert flakes
1 Quartzite flake
1 Rhyolite flake
1 Basalt modified flake (possible biface end
fragment)(UA83-130-2119)
1 Basalt modified flake (UA80-77-517)
1 Basalt biface (UA80-77-437)
1 Rhyolite notched point (UA80-77-89)
1 Basalt rejuvenation flake (UA80-77-430)
1 Basalt flake core fragment (UA80-77-474)
3 Thermally altered rocks (greater than 5 cm)
0-213
1
1
2
592
7,607
1
46
118
11
55
1,400
Table 0.38.(Continued)
Unit
3/4b
Contact between
Watana and
Oshetna tephras
Description
4 Cobbles
8 Cobble fragments
Argi 11 ite fl akes
Basa It fl akes
Basalt piece with cortex (angular shatter
or flake core fragment)
Chalcedony flakes
Chert flakes
Obsidian flakes
Rhyolite flakes
Fl akes 1ess than 1/8 11 mesh
65 Argill i te
1,298 Basa It
29 Chert and chalcedony
1 Obsidian
7 Rhyol ite
Basalt modified flake (UA83-130-2878)
Basalt scraper (UA83-130-1941)
Basalt biface end fragments (UA83-130-350,
1954)
1 Argillite notched point base (UA83-130-1952)
4 Basalt notched points (UA83-130-48,349,
351,1005)
1 Basalt lanceolate point (UA83-140-353)
1 Basalt core fragment with cortex
(UA83-130-2170)
2 Basalt core tools (UA83-130-536,1573)
0-214
-
-
-
-
Table 0.38.(Continued)
Unit Description
l:"o~
197 Rock fragments (less than 5 cm -thermally
f~altered?)
1 Thermally altered rock (greater than 5 cm)-9 Rock fragments with charcoal stain
3 Blocky pumice fragments
171 Ochre pieces
1 Equisetum sample (UA83-130-3423)
!""'"4b 2,603 Argill ite fl akes
Within Oshetna 31,919 Basa It fl akes-tephra 24 Basalt pieces (angular shatter or exhausted
flake core fragments)
161 Chalcedony flakes
639 Chert flakes
1 Chert flake (crazed)(UA83-130-1632),.....
2 Chert pieces (angular shatter)
17 Obsidian flakes
~1 Obsidian piece (angular shatter)
3 Quartz flakes
15 Qua rtz ite fl a kes
247 Rhyolite flakes
I1'!Mi.16,596 Flakes less than 1/8 11 mesh
840 Argi 11 ite
15,617 Basalt
130 Chert and chalcedony
3 Obsidian
6 Rhyol ite
0-215
Table 0.38.(Continued)
Unit Description
3 Argillite modified flakes (UA83-130-1259,
1929,1944)
15 Basalt modified flakes (UA83-130-125,1253,
1254,1256,1261,1524, 1572,1621, 1934,
2872, 2875,2876, 2877,2879,2880)
2 Chert modified flakes (UA83-130-1258,1577)
2 Argillite scrapers (UA83-130-1920,2873)
3 Basalt scrapers (UA83-130-1263,1380,1922)
2 Chert scrapers (UA83-130-1921,1938)
1 Rhyolite scraper (UA83-130-1262)
10 Argillite bifaces (UA83-130-128 articulates
with 129,621,1257,1942,1943,1945
articulates with 1946,1947,1948)
8 Basalt bifaces (UA83-130-618,1027,1260,
1575,1576,1925,1933,1958)
4 Argillite biface fragments (UA83-130-620,
1927,1930,1950)(1950 articulates with
1939,from unit 2)
10 Basalt biface fragments (UA83-130-619,880,
1578,1725,1916, 1936, 1940,2216, 2874,
3192)
5 Argillite notched points (UA83-130-127,130,
1923,1949 articulates with 1951)
5 Basalt notched points (UA83-130-867,1915,
1931, 1932,1935)
1 Argillite notched point base (UA83-130-126)
3 Basalt notched point bases (UA83-130-441,
442,1917)
0-216
-
-
Table 0.38.(Continued)
Unit
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
973
39
8
14
1
4
2
2
1!429
37
1
Description
Chert notched point base (UA83-130-1937)
Basalt stemmed point (UA83-130-124)
Quartz hammerstone (UA83-130-969)
Basalt core tools (UA83-130-536!1573)
Basalt flake core (UA83-130-1919)
Basalt modified cobble (UA83-130-1926)
Quartzite modified cobble (UA83-130-1464)
Rock fragments (less than 5 cm -
thermally altered?)
Thermally altered rocks (greater than 5 cm)
Cobbles
Cobble fragments
Ovate!biplano pebble (UA83-130-2889)
Blocky pumice fragments
Shale fragments
Pieces of unidentified material
(UA83-130-3085 )
Ochre pieces
Seeds
Beetle carapace (UA83-130-3271)
-
-
4b/c 5 Basalt flakes
Within Oshetna tephra
(tephra and includes
tephra with ochre)
0-217
Table 0.38.(Continued)
Unit Description
4b/d 91 Argi 11 ite fl akes
Contact between 293 Basalt flakes ~
Oshetna tephra and 7 Chalcedony flakes
dark silty matrix 2 Chert flakes ~
2 Rhyolite flakes
194 Flakes less than 1/8 11 mesh
34 Argillite
152 Basa It
~\
8 Chert and chalcedony
18 Ochre pieces
4c 16 Argillite flakes
Within Oshetna 120 Basalt flakes -
tephra (tephra 1 Basalt piece with cortex (angular shatter or
with ochre)flake core fragment)
2 Chert flakes
1 Rhyo 1ite fl a ke
""""429 Flakes less than 1/8 1l mesh
27 Argill i te
392 Basalt ""'"
10 Chert and chalcedony
8 Rock fragments (less than 5 cm -thermally -,
altered?)
89 Ochre pieces ~l
0-218 -
Table 0.38.(Continued)
Unit Description
617
12,126
3
37
83
4
3
30
5,303-
4d
Dark silty
matrix with
artifacts
4b/5
Contact
bletween Oshetna
t1ephra and very
fine silt horizon
9 Argillite flakes
120 Basalt flakes
Argillite flakes
Basalt flakes
Basalt pieces (angular shatter or exhausted
flake core fragment)
Chalcedony flakes
Chert flakes
Obsidian flakes
Quartzite fl akes
Rhyo 1ite fl a kes
Flakes less than 1/8"mesh
224 Argillite
5,037 Basalt
42 Chert and chalcedony
1 Argillite modified flake (UA83-130-1924)
2 Basalt modified flakes (UA83-130-352,540)
1 Chert scraper (UA83-130-1421)
2 Basalt biface fragments (UA83-130-669,787)
206 Rock fragments (less than 5 cm -thermally
altered?)
7 Thermally altered rocks (greater than 5 cm)
9 Blocky pumice fragments
1 Rhyolite cobble fragment (UA83-130-788)
0-219
Table D.38.(Continued)
Unit Description
.."
-
143
1
1,146
1
8
30
23
514
4b/6
Contact between
Oshetna tephra
and glacial drift
5
Withi n very
fi ne silt
hl"rizon
1 Ochre-stained pebble (UA83-130-550)
1 Cracked cobble (UA83-130-2719)
194 Ochre pieces
Argill ite fl akes
Argillite piece (angular shatter)
Basa 1t fl akes
Cha 1cedony f1 ake
Chert flakes
Quartzite fl akes
Rhyolite flakes
Flakes less than 1/8"mesh
37 Argi 11 ite
465 Basa lt
6 Chert and chalcedony
6 Rhyol ite
1 Hammerstone (UA83-130-1892)
7 Rock fragments (less than 5 cm -thermally
altered?)
18 Argillite flakes
301 Basalt flakes
2 Chert fl a kes
39 Flakes less than 1/8"mesh
2 Argillite
37 Basalt
0-220
,~
-
-
Table 0.38.(Continued)
Unit Description
11 Rock fragments (less than 5 cm -thermally
~;.vc..altered?)
2 Ochre pieces
6 1 Argi 11 ite flake
Within 55 Basalt flakes
glacial drift .1 Quartzite flake
1 Rhyolite flake-
Miscellaneous 57 ,Argillite flakes
(no provenience,594 Basalt flakes
surface artifacts 1 Cha 1cedony fl a ke
and reexcavated 1 Chert flake,.,..
test pits)1 Obsidian flake
5 Rhyolite flakes
1 Obsidian modified flake (UA83-130-155)
1 Rhyolite biface end fragment (UA83-130-1957)
1 Basalt preform (UA83-130-1956)
2 Basalt notched points (UA80-77-327,520)
....2 Basalt rejuvenation flakes (UA80-77-1,2)
1 Hammerstone (UA83-130-3366)
1 Cobble (boulder spall)(UA81-217-18)
~
1 Cobble fragment (UA83-130-3365)
8 Ochre pieces
.~
0-221
AHRS Number TLM 031;Accession Number UA80-78
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 30:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
West of Kosina Creek Mouth
Figure 0.28
Figure E.107
Talkeetna Mts.D-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
The site is located on a high plateau on the north side of the Susitna
River downriver from the mouth of Kosina Creek.A 1.5 km wide valley
separates this plateau from higher mountains to the north.The site is
situated approximately 274 m above the level of the river at an
elevation of ca.823 m asl (2700 feet),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
300 m east of the largest of three kettle lakes which lie to the west of
the site.The Susitna River is visible from the site,although not
easily accessible.The site appears to be oriented towards the locally
accessible terrain rather than the river.The principal view is to the
east and south.The terrain in the vicinity of the site is 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 cm of the surface.Most
ridges in the vicinity are subject to deflation and there is little soil
or vegetation along their crests.At lower elevations,off the ridges,
vegetation consists of denser stands of black spruce,sphagnum moss,and
muskeg.In the Susitna River valley to the south,the vegetation is an
upland spruce-hardwood forest.
Testing:
A black chert endscraper (UA80-78-1;Figure 373a)was surface collected
during survey along this ridge system.No other artifacts were observed
on the surface although a black chert pebble fragment (UA80-78-2)of
0-222
""'"
-
.....
-
-
-
s'imiliar raw material was surface collected in the vicinity.Two test
pits and one shovel test were excavated at the site,none of which
produced subsurface cultural material (Table 0.39).Test pit 1,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 TLM 031.Other sites within a 1 km radius of
this site are TLM 032,TlM 036,and TlM 037.Each of these sites is
located in an area of high topographic relief offering a panoramic view
of the surrounding terrain.Initial surface and subsurface testing at
TlM 031 suggest that this surface site may be limited to an isolated
find not associated with other cultural material.Estimated site size
based on the distribution of artifacts is 4 square meters (Table 0.2).
D-223
Table 0.39.
Artifact Summary,TLM 031
Provenience
Lithi c Materi a1
Surface:
Description·
1 Chert endscraper (UABO-78-1)
1 Chert pebble fragment
0-224
-
-
-
~---1 --------.:....~
o----~
_1-0 1
T ••t 1
X
(2)
o
I
2
1
4
I
METERS .-Test Pit 0
Shovel Test 0
Site Datum X
Surface Art if act -1-
Contour Interval:1 m
..-Figure 0.28.Site Map,TLM 031
D-225
AHRS Number TLM 032;Accession Number UA80-79
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 30:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
West of Kosina Creek Mouth
Figure 0.29
Figure E.I07
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
The site is located on a high plateau on the north side of the Susitna
River downriver from the mouth of Kosina Creek.A 1..5 km wide valley
separates this plateau from higher mountains to the north.Located
approximately 274 m above the level of the river at an elevation"of ca.
823 m asl (2700 feet),the site is situated in a system of hills and
ridges surrounding several small kettle lakes.A total of seven
archeological sites were found situated on ridges and knolls within the
same topographic setting (survey locale 30)as site TLM 032.The only
other known site within 1 km is site TLM 031,which is located to the
northeast in similar topography,although separated from the lakes by an
intervening ridge.Site TLM 032 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 150 m 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 characteristic of this high plateau.TLM 032 is located
southwest of the southern point of the largest of three kettle lakes at
"the eastern end of the plateau.The largest of these kettle lakes
(approximately 6 ha in size)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 indicates former higher lake levels.
Most of the margin of this large lake and another lake 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
0-226
-
-
I~
location is unique,in that it is the point of highest topographic
relief in the immediate vicinity of the largest of the thrp.e kettle
lakes and 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.
Testing:
The site is a ca.6 square meters surface lithic scatter exposed among
bedrock outcrops.The scatter is unique among surface sites in the area
because it contains a high proportion of tools in comparison to flakes.
All observed surface artifacts were collected.A single test (test pit
1)in the immediate vicinity of the scatter did not produce subsurface
cultural material.A total of 16 artifacts were collected from the
surface (Table D.40).Several specimens were also collected that were
subsequently determined to be noncultural.Cultural material collected
at the site included 6 flakes (3 argillite,2 basalt,and 1 chert),1
argillite modified flake (UA80-79-2;Figure D.373b),1 chert scraper
(UA80-79-1;Figure D.373c),1 argillite scraper (UA80-79-8;Figure
D.373d),1 chalcedony flake core fragment (UA80-79-12;Figure D.373e),1
hammerstone,which is a "no tched ll cobble with battering on one end
(UA80-79-16;Figure D.373f),and 5 cobbles and fragments.Lithic raw
materials represented at the site were diverse and included argillite,
basalt,chalcedony,and chert.Estimated site size based on the
distribution of artifacts is 54 square meters (Table D.2).
D-227
Table 0.40.
Artifact Summary,TLM 032
~I
~,
Provenience
Lithic Material
Surface:
Description
3 0 Argill ite fl akes
2 Basalt flakes
1 Chert flake
1 Argillite modified flake (UA80-79-2)
1 Argillite scraper (UA80-79-8)
1 Chert scraper (UA80-79-1)
1 Chalcedony flake core fragment (UA80-79-12)
1 Hammerstone (UA80-79-16)
5 Cobbles and rock fragments
0-228
-
-
-:-
-:-
o
_1lPI"'>'l>l 0 2 4TestPit0II
Site Datum X
METERS
Surface Artifact -:-
Bedrock c:;Contour Interval:.5 m
~~
Figure 0.29.Site Map,TLM 032
0-229
AHRS Number TLM 033;Accession Number UA80-80
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 31:
USGS Map:
Site Locati on:
Setting:
West of Kosina Creek Mouth
Figure 0.30
Figure E.108
Talkeetna Mts.D-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
The site is near the outlet of a small lake,located north of the
Susitna River downriver from the mouth of the Kosina Creek.Situated on
the point of a.flat terrace northeast of the mouth of the outlet stream,
the site overlooks the stream drainage to the northwest and west.
Located at an elevation of 562 m asl (altimeter:1843 feet),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 northeast toward the lake outlet.The level,open,
well-drained edge of the terrace forms a natural route for pedestrian
travel from the lake to the mouth of the outlet stream.A second,lower
terrace exists approximately 20 m 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 stream and its
confluence with the Susitna River are not visible.Visibility in other
directions is restricted by topography and trees.The lake 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 o~en with scattered spruce and birch growing on the
terrace edge.Ground vegetation consists of a mat of lichens and mosses
with some lowbush 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.
D-230
,~
--
..-
T!esti nq:
>
There is no surface indication of a site at this location,however a
shovel test exposed a brown chert modified flake (UA80-80-1;
Figure 0.373g)at the contact between two silt units at 13 cmbs (Tables
0.42 and 0.43).Three test pits were excavated along the terrace edge
near the point of the terrace during survey testing.Six 1 x 1 m test
squares and five shovel tests were excavated at this site during the
systematic level testing phase but additional cultural material was not
r:ecovered.
A grid shovel test program was implemented to assist in the location of
subsurface cultural material,the distribution of cultural material,and
the determination of site size.Sixteen grid shovel tests were
excavated around N500/E499;however,no cultural material was
encountered.
Discussion:
Initial survey testing uncovered a single brown chert retouched flake.
The first three test squares excavated during systematic testing were
placed such that one square (N500/E496)intersected the initial survey
shovel test and two other squares were placed at 2 m distance,to test
the areal extent of the site.The initial three test squares were
located on a northwest facing slope.No cultural material was found in
any of these test squares,but soil stratigraphy in them indicated
solifluction of surface material down slope.
Because no cultural material was recovered from the first three squares,
three additional test squares were excavated.Due to the amount of
solifluction towards the slope of the ridge,these test squares were
placed in a flat area near the ridge top.Although a greater distance
from the initial survey shovel test,it was felt that these squares
provided a better opportunity to find relatively undisturbed cultural
material.Test square N502/E501 was located on a small flat surface
that overlooked the outlet creek.Square N487/E502 was located in a
0-231
-----_._-----------------~-----------,-....~_._.--"''''""
flat area bordering a draw and provided a view of the Susitna River.
The last test square was placed near the high point of the ridge.
A depression located ca.15 m to the east of the main excavation was
also tested with three shovel tests.Two additional shovel tests were
placed along the northern ridge paralleling the outlet creek.These
shovel tests were excavated in an attempt to find other cultural
material on the ridge top.Several bedrock outcrops,visible on the
opposite side of the outlet creek,were also examined with negative
results.
Eight soil/sediment units were delineated at the site (Figure 0.31;
Table 0.41).These units are similar to the "type section ll noted for
the project with two exceptions:1)greater mixing of units due to
solifluction and 2)the presence in the south wall of test square
N500/E496 of a thin lens of ash (tephra?).The mixing of the units is
particularly evident in soil unit 6 where the lower tephra (Oshetna)has
been churned up and mixed with the basal sand unit.The lack of two
separate A horizons suggests erosional episodes in the upper units or
mixture of these units.
Evaluation:
TLM 033 is located near a lake outlet stream on a high terrace
overlooking the Susitna River.A chert biface fragment is the only
artifact from the site.Systematic testing failed to produce additional
cultural material.The site documents a single prehistoric use of the
terrace possibly discarded as a result of tool breakage or repair,the
artifact remains as evidence of early transient use of the location.
This site appears to hold little potential to yield additional data
pertinent to the prehistory of the project area.Observed site size
based on the distribution of artifacts is 4 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-232
.....
~,
_.
It..
/
*
Systematic Test Square 0 a 4 8
I I I
Test pit 0 Ml::TERS
Shovel Test 0
~Grid Test:Sterile 0 Contour Interval:2 m
Site Datum X
Figure 0.30.Site Map,TLM 033
0-233
DEPTH (eM)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
PIIOFILI!UNIT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
-
-
-
Figure 0.31.Composite Profile,TLM 033
0-234
Table 0.41.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile~TLM 033
-
..-
Unit
1
2
3
4
5
Description
Duff;very dark brown (10YR 2/2).Sharp contact
with unit 2.0 horizon.
Finely sorted organics with some charcoal flecks;
black (10YR 2/1).Sharp contact on lower boundary.
A horizon.
Tephra (Devil);variable in color very dark gray (10YR 3/1)
and grayish brown (10YR 5/2).Irregular
and undulating contacts.Discontinuous in extent~
often obscured by intermixed organic material.Very
fine grain size.E horizon.
Tephra (Watana);dark reddish brown (5YR 2.5/2).
Well sorted.Continuous but variable in thickness.
Gradational contact with unit 5.Well-sorted B
horizon.
Tephra (Oshetna);dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6).
Similar to unit 4 except unoxidized.Lower contact
tends to be sharp but at times is intermixed with
sand.C horizon.
0-235
Table 0.41.(Continued)
Unit
6
7
Description
Mixed sand and tephra;grayish brown (lOYR 5/2).
Poorly sorted.Discontinuous across areas.Upper
contact at times distinct but mostly seen as
gradation.Mixing may be function of cryoturbation.
Sand;dark yellowish brown (lOYR 3/4).Upward
grading from coarse sand with pebbles to medium sand.
There appears to be a thin oxidized zone in the
upper portion of the sand zone.
0-236
....
Table 0.42.
Artifact Summary,TLM 033
Tools
1
Table 0.43.
Modifi ed fl ake
1 Chert (UA80-80-1)
.....
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 033
.....
Unit
Subsurface unknown
Description
1 Chert modified flake (UA80-80-1)
0-237
AHRS Number TLM 034;Accession Numbers UA80-141,UA84-96
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 11:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Southwest of Fog Creek Mouth
Figure D.32
Fi gure £.87
Talkeetna Mts.D-4,Figure E.2
Appendix F
TLM 034 is situated on the narrow crest of an east-west trending ridge,
west of the Susitna River and southwest of the mouth of Fog Creek.The
ridge extends from the Susitna River to a higher terrace about 40 m west
of the site.The site is located on a small relatively flat area,at an
elevation of 442 m asl (altimeter:1451 feet),near the base of the
ridge1s rise to the higher terrace.South of the steep-sided ridge is a
broad level river terrace,ca.20 m lower in elevation.A small pond
lies ca.30 m northeast of the site,about 10 m lower than the site.
The ridge descends gradually to the east to a low point about 50 m east
of and ca.5 m below the site,then rises again to the level of the site
as it meets the river.The site is relatively open,with lowbush
cranberry,crowberry,and lichens making up a sparse understory.
Scattered paper birch,birch bushes,and the occasional black spruce are
also present.A well-used game trail cuts through the site on the ridge
crest.Thick black spruce forest surrounds the site,totally
obstructing the view of the river terrace,the higher terrace to the
west,the terrain north of the point,and the east end of the ridge and
Susitna River.
Testing:
Initial field survey recovered two flakes in a single 40 x 40 cm test
pit (test pit 1),described as occurring within a layer of brown silts
(Watana tephra,unit 3).Systematic testing was conducted to determine
the spatial extent of cultural material at this site and its
stratigraphic context.To these ends,17 grid shovel tests were placed
0-238
~i_
~I
"'""
around test pit 1,and a test square,NlOO/flOl,was placed adjacent to
the test pit.Figure 0.32 provides a map of TLM 034 and the location of
subsurface testing conducted at the site.
Discussion:
Eighteen argillite flakes were recovered during systematic testing,all
from test square NlOO/ElOl.They occur at the contact of Devil tephra
(unit 2)and Watana tephra (unit 3)and within the Watana tephra.Table
0.45 lists all artifacts recovered from the site during recon-naissance
and systematic testing,and Table 0.46 presents their distribution
stratigraphically.
Based on exposures from NlOO/ElOl,six .soil/sediment units were defined
for the site.A surface organic layer (unit 1)is subdivided into a
thin layer of roots and organic debris (unit la)and a humic layer of
decomposed organics and silt (unit lb).Beneath this is a thin gray
brown Devil tephra layer (unit 2).Reddish brown to brownish yellow
mottled silts (the Watana tephra)make up the underlying unit 3,the
cultural unit at TLM 034.At the base of this unit is a thin
carbon-stained zone,unit 4,which may be a paleosol.Unit 5 is a gray
silty clay layer which may be related to Oshetna tephra,but which has
been altered by anima 1 traffi c and mi xi ng with underlyi ng gl aci a 1 drift
(unit 6).Animal disturbance and root growth have significantly altered
the stratigraphy in NlOO/ElOl.Figure 0.33 depicts the stratigraphic
sequence of this site,and Table 0.44 gives descriptions of the units.
The artifacts encountered during systematic and survey testing are all
part of a single spatially discrete component,located at the contact
between the Devil and Watana tephras (unit 2/3).The 11 flakes located
\~ithin the Watana tephra (unit 3)were probably displaced from the
contact by animal traffic or root growth in the unit.All flakes are
unmodified,apparently debitage from secondary stages of lithic
reduction.
D-239
Evaluation:
The results of systematic testing confirm the existence of a small,
spatially discrete chipping scatter with a highly limited artifact
inventory.This occupation is located stratigraphically at the contact
between Devil and Watana tephras (unit 2/3).The nature of the
assemblage indicates a highly transient,limited occupation at the site.
Observed site size based on the distribution of artifacts is 6 square
meters (Table 0.2).
0-240
-
MI'
Contour Interval:.5 m
-
-
r----------.3
_,--.'2.
------0
~s
Systematic Test Square 0
Test Pit 0
Grid Test:Sterile 0
Site Datum X
o
I
4,
:-lETERS
8
I
Figure 0.32.Site-Map,TLM 034
0-241
DEPTH (em)
o
5
15
20
25
30
PROFILE
.n~·.:ot:).oc·°0···.1>:•.- .~··.o ..~'0:"...........'~'<)"':-"~"'"~o Q.~:(""""oo..Lt--1:.·O·'~;·.O:·...~..'_.~:I".:"":r"\:.'.;.'.Ol"'foQ ....
0......'--'0 -..J''0"·W'O"0.::~.::~..:~.:·cj·,:t/C/;:;"O:.o:O··.-:"!;;:
..~.".~'0'"'0"""\-1 ~;"~!'.•;....:..'0'".'0.'0';'e'...•.•.,....-..'~""":;O"""'O:~':"':';:'.•0,,o,~,.".·,',.'.0...'.•"""-J':Q'.~.:"·:e:.,:....."o'~
·UNI'"
3b
4
5
e
""'"
-
-
-
Figure D.33.Composite Profile,TLM 034
D-242
Table 0.44.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 034
--
-
-
Unit
1
2
3 a
Description
Surface organic mat which varies in thickness from 0 cm
in game trail area to over 12 cm in vicinity of dwarf
birch clump in SW corner.In general,this mat is thin
with average depth of 1-2 cm.The unit,which is dis-
continuous,consists of rootlets,decomposing organic
debris,humus,and occasional silt.Contact with unit 2
is diffuse and discontinuous.Where unit 2 is absent,
contact of unit 1 with unit 3 is abrupt.This unit
contains no artifacts.
Well-sorted very fine silt intermixed with humus;pale
brown (lOYR 6/3)to light brownish gray (lOYR 6/2).
Thi ckness vari es from 0-3 cm,generally 1ess than 1 cm.
Discontinuous.Devil tephra.Contact with unit 1 is
diffuse,wavy and discontinuous.Contact with unit 3 is
abrupt and wavy.Frequent mixture with organic mat gives
appearance of a leached soil horizon.No artifacts are
found within this unit,although some argillite flakes
are at the contact between units 2 and 3.
Silt to sand size particles (sand size particles result
from the concretion by iron oxides);dark reddish brown
(5YR 3/3).Oxidized Watana tephra.Varies from 0-3 cm.
Discontinuous.Mottled,grades into 3b in broken.
diffuse,and discontinuous contacts.Upper contact
usually abrupt but sometimes mixed with unit 2.
Cultural.
D-243
Table 0.44.(Continued)
Unit
3 b
4
5
Description
Well-sorted fine silt,with occasional upwelled pebbles;
light yellowish brown (IOYR 6/4 to 2.5YR 6/4).
Unoxidized Watana tephra.Discontinuous.Occurs as
pockets up to 8-9 cm thick,often missing or mixed with
drift.Diffuse contacts with units 3a and 5,
occasionally abrupt contact when overlying unit 4.
Silt with a trace of charcoal;olive brown (2.5Y 4/4).
Thickness of unit ranges from 0-1 cm.Discontinuous.
Unit appears to occur as a darkened zone of Watana silt.
Unit may be Oshetna paleosol,although there is no
noticeable underlying tephra.
Clayey silt unit with numerous pebbles and occasional
cobbles;olive gray (5Y 5/2).Sediment is dense and
clayey,possibly associated with glacial activity and
appears to be unweathered.Thickness of unit varies from
1-6 cm,generally 4 cm.Contact with unit 4 above and
unit 6 below is abrupt and continuous with the exception
of the SW corner where unit is absent.Some areas of
this unit appear compacted and mixed with unit 4,
generally in vicinity of game trail.Some areas contain
more silt than clay.
0-244
-
-
-
Table 0.44.(Continued)
.....
Uni t
6
Description
Poorly sorted sandy glacial drift;yellowish red (5YR
4/6).Unit contains red-stained cobbles,boulders to
38 cm in diameter,and pebbles.Contact with overlying
units is abrupt except where rocks are upwelled by
cryoturbation.Weathered.
0-245
Table 0.45.
Artifact Summary,TLM 034
Lithic Material
18
2
20
Table 0.46.
Argi 11 ite fl akes
Flakes less than 1/8"
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 034
Unit Description
Unit 2/3 9 Argillite flakes
Contact between
Devil and Watana
tephras \-.
Unit 3 9 Argi 11 ite fl akes
Watana tephra 2 Fl akes less than 1/8/1
-
-
0-246
AHRS Number TLM 035;Accession Number UA80-142
Area:
Site Map:
Site Location Map:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
North of Tsusena Creek Mouth
Figure 0.34
Figure E.283
Talkeetna Mts.0-4,Figure E.2
Appendix F
...-
I
-
".,..
The site is located on the west side of Tsusena Creek upstream from its
mouth,just north of proposed Borrow E.Situated on the rounded point
of a high river terrace west of Tsusena Creek,the site overlooks the
Tsusena C~eek drainage.The elevation of the terrace is ca.488 m asl
(1600 feet)which is approximately 30 m 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 asl (2000 feet).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 visibil ity of up to 2 km eastward across
Tsusena Creek,southward to the Susitna River,and along the Susitna
~iestward 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,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,gradually sloping
terrace with an understory including lowbush cranberry,blueberry,
Labrador tea,bearberry,sphagnum moss,and lichen.Below the site
spruce become denser and there are stands of birch.Wet marshy areas
lexist below the site and dryer,more tundralike areas characterize the
ridge system above the site.
0-247
Testing;
Three test pits were excavated at the rounded point of the terrace.
There is no surface indication of a site at this location,however,a
shovel test which was expanded into test pit 1 produced a pale yellow
argillite flake 3 cmbs at the contact between a dark brown silt and a
gray silt (Table 0.47).A second shovel test which was expanded into
test pit 2 to the north of test pit 1 produced a basalt flake.Test
pit 3 did not produce cultural material.Very little can be said
concerning site function(s),spatial extent,or temporal placement with-
out further testing.Cultural material of two different raw materials,
from tests 10 m apart,although limited to only two flakes,indicates
that the site could be fairly extensive.A basalt rock fragment
subsequently determined not to be culturally modified was also collected
from test pit 1.Estimated site size based on the distribution of
artifacts is 42 square meters (Table 0.2).
Table 0.47.
Artifact Summary,TLM 035
-
Provenience
Li thi c Materi a 1
Subsurface;
Test Pit 1
Test Pit 2
Description
1 Argillite flake
1 Basalt cobble fragment
1 Basalt flake
0-248
-
.-
o 8
-
Test Pit
Site Datum
o
x
METERS
Contour Interval:1 m
Figure 0.34.Site Map,TLM 035
0-249
AHRS Number TLM 036;Accession Number UA80-143 -
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 30:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
West of Kosina Creek Moutrr
Fi gure D.35
Figure E.107
Talkeetna Mts.D-2,Figure E.4
Appendix F
The site is located on a high plateau on the north side of the Susitna
River downriver from the mouth of Kosina Creek.A 1.5 km wide valley
separates this plateau from higher mountains to the north.Located
approximately 335 m above the level of the Suiitna River at an elevation
of ca.853 m asl (2800 feet),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
saddle to the northeast.Higher rounded hills to the northwest mark the
eastern border of a lake 6 ha in size,which is not visible from the
site.A small pond is located 300 m 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 asl (2500 feet)elevation.Each of the knolls and ridges which
comprise this system exhibits numerous bedrock and drift exposures.
High rolling hills above 762 m asl (2500 feet)in elevation exist to the
east,north,west,and southwest within 1 km of the site.The Susitna
River lies to the south and a small stream flows in the valley 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 between 1 (southwest)and 5 km (southeast).Six
additional archeological sites have been identified in the same local
topographic context as TLM 036.The only recorded site within 1 km of
TLM 036 is site TLM 044 located to the northeast.Vegetation at TLM 036
is transitional alpine tundra,with spruce,dwarf birch,moss,and
lichens.At elevations below 762 m asl (2500 feet)spruce become more
common,and above this elevation low shrubs,moss,and lichen prevail.
D-250
-
-
-
Testing:
The site consists of a surface lithic scatter exposed in a blowout
measuring approximately 8 x 12 m.A dark red brown chert unifacially
worked scraper with flake scars over the entire dorsal surface
{UA80-143-1;Figure D.373h}was surface collected from this blowout
along with a single light gray argillite flake found 72 cm
east-northeast (62 degrees)from the scraper (Table 0.48).No other
cultural material was observed on the surface.A single test pit at the
site did not reveal any subsurface cultural material and bedrock was
encountered at 10 cmbs.Estimated site size based on the distribution
of artifacts is 4 square meters (Table 0.2).
Table 0.48.
Artifact Summary,TLM 036
Provenience
Lithic Material
Surface:
Description
1 Argillite flake
1 Chert scraper (UA80-143-1)
D-251
-
~,
-
-
-
-:-
-:-
------....._-----
(
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
I
I
I
I
I
\
"
-------~--~~--,--,---,
,-\,\....,
//,
I ,
I \:\
"defl.ted .re.\
\\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
I
I
\
•
,"\~f\""',J",1;1_'--/"";.';-.--I"",_l/"'\,I'!..,·,...,'
...1)1/'.It~"'-\'I{"\~,,,I"'.../~'-/"'1 1 ,'-~"•..1'~.../..-J-~~...;!.....,c
l:~_...j;'.:.:.{:..1 ~,.."-;~,-\
t i \I \...,''''...I ...,'"J \--4_\-"//....~f';,__
\'~f~'":'1/::~..-~~\_\\
[-,"'...'I~t:'\
,II-~~...:'/_,~t _'/1 ...,
I '..7,'7
\'I
"Te.t 1,........",....,---
o 1·2
Test Pit o METERS
Site Datum
Surface Artifact
x
,-,--
Exposed Bedrock -
Figure 0.35.Site Map,TLM 036
0-252 -
-AHRS Number TLM 037;Accession Number UA80-144
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 30:
USGS Map:
Site Locati on
Setting:
West of Kosina Creek Mouth
Figure 0.36
Fi gure L107
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
The site is located on a high plateau on the north side of the Susitna
R.iver downstream from the mouth of Kosina Creek.A 1.5 km wide valley
separates this plateau from higher mountains to the north.Located
approximately 396 m above the Susitna River at an elevation of ca.914 m
asl (3000 feet),the site is situated on a southwest slope,ca.5 m
below the top of the second highest knoll on a ridge northeast of the
largest of three kettle lakes.The site is one among numerous east-west
trending glacially scoured ridges with exposed bedrock and drift charac-
teristic of this high plateau.The site affords an excellent view of
two kettle lakes to the southwest,the smallest lake is closest and ca.
61 m lower in elevation,while the larger lake is furthest and 91 m
10wer in elevation.Most of the accessible terrain in view from the
site is 30-50 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 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.Seven additional
archeological sites have been identified in the same local topographic
context.Other sites within a 1 km radius of site TLM 037 are site
TLM 031 to the south,and site TLM 036 to the southeast.Vegetation at
the site is sparse and consists of lowbush 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
0-253
on less exposed slopes but are generally absent on ridge crests and the
tops of kno 11 s.
Testing:
The site consists of a surface lithic scatter exposed in a blowout
measuring approximately 40 x 50 m in which bedrock exposures occur.A
tota 1 of four fl akes were observed on the defl ated surface,two of whi ch
were collected (Table 0.49).One of the collected flakes is gray chert
and the other fine grained black basalt.The two uncollected flakes
appeared to be of same raw material as the gray chert flake.No other
cultural material was observed on the surface.Test pit 1,excavated to
the north of the blowout,did not reveal any subsurface cultural
material.Soil deposition in the vicinity of the site is shallow and
bedrock was encountered within less than 10 cmbs.Estimated site size
based on the distribution of artifacts is 4 square meters (Table 0.2).
Table 0.49.
Artifact Summary,TLM 037
Provenience
Lithic Material
Surface:
Description
1 Basalt flake
1 Chert flake
2 Chert flakes (uncollected)
D-254
!
-N-
I
ar.a
.",.----,-~,-----............_--.".,---\
I
/
,1,
"",...
""...,.
I
I
\--",-.........Ilrt.,.",.-......_...I
I
I
I
I
de"ated
\.,,
\
\
I
I.,
1
I
I
I
\
\,...
.-
-
-
.-
TI~st Pit 0 0 10 20
I I I.....
Site Datum X METERS
Surface Artifact _I-
I
Exposed Bedrock S\,.....;'
~\
-
Figure 0.36.Site Map,TLM 037
0-255
AHRS Number TLM 038;Accession Numbers UA80-145,UA81-224 -
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 26:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northeast of Watana Creek Mouth
Figure D.37
Figure E.102
Talkeetna Mts.D-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
-
~,
The site is located upstream from the mouth of Watana Creek on the
eastern edge of a plain overlooking the creek from the west.Watana
Creek is east of the site and ca.152 m lower in elevation.A major
unnamed tributary joins Watana Creek northeast of the site.Located at
an elevation of ca.762 m asl (2500 feet),the site is situated on a
small discrete lobe of the continuous edge of the plain which trends
east-west for 500 m before trending northward.The site overlooks a
large stream terrace to the north and northeast approximately ca.61 m
lower in elevation,and the confluence of the unnamed tributary and
Watana Creek to the northeast.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 plain westward from the site and the lower alluvial terrace and
portions of Watana 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 tc 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 potential views 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
0-256
-
-
-
-
....
....
-
....
of the lobe,a 2 x 2 m blowout has exposed whitish gray 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,lowbush cranberry,crowberry,bearberry,moss,and
lichens form the major ground vegetation.Scattered black spruce occur
on the plain,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.
Testing:
No surface cultural material was observed at the site location.
However,backdirt from shovel test 1 revealed 4 calcined long bone
fragments from a medium-large size mammal.Three additional shovel
tests and a test pit (test pit 1)were excavated in the immediate
vicinity of shovel test 1 and one test pit (test pit 2)was placed
11.5 m southwest of test pit 1 (Figure D.37).Shovel test 2 and test
pit 2 did not reveal cultural material,however,shovel tests 3 and 4
and test pit 1 revealed extensive subsurface calcined faunal material in
associ ati on with charcoal.No cultural 1ithi c materi a1 was revealed by
any of the subsurface tests.
Five 1 x 1 m test squares and an additional shovel test were excavated
at the site (Figure 0.37)in order to determine whether the charcoal
associated with the burned faunal material represented a hearth or was
natural in origin.
Discussion:
Survey level testing consisted of four shovel tests and two test pits.
Only faunal remains and charcoal were recovered.Test pit 1 revealed 3
E~xtremity bones identifiable as possibly caribou,(Rangifer tarandus),
and ca.650 long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments.These
fragments were recovered between 10 and 35 crnbs in a gray and dark brown
\
silty sand attributable to the Watana tephra unit identifiecd during
systematic testing.Shovel test 3 revealed one carpal fragment and one
0-257
carpal or tarsal fragment~identified as caribou (Rangifer tarandus)~
and ca.50 long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments between 13 and
20 cmbs.Shovel test 4 revealed a possible radius shaft fragment and
phalanx fragment tentatively identified as caribou,as well as ca.310
long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments between 5 and 30 cmbs.The
majority of bone fragments are probably from a medium-large size
mamma1(s)although some small mammals appear to be represented.The
faunal inventory is listed in Table 0.52.All of the bone fragments
occur in pockets of charcoal or charred earth within silty sand units
and most fragments show evidence of burning.Not enough charcoal was
available to provide a radiocarbon date for the site,however the
possibility of obtaining a sufficient sample is quite probab1e~with
further testing.Although test pit 2 did not reveal cultural material
it did contain a charcoal lens at approximately the same level as the
charcoal noted in test pit 1.
During the systematic testing phase,no lithic debitage or tools were
recovered at the site with the exception of thermally altered rock.All
but one test square (NI05/E97)produced burned bone and/or thermally
altered rock.All of the faunal material from the test squares
(NI04/EI01,NI03/EI04,and N97/EI05)appeared to be associated with a
buried A horizon directly above the Watana tephra (unit 4a)although
some material was found within the Watana tephra (unit 4c).Species
identified include caribou (Rangifer tarandus),and vole (Microtus ~.)
(Table 0.52).
Test square NI05/E97 was excavated to test for the western extent of the
cultural material.Cultural material was not observed in this test,but
extensive cryoturbation was evident by the displacement of soil units.
Test square NI04/EIOI was excavated 1 m west of test pit 1 which
revealed cultural material (Figure 0.37).The very fragmented bone
recovered from the test square was far less concentrated than that noted
in the test pit.Six thermally altered rocks were also recovered from
this test (Table 0.53).Test square N103/E104 was excavated 1 m
southwest of test pit 1,in order to further define the extent of
cultural material at the site.An 8 Col thick,wind blown sand unit
0-258
-
~-
-
-
-
--
-
.....
~\
-
overlaid the cultural material in this test,which consisted of one
thermally altered rock and four burned bone fragments.Test square
N97/EI06 also contained cultural material consisting of one thermally
altered rock and one bone fragment.Test square N94/EI02 was excavated
in what appeared to be a more geographically stable zone of the site
based on the character of the surface vegetation,thicker organic mat,
and distance from the bluff edge.One thermally altered rock was
recovered from this test.A test pit at N75/EIOO (not shown on map)was
excavated to ascertain the soil deposition away from the bluff edge.No
cultural material was located in the 40 x 40 cm test.
Evaluation:
This site is situated on a high,well-drained overlook adjacent to
Watana Creek and was probably used briefly as a hunting camp.This
tentative conclusion is supported by the presence of thermally altered
rock and the bones of caribou.No large cultural features such as house
depressions were noted and the site lacks major ecological features
(such as convenient access to fresh water)suggesting that it was not
suitable for use as a more permanent type of camp.
Although no radiocarbon determinations are available from the site,the
stratigraphic placement of the cultural material recovered indicates
that the site was occupied after the deposition of the Devil tephra.
Based on the results of systematic testing,the cultural occupation
appears to be derived from a buried A horizon immediately below the
DE~vil tephra and above the Watana tephra,although cryoturbation has
resulted in some of the specimens intruding into the lower tephra.
Estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts is 63 square
meters (Table D.2).
D-259
o
/
OT.P.O\'0
0
5.T.3
N~~~,0\/0 Nl03 el04
5.T.2
5J:l
X Nl00 e 100
o
N94 e 102
."
*
-
Systematic Test Square
Test Pit
o
o
o
!
5
I
~IETERS
LO
J
Shovel Test
Site Datum
Deflated Area
o
x
,-,I
, I
~-;
Contour Interval:.5 m
Figure 0.37.Site Map~TLM 038
0-260
,-
I
1""'"
.-
DEPTH (em)
o
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
PROFILE UNIT
1
2
3
4a
4b
4c
Sa
Sb
5c
6a
6b
7
CULTURAL
.-
Figure 0.38.Composite Profile,TLM 038
D-261
Table 0.50.
Soil/Sediment Descriptions For Composite Profile,TLM 038
Unit
1
2
3
4
4a
4b
4c
4d
5
5a
5b
Description
Humus mixed with sand,organics not divided,2-8 cm
thick.
Poorly sorted unaltered eolian sand.Some non-
divided organics present;grayish brown (2.5YR 5/2).
Lower boundary sharp.
Light gray (lOYR 6/1)silty fine sand possibly
mixed with tephra.
Silt (tephra or mixed with tephra).Dries to a light
powder,5-25 cm thick.Occurs in four subunits.
Watana tephra (?).
Very dark gray (lOYR 2.5/1).
Grayish brown (2.5YR 5/2).
Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3)to dark yellowish
brown (lOYR 4/4).
Brownish yellow (lOYR 6/6).
Unsorted medium fine eolian sand.Occurs through-
out site in a 3 to 15 cm thick unit.Lower boundary
sharp.Consists of three subunits.
Very dark grayish brown (lOYR 3/2).
Grayish brown (7.5YR 4/3)to dark yellowish brown
(lOYR 3/4).
0-262
-
-
-
-
-
Table 0.50.(Continued)
-
-
Unit
6
6a
6b
7
Description
Unsorted medium to fine eolian sand.Occurs
throughout site.Thickness up to 40 cm.Lower
boundary very abrupt.Consists of three subunits.
Very dark grayish brown,dark grayish brown
(2.5YR 4/2).
Dark yellowish brown (lOYR 3.5/4).
Well-sorted medium sand,no soil development evident;
olive (5YR 4/3).Possible lacustrine deposit.
0-263
Table 0.51.
Artifact Summary,TLM 038
Lithic Material
-
9
Faunal Material
ca.1,354
Thermally altered rocks
Bones and fragments
D-264
-
-
Table D.52.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 038
Unit
Surface
Description
1 Rib fragment,unburned,probably caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
4 1
Watana
tE~phra 1
1
1
~
1
1
1
1
!"""
1
7
Cervical vertebra fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Unciform fragment,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Metapodial proximal fragment,heavily
burned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Metapodial distal fragment,heavily
burned,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
Proximal phalanx distal fragment,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Probable proximal phalanx distal fragment,
calcined,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Medial phalanx proximal fragment,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Maxilla fragment,unburned,
vole (Microtus sp.)
Right mandibular fragment,unburned,vole
(Microtus sp.)
Rib fragments,calcined,medium-large mammal
0-265
Table D.52.(Continued)
Unit Description
1 Long bone fragment,unburned,gnaw marks
medium-large mammal
8 Long bone.and unidentifiable bone
fragments,unburned,
medium-large mammal
2 Flat bone fragments,calcined,
medium-lar.ge mammal
ca.950 Long bone and unidentifiable bone
fragments,heavily burned and calcined,
mammal
-
~,
Subsurface 1
unknown
(shovel tests I,1
3,and 4)
2
1
1
ca.370
Possible radius shaft fragment,burned,
probably caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Lunate,calcined,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
Carpals or tarsals,calcined and heavily
burned,probably caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Proximal phalanx proximal fragment,burned,
probably caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Rib fragment,calcined,medium-large mammal
Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
heavily burned and calcined,mammal
0-266
-
-
-
Table '0.53.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 038
-
--
Unit
4
Watana tephra
Description
9 Thermally altered rocks
0-267
AHRS Number TLM 039;Accession Numbers UA80-146,UA81-277,UA84-229
-
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 27:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northeast of Watana Creek Mouth
Figure 0.39
Figure LI03
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
The site is located on the western margin of an 18 ha lake east of the
mouth of Watana Creek on the north side of the Susitna River.The lake
is referred:t0 as Duck Embryo Lake or,less frequently,as Sally Lake.
Situated at an elevation of 650 m asl (altimeter:2131 feet)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 a ca.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 within a 10 km radius
and is a natural attraction for wildlife and waterfowl.Grayling
(Thymallus arcticus)and trout (Salmo spp.and Salvelinus spp.)are
known to inhabit the lake.The Susitna River is southwest of the site
and approximately 152 m lower in elevation.An outlet stream at the
north end drains the lake.Access to Watana Creek,along this stream is
relatively easy.Site TLM 048 is also located on this lake,at the,
northern end near the outlet stream.Ve~~tation at site TLM 039
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 ~imilar except that black spruce and
0-268
-
-,
-
-
--
birch are denser,especially closer to the lake margin,and willows are
much denser in less well drained areas between knolls and ridges.
TI~sti ng:
The site is comprised of subsurface lithic remains.No cultural
material was observed on the surface.A total of three test pits were
excavated at the site,test pit 1 approximately 5 m southeast of the
highest point of the knoll,test pit 2 at the highest point of the
knoll,and test pit 3 on the crest of a ridgeline approximately 10 m
southeast of the highest point of the knoll (Figure D.39).Only test
pit 1 revealed subsurface cultural material.A total of 14 flakes and a
burin spall of black chert (UA80-146-11)were excavated between
3-16 cmbs.
Systematic testing consisted of three 1 x 1 m test squares placed along
the east-west trending summit of a kame.Test squares were placed in
the "immediate vicinity of survey tests in order to further define the
eastern and western extent of the site and to obtain additional cultural
material and datable organics.
A shovel grid testing expansion program was undertaken to assist in
determining site size and the distributions of cultural materials.
Sixty-four grid shovel tests were excavated,four of which contained
artifacts.These shovel tests yielded 90 argillite flakes,8 basalt
flakes,62 chert flakes,~nd 3 quartzite flakes.
Discussion:
Lithic material was recovered from one of the three survey level test
pits,four of the grid shovel tests,and all three of the systematic
test squares.Lithic remains consisted of 1 microblade,2 microblade
fragments,1 buri n spa 11,222 fl akes,1 therma 11y altered rock,1 ochre
piece,and 1 rock fragment (Table 0.55).The artifact raw materials
present at this site included argillite,basalt,chert,obsidian,
quartz,quartzite,and rhyolite.
0-269
Site stratigraphy consists of less than 10 cm of organic and humic
horizons above approximately 10 cm of volcanic tephra deposits which
overlay glacial drift (Figure 0.40;Table 0.54).Three distinct tephras
have been identified at the site based on color,texture and weathering
characteristics.Stratigraphy at the site is clear but compressed into
approximately 20 cm of vertical development.All test squares show
essentially the same stratigraphy with the exception of N47/E49 in which
a silty loam (unit 2)is present.This unit is not found in either of
the other two tests and is interpreted as redeposited slope wash.
Artifacts were recovered from four of seven stratigraphic units
identified at the site (Figure 0.39).Cultural material occurs within
the 02 horizon (unit 3)and in all stratigraphic units and contacts
between the 02 horizon and glacial drift (unit 7).The artifacts found
during the grid shovel testing program were recovered from the 02
horizon (unit 3)to the contact between the Devil and Watana tephras
(unit 4/5).This contrasts with the location of artifacts collected
from the initial survey testing and the systematic testing.During
these testing episodes artifacts were recovered from the Devil tephra
(unit 4)to the contact between the Oshetna tephra and glacial drift
(unit 6/7).The contrast in the stratigraphic provenience of the
artifacts found during the different phases of testing makes it diffi-
cult to determine the number and nature of components present at this
site.The spatial distribution of artifacts in different stratigraphic
units recorded during the grid shovel testing program may suggest the
presence of two components at this site.However,the presence of more
than one component is not determinable with the present data.
Diagnostic artifacts recovered during systematic testing were excavated
from test square N48/E52 and consist of two complete microblades,one of
which is represented by two articulating fragments.One black chert
microblade fragment (UA81-277-20)was recovered from the contact between
the Watana and Oshetna tephras (unit 5/6).This fragment articulates
with a black chert microblade fragment (UA81-277-30;dorsal view Figure
D.373i,ventral view Figure 0.373j)recovered from within the Oshetna
tephra (unit·6).This broken microblade ;s 2.35 x 0.7 em and shows
0-270
-
~:
-
~,
-
retouch (possible backing)along one margin and light retouch (possible
use wear)along the opposite margin.An obsidian microblade
(UA81-277-29;Figure D.373k)recovered from this -test square was
excavated from within the Oshetna tephra (unit 6)and is complete,
me~asuring 2.1 x 0.5 cm.This microblade shows continuous abrasion and
crushing along one of two parallel arris which could have resulted from
hafting.Moderate discontinuous retouch (possible use wear)occurs
along the opposite margin and supports the conclusion that this
microblade may have served as a point inset.Very minor discontinuous
retouch on the opposite margin may have occurred during hafting or use.
The only other diagnostic artifact recovered .from TLM 039 was a black
chert burin spall (UA80-146-11;Figure 0.3731)struck from a biface.
This artifact was recovered from test pit 1 during survey testing and
was excavated from 12 cmbs associated with contact between the Watana
and Oshetna tephras (unit 5/6).
Evaluation:
The setting of TLM 039 suggests that the site was probably used as a
hunting overlook where tool resharpening or limited tool manufacture
occurred.As previously mentioned,the site location offers a panoramic
view encompassing a large lake and the surrounding easily accessible
terrain.Lack of well-defined hearths and a diverse artifact assemblage
implies that TLM 039 was probably not used as a major campsite.The
site is exposed and probably would not have been an attractive camping
area.Although there were several deflated areas,no surface artifacts
or features were observed.Testing at this site has revealed the
presence of one component and the possibility of a second component.
The two components would be spatially as well as stratigraphically
separate,although the data available from the various testing phases
have not confirmed the presence of the second (upper)component.The
presence of microblades in the Oshetna tephra and a burin spall at the
contact of the Watana and Oshetna tephras indicates that the lower
component represents the American Paleoarctic tradition.Estimated site
size based on the distribution of artifacts is 75 square meters (Table
[1.2).
0-271
Contour Interval:1 m
__---------.7
systematic Test Square 0
Test Pit 0
Grid Test:wi Arti£;:;.cts •
Grid Test:Sterile 0
Site Datum x
birch Tree @
Spruce Tree ~
o 0
o
.'\
10
METERS
GN
20
~:
~,
-
Figure D.39.Site Map,TLM 039
D-272
DePTH (em)PROFILE UNIT
0
1
5 2
3
10
4
CULTURAL
15
5
20 6
7
25
.....
Figure D.40.Composite Profile,TLM 039
D-273
Table 0.54.
Soil/Sediment Descriptions for Composite Profile,TLM 039
-
Unit
1
2
Description
Organic mat.Roots,moss,and leaves.Occurs over site
in a layer 1-5 cm thick.0 horizon.
Silty loam;dark brown (10YR 3/4).Occurs only in test
square N47/E49.Interpreted as redeposited slope wash.
-
3 Finely divided organics with silt;very dark gray
(10YR 2.5/1).Occurs in a 3-8 cm layer with
abrupt lower boundary.02 horizon.
4 Silt;light brownish gray (10YR 6/2).Occurs in a thin
and discontinuous layer.Devil tephra.
5
6
Silt;light brownish gray (10YR 6/2).Heavily oxidized
in the upper portion of the unit with the lower contact
abrupt and smooth and marked by charcoal fragments.
Watana tephra.
Sandy silt;grayish brown (2.5Y 5/2).Silt component
dries to a fine white powder.Some mixing in places with
underlying unit 7.Lower boundary with unit 7 clear and
smooth.Oshetna tephra.
7 Silty,poorly sorted sand mixed with subrounded pebbles
and cobbles.Upper portion dark yellowish brown
(10YR 4/6),lower portion olive brown (2.5YR 4/4).
Gl aci a1 dri ft.
0-274
~\
-
Table 0.55.
Artifact Summary,TLM 039
~Tools---
-1 Microblade
1 Obsidian (UA81-227-29)
2 Microblade fragments
2 Chert (UA81-277-20 articulates with 30)
",...
1 Burin Spall
1 Chert (UA80-146-11)
4"'-
Lithic Material
116 Argillite flakes
.....19 Basa 1t fl akes
75 Chert flakes
1 Quartz fl ake
8 Quartzite flakes
3 Rhyo 1ite fl a kes
1 Thermally altered rock
1 Rock fragment
224
!~
Other---
I Ochre piece
0-275
Table 0.56.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 039
Unit
3
02 horizon
3/4
Contact of
02 horizon
and Dev il tephra
4
Devil tephra
4/5
Contact between
Devil and Watana
tephras
5
Watana tephra
Description
23 Argillite flakes
2 Basalt flakes
19 Argillite flakes
6 Basa lt fl akes
9 Chert flakes
3 Quartzite flakes
24 Argillite flakes
2 Basalt flakes
44 Chert flakes
2 Rhyolite flakes
25 Argillite flakes
14 Chert flakes
8 Argillite flakes
7 Basalt flakes
1 Chert flake
2 Quartzite flakes
1 Rhyolite flake
1 Ochre piece
1 Thermally altered rock
0-276
-
~I
-
-
Table 0.56.(Continued)
Unit Description
5/6 7 Arg ill i te fl akes
Contact between 2 Basalt flakes
Watana and Oshetna 3 Chert fl akes
tephras 1 Quartz flake
2 Quartzite flakes
1 Chert microblade fragment (UA81-277-20)
(articulates with UA81-277-30,from unit 6)
1 Chert burin spall (UA80-146-11)
6 5 Argillite flakes
Oshetna tephra 3 Chert flakes
....1 Quartzite flake
1 Chert microblade fragment (UA81-277-30)
",.(articulates with UA81-277-20,from unit
5/6)
1 Obsidian microblade (UA81-277 -29)
1 Rock fragment
6/7 4 Argi 11 ite fl akes
Contact between 1 Chert flake
Oshetna tephra and
9lacial drift
Unknown 1 Argill ite fl ake
Subsurface
0-277
AHRS Number TLM 040;Accession Numbers UA80-I47,UA8I-226,
UA83-242"UA84-8I
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 29:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
West of Kosina Creek Mouth
Figure 0.41
Square Placement,Figure 0.42
Fi gure LI05
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
TLM 040 is located on a resistant bedrock outcrop feature on the south
side of the Susitna River,downriver from Kosina Creek.The terrain
feature includes an isolated ridge with a terrace on its northeastern
flank.The ridge i?ca.125 (northwest-southeast)x 20 m
(northeast-southwest).It is bordered to the southeast by a small
stream,and to the northwest by a channel of the Susitna River.South
of the ridge is a relict river channel beyond which terrain ascends to
upland areas.The ridge,at an elevation of 515 m asl (altimeter:1689
feet),is approximately 20 m higher in elevation than the Susitna River,
with bedrock exposures and steep colluvial slopes forming the margins of
the terrace ca.6-8 m below the ridge crest.The stream southeast of
the site is ca.50 cm wide,and both the stream and the Susitna River
are accessible from the ridge.The topography of the ridge includes two
high points with an intervening saddle,and a lower bench to the
southeast.The view from the ridge is partially obstructed in all
directions by the present vegetation.In the absence of this vegetation
there would be an expansive view of the Susitna River.
Vegetation in the vicinity of the site is lowland spruce-hardwood forest
with scattered birch and spruce trees on the ridge.The surface of the
ridge is covered with a well-established vegetation mat including dwarf
birch,sphagnum moss,lichens,grasses,Labrador tea,and low berry
bushes.Surrounding vegetation is similar,although it is denser on the
0-278
~,
-
-
,...,
I
.....
terrace northeast of the site and to the southwest in the relict river
channel.A game trail runs along the crest of the ridge.
Testing:
TLM 040 was located during survey testing when two flakes,one of which
was modified (UA80-147-1),were found in a shovel test located in the
central high area of the ridge.Two 40 x 40 em test pits were excavated
lin this area,with one of the test pits (test pit 1)superimposed over
the shovel test that yielded artifacts.However,no additional cultural
material was located.
Systematic testing began with the excavation of three 1 x 1 m test
squares (N80/E95,N83/E92,and N84/E95).Excavation of these test
squares by natural stratigraphic units was considerably hampered by
frozen ground associated with annual frost.Two additional test squares
were opened (N83/E96 and N82/E95).Excavation of one of the test
squares,N80/E95,was not completed as frozen sediment in that square
was not penetrable.
In order to define the spatial extent of the site and more accurately
clarify the stratigraphic context of artifactual material recovered
during previous testing,the site was returned to when ground conditions
Iwere more suitable for subsurface investigation.A program of grid
expansion shovel testing and additional systematic testing was
implemented at the site.Figures 0.41 and 0.42 illustrates the
topography of the site and the location of shovel tests,test pits,and
test squares.
Grid expansion shovel testing involved the excavation of shovel tests
expanding out from the central area of the ridge with the test squares
that contained artifactual material.Forty-five grid shovel tests were
excavated in the central site area,11 of which contained subsurface
artifactual material.Fifty-five grid shovel tests were excavated in
the northern area of the ridge,and 22 grid shovel tests in the southern
0-279
area.Shovel tests in each of these areas produced artifacts.Grid
expansion testing at TLM 040 was impeded by frozen ground.Of the 122
shovel tests initiated,11 were not completed and are designated as
frozen.Of the remaining III grid expansion shovel tests,25 contained
subsurface artifacts.
Additional systematic testing at the site consisted of reexcavating the
test squares that contained artifactual material,completion of
excavation of the test square opened during initial systematic testing
(N80/E95),and the excavation of an additional test square (N81/E94).
Review of the site stratigraphy and the excavation of the additional
test square were conducted to resolve questions regarding the
stratigraphic position of artifactual material recorded during previous
testing.
Oi scuss i on:
The results of the initial systematic testing revealed cultural material
concentrated at the contacts of the Oshetna tephra and,the soil/sediment
units which predate the deposition of Oshetna tephra.The majority of
material was recovered from within the Oshetna tephra and at the contact
of the Oshetna tephra and a silty sand unit below it.Testing at that
time was hampered by frozen ground.The presence of cryoturbation while
excavating with arbitrary units made the determination of artifact
provenience difficult.
Additional testing conducted under more favorable ground conditions
helped to elucidate the stratigraphy at the site and the location of
cultural components.Grid shovel testing conducted in conjunction with
renewed systematic testing revealed evidence for a third component at
the contact of the organic silt and Devil tephra.
The soil/sediment sequence at TLM 040 includes ca.30 cm of eolian and
volcanic sediments overlying a basal unit of glacial material.The
surface of the site is covered by a well-established organic mat.While
the generalized profile (Figure 0.43;Table D.57)is similar to many of
0-280
-
the sites in the Susitna River valley in possessing a sequence of three
tephras,it has a number of characteristics which are atypical.These
include eolian sediments with lenses of finely sorted organic material
in the upper portion of the stratigraphic section and silty eolian
sediments underlying the Oshetna tephra.
Seven soil/sediment units were defined at the site based on the profiles
of the test'squares (Figure 0.43;Table 0.57).The basal unit consisted
of glacial material with cobbles and boulders ranging up to 65 cm in
d"iameter (unit 7).The overlying sediment consists of a fine silty
matrix (unit 6)which is frequently mixed with sand from unit 7.The
s'ilty sediment has been interpreted as being eolian in ongln.
Overlying the eolian sediments are a series of three volcanic sediments
referred to as the Oshetna (unit 5),Watana (unit 4),and Devil (unit 3)
tephras.Although the Oshetna tephra was generally well defined at the
site the boundaries were irregular and frequently followed the contours
of the tops of large boulders,filling interstices along the sides of
the boulders and creating stratigraphic inversions.The Oshetna tephra
is overlain by the Watana tephra unit.The upper extent of this tephra
(unit 4a)is characterized by a zone of iron accumulation with granular
structure and concretions.The Devil tephra is the uppermost tephra in
the sequence.Overlying the Devil tephra is a generally thick (6-15 cm)
unit (unit 2)of finely sorted organic material mixed with silt and silt
lens.The surface of the site is covered with a well-established
organic mat (unit 1).
Excavation of the three test squares which produced cultural material
during initial systematic testing (N80/E95,N83/E92,and N82/E95)
resulted in the recovery of 182 artifacts.No cultural material was
found in test square N84/E95.Argillite was the most frequent raw
material recovered,being represented by 93 flakes,a scraper in two
fragments (UA81-226-4 articulates with 5),a blade fragment
(UA81-226-33;Figure 0.374n),and 2 flake cores (UA81-226-11,117;
Figure 0.374r).Obsidian,normally a rare commodity within the project
"fimits,is the next most frequent material type.There were 18 flakes
and 29 blades (UA81-226-8,9,34,42, 48, 49,50, 59,62,63,64,65,
0-281
66,67,68,69, 70,71, 72,73,77,78,79,84,88,96,104,107,108;
Figure D.374a-m).Basalt was represented by 17 flakes and a modified
flake (UA81-226-54).There was only a single chert flake.Seventeen
rhyolite flakes were recovered.A hammers tone (UA81-226-118;Figure
0.374s)and a cobble fragment were also found.
Renewed systematic excavation of the two test squares,N80/E95 and
N81/E94,produced 2 argillite blade fragments (UA84-81-39 articulates
with 40)1 basalt blade fragment (UA84-81-9),18 obsidian blade
fragments (UA84-81-6,38,48,51,52,53,54,55,67, 68,72, 76,97,
101,102,105, 106,107;Figure 0.374a-1),and 112 flakes,primarily of
obsidian.The artifacts from these two test squares were found
primarily in association with the Oshetna tephra (unit 5).The
abundance of obsidian flakes and blades is atypical and appears to be
spatially isolated.The obsidian blade fragments varied from being
triangular to trapezoidal in cross section with generally parallel,but
irregular margins.In contrast,the rhyolite and basalt blade fragments
have straight and parallel margins.
Both of the scrapers found at the site were made on flakes.The
argillite scraper (UA81-226-4,5;Figure 0.3740)is larger with a
maximum breadth of 48 mm while the chert scraper (UA84-81-26;Figure
0.374p)has a breadth of ca.32 mm.There is steep unifacia1 flaking on
the distal ends of both flakes with flaking extending up to the lateral
margins.Evidence of crushing is present on the steeply flaked edges.
Blades constitute the largest artifact class at TLM 040.There is
considerable variation in size with widths ranging from ca.5-22 mm.
Size variation is not dependent upon raw material as argillite specimens
(UA84-81-71,UA84-226-33)occupy both extremes of the range.In
addition to three argillite specimens (UA81-226-33,UA84-81-20,71),
blades were manufactured of basalt (UA84-81-9),2 of chert (UA84-81-8,
100;Figure 0.374m),and 48 of obsidian.Except for the extreme size of
two of the argillite blades (UA81-22-33;UA84-81-20),the blades share
common attributes of generally triangular cross section,irregular
edges,and tapering sides.None of the blades appear to be complete.
0-282
----~----------------------------
-
Proximal end fragments are common among the obsidian specimens,
rl~presenting approximately one-half of the inventory.Some of the
obsidian appears to have been exposed to heat resulting in a dull patina
and/or heat spa11ing,as in the case of specimen UA81-226-78 (Figure
0.374;).
An argillite specimen (UA84-81-39 articulates with 40;Figure 0.374a)
approaches the characteristics of a microb1ade of parallel sides,
parallel flake scars on the dorsal surface,and narrow breadth (5 mm).
A combination of such microb1ade characteristics does not appear on any
other single blade from the site.
A chert 1anceolate point (UA84-81-17;Figure 0.374q)was found at the
contact between the Oshetna tephra and glacial material or within the
glacial drift (unit 5/6,6).The point is 49 mm in length,23 mm in
maximum width,and 9 mm in maximum thickness.The morphology of the
point consists of a concave base with basal thinning,convex sides,and
a bitriangu1ar cross section.Parallel flaking on the edges does not
carry across the midline.
Parts of flake cores were found.Two pieces (UA81-226-117,UA84-81-93;
Figure 0.374r)articulate to form a ca.145 mm long argillite flake
core.The break allows the sequence of reduction to be discerned.A
hammerstone (UA81-226-118)was also found which shows battering at
opposing poles.
Three cultural components can be defined on the basis of stratigraphic
and spatial distribution.The upper component is tentatively defined on
the basis of 8 basalt flakes and a thermally altered rock found in two
grid expansion shovel tests,N97/E100 and N117/E98,located north of the
main testing area Q Material in the upper component is associated with
the finely sorted organic layer (unit 2)and its contact with the Devil
tephra (unit 3).The middle component is associated with the Oshetna
tephra (unit 5)and its contacts with adjacent soil/sediment units.
This component contains the bulk of cultural material and is the main
occupation at the site.Cultural material possibly associated with the
0-283
middle component was located in the maximum extent of testing from NIl?
to N61.Obsidian blades are a major constituent of this component and
are localized in the middle and southern portions of the site.
Tentatively attributable to the middle component are sparse faunal
remains (28 calcined longbone and unidentifiable fragments)collected
from the mixed Oshetna Tephra (unit 5)and the silty sand (unit 6)in
shovel test N83/E96 (Table 0.59).
The lower component is based upon the finding of a chert ~anceolate
point (UA84-81-17)in a shovel test at N87/E98.The point was found
either at the contact of the Oshetna tephra (unit 5)and a fine silty
sand unit (unit 6)or within the latter unit.This shovel test was
located immediately northeast of the main excavation area and is notable
for its lack of obsidian material despite its close proximity to the
concentration of this material.
Evaluation:
TLM 040 is located on a bedrock outcrop on the south side of the Susitna
River west of the mouth of Kosina Creek.Testing indicates that the
site is limited to the central portion of the ridge formed by the
bedrock outcrop.Artifactual material was located along a 56 m extent
of the ridge crest.Two major artifact areas correspond to the two
broad areas at the highest part of the feature.
Three components were defined as a result of systematic and grid
expansion shovel testing.The middle component accounts for the
majority of artifactualremains.This component is associated with the
Oshetna tephra and is unusual for the quantity of obsidian flakes and
blades recovered from it.Argillite,basalt,chalcedony,and rhyolite
were also u~0d during the middle component.Both large and small blades
occur in this component.Blades were made of argillite,basalt,and
chert.Two scrapers,one of argillite and the other of chert,are the
only other artifacts in the middle component.
0-284
-
-
~i
""'"
-
The upper component is poorly defined on the basis of basalt flakes and
thermally altered rock at the contact of the finely sorted organic silt
and Devil tephra.The lower component is based upon a lanceolate point
displaying a concave base with basal thinning and collateral flake
scars.This point was found at the lower contact of the Oshetna tephra
and underlying glacial material.The point possibly occupies a lower
stratigraphic level than the middle component.Its location next to the
major concentration of the middle component but lacking the
characteristics of that component justifies consideration of separate
status for the lower component.
TLM 040 is an important site for understand-ing the prehistory of the
Susitna River canyon.The presence of a component below the Oshetna
tephra,an ·abundance of obsidian blades,and cultural components
chronologically encompassing in excess of three millennia comb.ine to
make the site unique.The site holds potential to answer questions on
land use patterns,trade networks,and may hold answers concerning the
E'arliest inhabitants of Interior Alaska.The numerous blades in the
middle component approach the quality of microblades.The presence of
blades in the middle component associated with the Oshetna tephra is not
common in Northern Archaic assemblages in the project area.TLM 040 may
provide dates concerning this enigmatic transition from the prominence
of microblades during the American Paleoarctic to their absence during
the Northern Archaic in the prehistory of the Susitna River canyon.
Observed site size based on the distribution of artifacts is 144 square
meters (Table 0.2).
0-285
e Shovel Test
•Grid Test:w/l~tifacts
o Grid Test:Sterile
o Systematic Test Square
c Test Pit
X Datum:N83.7/E91.9
~"....Game Tr ail
Contour Interval:.5 m
o 10 20
I ,I
METERS
Figure 0.41.Site Map,TLM 040
0-286
-
-
"'"'
.-
-
o
o o.
o
o
*"
.Systematic Square 0 a 4 8Test,I I
,'i$l[~
Test Pit 0 METERS
Shovel Test 0 Contour Interval:.5 m
Grid Test:w/Artifacts •
Grid Test:Sterile 0
,/J'lI!"....Datum:N83.7/E9l.9 X
Game Trail ,,,;10_.........~-....~
Figure 0.42.Square Placement,TlM 040
0-287
11m
~.1
UNITPROFILE
5
2
15
3
20 4"}4 CULTURAL
4b
25
5
30 8
1
35
40
10
OEPTH(cm)
o
....,
Figure D.43.Composite Profile,TLM 040
0-288
--
Table 0.57.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 040
Unit
1
2'
:3
Description
Surface organic layer:fibrous root mat with plant
material from sphagnum moss,dwarf birch,Labrador tea,
and other shrubs and grasses.Varies in thickness from
4-15 cm,but usually 5-10 cm.Lower boundary smooth and
clear.Continuous surface cover across the site area.
Finely sorted organic material in fine-grained matrix,
reddish black (lOR 2.5/1)with bands of very dark gray
silt (5YR 3/1).Massive continuous unit varies in
thickness from 6-15 cm.Contacts with underlying unit
wavy and clear.02 horizon with lenses of highly
decomposed plant material,eolian sediment,and/or
tephra.In some places distinct organic and silt lenses,
which may represent buried 0 horizons,generally unit is
intermixed silt and organics.Root disturbance
extensive.Some charcoal present.Eight basalt flakes
from shovel test,N97/E100,were in association with this
unit.
Very fine silt size particles,varies in color from dark
gray (10YR 4/1)to dark reddish gray (5YR 4/2).Varies
in thickness from 1-14 cm,although usually an average of
8 cm thick.Lower contact wavy and clear.Tephra
(Devil);eluvial A horizon.Continuous unit in all of
the test squares.A thermally altered rock from shovel
test N117/E98 is the only artifact in association with
unit.
0-289
Table 0.57.(Continued)
Unit
4
4a
4b
Description
Very fine silt size particles;dark reddish brown (2.5YR
3/4)to brownish yellow (10YR 6/6).Massive unit that
includes two subunits (4a,4b).Tephra (Watana);B
horizon.Forms a continuous unit with 4a occurring
predominatly at the upper extent and 4b at the lower
extent variation between subunits may be a result of the
accumulation of iron oxides and organic material.A
single basalt flake was found at the 3/4 contact and 24
flakes of argillite and obsidian located at contact with
underlying units.The 24 flakes may be derived from unit
5.
Very fine silt size particles.Granular structure
forming occasional small cemented concretions;dark
reddish brown (2.5YR 3/4).Thickness of unit varies from
1-9 em.The lower boundary is clear to diffuse and
irregular in contour.Tephra (Watana);zone of
accumulation.B horizon.Zone lacks continuity and
often has a mottled appearance.
Very fine silt size particles;color varies from dark
yellowish brown (10YR 4/6)to brownish yellow (10YR 6/6).
Unit ranges in thickness from 2-15 em.Lower contact
with unit 5 is abrupt and generally smooth.In the
absence of unit 5 lQwer contact is clear to diffuse.
Tephra (Watana),B horizon.Continuous unit.In places
lies directly on the top of glacial boulders.
0-290
-
Table D.57~(Continued)
-
-
,-
Ul'li t
5
6
Description
Very fine silt size particles with some sand;gray
(10YR 6/1).Varies in thickness from 1-7 cm.Contacts
vary from abrupt to clear and while the contour of the
boundary is generally smooth it often plunges along the
edges of large glacial boulders.Tephra (Oshetna)with
fine sand particles.Unit generally continuous;although
in areas of discontinuity,it is both lensed and mixed
with unit 6.In some places this unit is overlain by a
thin charcoal horizon;small charcoal flecks and pieces
were found throughout unit.Bifurcation of the unit is
apparant in some places.Numerous artifacts including
flakes and blades are associated with this unit.
Silty-sandy matrix with some small cobbles present within
and at the lower extent of unit.Color varies from a
dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4)to a dark brown (7.5YR
3/4).Unit is 1-8 cm thick.Where unit 5 is present the
upper contact is sharp.In absense of a well-defined
unit 5 mixing of 5 and 6 occurs and contact is clear to
diffuse.Lower contact with unit 7 is gradual.
Artifacts are associated with the upper contact and are
also found within this unit.Artifacts include a
lanceolate point (UA84-81-17),flake core,blades,
flakes,and calcined bone fragments.
0-291
Table 0.57.(Continued)
Unit
7
Description
Sand to coarse sand with cobbles and boulders measuring
up to 65 cm along longest axis;olive brown (2.5YR 4/4).
Excavation into this unit determined limit of excavation.
Glacial material.Frost shattering seen on a number of
rocks.Grus was also common.No apparent polish
observed.
0-292
-
-
Table 0.58.
Artifact Summary,TLM 040
Tools
.~
1
3
55
4
1
1
65
Modified flake
1 Basalt (UA81-226-54)
Scrapers
2 Argillite (UA81-226-4 articulates with 5)
1 Chert (UA84-81-26)
Blades
4 Argillite (UA81-226-33,UA84-81-20,39 articulates
with 40)
2 Basalt (UA84-81-9,71)
1 Chalcedony (UA81-226-62)
2 Chert (UA84-81-8,100)
46 Obsidian (UA81-226-8,9,34,42,48, 49,50,59,63,
64,65, 66, 67,68, 69,70,71,72, 73,77,78,79,84,
88,96,104,107,108;UA84-81-6,38,48,51,52, 53,
54,55,67,68,72,76,97,101,102,105, 106,107)
Flake cores
4 Argillite (UA81-226-11,117 articulates with
UA84-81-93;UA84-81-94)
Lanceolate point
1 Chert (UA84-81-17)
Hammerstone (UA81-226-118)
0-293
Table 0.58.(Continued)
Lithi c Materi a1
-
419
48
4
29
84
27
76
1
1
689
Other
1
Fauna 1 Materi a1
28
Argillite flakes
Basalt flakes
Chalcedony flakes
Chert fl ak~s
Obsidian flakes
Rhyol ite flakes
Flakes less than 1/8"mesh
58 Argillite flakes
18 Obsidian flakes
Cobble fragment
Thermally altered rock
Ochre piece
Bone fragments
0-294
-
_.
-.
Table 0.59.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 040
-
,.....
Unit
!;and 6
f1i xed Oshetna
tephra and
silty sand
Description
28 Long bone and unidentifable bone fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
0-295
Table 0.60.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 040
-
-
4
Watana tephra
4/5
Contact between
Watana and Oshetna
tephras
1 Basa It fl ake
2 Obsidian flakes
4 Obsidian blades (UA81-226-9,66, 69,78)
20 Argillite flakes
1 Basalt flake
2 Obsidian flakes
2 Argi 11 ite fl akes 1ess than 1/8"mesh
4 Obsidian blades (UA81-226-48,77,79,96)
0-296
Table D.60.(Continued)
Unit Description
,"'"
4,4/5 1 Basa It fl ake
Watana tephra and 1 Rhyolite flake
contact between
!*"~\.Jatana and Oshetna
tephras
4,4/5,5 1 Argillite flake
\~atana tephra,1 Obsidian flake
.....~
contact between
Watana and Oshetna
tephras.and Oshetna
tephra
4/5.4/6
Contact between
either Watana and
Oshetna tephras
or between Watana
tephra and si lty
sand
5
Oshetna tephra
3 Obsidian flakes
1 Rhyolite flake
1 Obsidian blade (UA84-81-48)
275 Argillite flakes
16 Basalt flakes
2 Chalcedony flakes
6 Chert flakes
50 Obsidian flakes
20 Rhyolite flakes
55 Argillite flakes less than 1/8"mesh
16 Obsidian flakes less than 1/8"mesh
0-297
Table 0.60.(Continued)
Unit Description
5,5/6
Oshetna tephra
and contact between
Oshetna tephra and
silty sand
5,5/6,6
Oshetna tephra,
contact between
Oshetna tephra
and silty sand,
silty sand
2 "Argi 11 ite scrapers (UA81-226-4 articulates
with 5)
3 Argi 11 ite blades (UA84-81-20 articualtes
with 40)
17 Obsidian blades (UA81-226-8,34,42,68,71,
73,84,88,104;UA84-81-38,51,52,53, 54,
,_.
55,105,106)
1 Ochre piece
-"
1 Argillite flake
1 Basa lt fl ake
2 Chalcedony flakes
4 Chert flakes
2 Obsidian flakes
1 Obsidian blade (UA81-84-67)
102 Argillite flakes
5 Basalt flakes
15 Chert flakes
1 Rhyolite flake
1 Argillite flake less than 1/8"mesh
1 Chert scraper (UA84-81-26)
1 Argillite blade (UA81-226-33)
2 Argillite flake cores (UA81-226-11,117
articulates with UA84-81-93 in unit 6)
1 Cobble fragment (UA81-226-116)
0-298
Table 0.60.(Continued)
Unit
5/6,6
Contact between
Oshetna tephra and
silty sand and
within silty sand
Description
1 Argillite flake
1 Chert lanceolate point (UA84-81-17)
5 and 6
Mixed Oshetna tephra
and silty sand
6
Silty sand
6/7
Contact between
si lty sand and
~~and
1 Argillite flake
9 Basalt flakes
15 Obsidian flakes
2 Obsidian flakes less than 1/8"mesh
2 Obsidian blades (UA84-81-6,68)
6 Argillite flakes
3 Basalt flakes
1 Chert flake
8 Obsidian flakes
1 Rhyolite flake
1 Basalt modified flake (UA81-226-54)
1 Basalt blade (UA84-81-71)
1 Chert blade (UA84-81~8)
7 Obsidian blades (UA81-226-49,64,65,107,
108;UA84-81-72,107)
2 Argillite flake cores (UA84-81-93,94)
1 Hammerstone (UA81-226-118)
1 Obsidian blade (UA81-226-59)
0-299
Table 0.60.(Continued)
Unit
6 and 7
Mixed silty sand
and sand
Subsurface unknown
Description
1 Obsidian blade (UA81-226-63)
12 Argillite flakes
2 Basalt flakes
3 Chert flakes
1 Obsidian flake
2 Rhyolite flakes
1 Basalt blade (UA84-81-9)
1 Chalcedony blade (UA81-226-62)
1 Chert blade (UA84-81-100)
8 Obsidian blades (UA81-226-50,67,70,72,
UA84-81-76,97,101,102)
0-300
-
AHRS Number TLM 041,Accession Number UA80-148
,....
J\rea:
Site Map:
Site Location Map:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
~;etti ng:
Upper Fog Creek
Figure 0.44
Figure E.51
Talkeetna Mts.0-4,Figure E.2
Appendix F
The site is located on a high flat plain south of the Susitna River at
an elevation of ca.747 m asl.(2450 feet)and southwest of the
confluence of a large tributary which joins Fog Creek.The site is
situated on a 4-6 m high knob on a broad·northeast-southwest sloping
9rassy plain.The terrain slopes to the north,east,and south but
rises gradually to the west to a maximum elevation of 775 m asl (2542
feet)approximately 600 m southwest of the site.Despite low
topographic relief,the site location affords an unobstructed panoramic
view of an open plain 300-400 m (northwest-southeast)approximately 1 km
(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 10 (east-west)x 20 m (north-south).Fog
Creek is northeast and ca.183 m lower in elevation at its closest point
and the large unnamed tributary to Fog Creek is southeast and ca.91 m
lower in elevation at its closest point.The Susitna River lies to the
northwest and is ca.335 m lower in elevation.Vegetation at the site
consists of dwarf birch and willow on the slopes of the knob and crow-
berry,moss,and lichens grow on the surface.The surrounding vegeta-
tion on the plain consists of dwarf willow and birch with berries and
grasses.Black spruce occur on the surrounding slopes below the plain.
0-301
Testing:
The site was identified by geologist Jerry Williams of Woodward and
Clyde,a subcontractor of Acres American Inc.Mr.Williams removed a
large argillite flake from the surface at the site and gave it to the
project archeologists (Table 0.61).He later visited the site with the
archeologists and identified the approximate location at which the flake
was found.A subsequent intensive surface survey and two subsurface
tests failed to reveal additional cultural material.Test pit 1
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 no additional cultural material was found in the
vicinity.Estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts is
4 square meters (Table 0.2).
Table 0.61.
Artifact Summary,TLM 041
Provenience
Li thi c Materi a1
Surface:
Description
1 Argillite flake
0-302
T ••t 1
f.J
~~-o---
II)
•
o\;'oIj~
C 5 10
Test Pit [J
METERS-~
Site Datum X Contour Interval:3 m
Figure 0.44.Site Map,TLM 041
0-303
AHRS Number TLM 042;Accession Numbers UA80-149 t UA81-230,UA84-231
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 45:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Across from Goose Creek Mouth
Locus At Figure 0.45
Locus B,Figure 0.46
Figure E.123
Talkeetna Mts.C-l,Figure E.8
Appendix F
The site is located on the north side of the Susitna River on a long
projection of land forming a high ridge directly opposite the mouth of
Goose Creek at 709 m asl (altimeter:2325 feet).Two loci (A and B)
comprise the site;both occupy areas on the southeastern edge of the
ridge.The Susitna River makes a sharp meander around this projection
changing its general direction from southwest to northwest.Eroded and
exposed bluffs (with grades of 30-40 degrees)form the sides of the
ridge;however,the crest is relatively level and varies between 100-300
m in width.Another site,TLM 026,is situated at the western end of
this ridge.
Locus A:This locus is situated on the edge of a flat,continuous
terrace,with a relict stream channel cutting across the top of the
ridge to the west.The locus overlooks a crescent-shaped alluvial
terrace above the present Susitna River channel and approximately 46 m
below the site.The alluvial terrace below the locus is poorly drained
and vegetated with dense stands of black spruce and areas of muskeg and
marsh (containing sphagnum moss,sedges,and grasses).This alluvial
terrace provides relatively easy access to the Susitlla River from locus
A.Vegetation to the immediate northeast of locus A,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 fairly
open,well drained,with some deflation,and affords clear views to the
south and southeast.
0-304
-
-
-
i.oCUS B:This locus is approximately 150 m east-northeast of locus A.
The terrain rises steeply to the northeast to an elevation of ca.762 m
asl (2500 feet),obstructing views in that direction,and 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.Ground
vegetation at locus B is similar to that of locus A,however,a single,
large white spruce (locus B subdatum)dominates the other vegetation.
Spruce are dense on the descending slopes east of the locus and also on
the flat terrain to the west.Willows and other hardwood species are
the predominant vegetation on the slopes surrounding the north and west
sides of the muskeg and marsh areas on the lower alluvial terrace.
Testing:
Locus A:In locus A,approximately.60 argillite and basalt flakes were
exposed in the eroding bluff edge.This exposure extended over an area
approximately 2 x 4 m located on the steep slope below the terrace edge.
Two 40 x 40 cm test pits were excavated at the top of the slope,above
the eroded area.Test pit 1,at the edge of the terrace,produced
cultural remains,while test pit 2,further upslope,was sterile.
A grid shovel testing expansion program was undertaken to assist in
determining site size and the distributions of cultural materials.At
this locus,11 grid shovel tests were excavated,but none contained
cultural materials.A large number of artifacts were exposed on the
surface of the terrace slope and were collected in 1 x 1 m quadrants.
This surface collection consisted of 341 argillite flakes,2 basalt
flakes,and 1 obsidian flake.
Systematic testing was undertaken at this locus,because survey testing
indicated that erosion had exposed only a portion of the activity area,
suggesting that further testing might reveal artifacts in stratigraphic
context.Accordingly,five 1 x 1 m systematic test squares and four
shovel tests were excavated.
0-305
Locus B:In this locus surface artifacts were exposed along the eroding
bluff edge on a 35-degree slope just below the edge of the terrace
(Figure 0.46).Flakes were observed on the surface above the eroding
bluff edge!where slumping and erosion appear to have disturbed the
original context.Three 40 x 40 cm test pits were excavated!1 north of
the eroding bluff edge (test pit 2)!1 at a slightly higher elevation
(test pit I)!and 1 ca.12 m north of the bluff edge (test pit 3).Only
test pit 1 yielded cultural remains.
Systematic testing of locus B included the excavation of six 1 x 1 m
test squares.Test squares N503/E494 and N503/E499 were placed north of
the survey test where less disturbance of the soil units from
solifluction and erosion was expected.The remaining four test squares
were placed closer to the reconnaissance tests to further define the
spatial extent of the site.
At locus B!25 grid shovel tests were excavated!one of which contained
cultural material.Shovel test 1 produced one basalt flake from an
unknown subsurface provenience.Several surface artifacts were found
exposed on the terrace slope and collected in 1 x 1 m quadrants.Nine
basalt flakes and one chert flake were recovered.
Discussion:
Locus A:Survey and testing revealed both surface and subsurface
cultural remains.Approximately half of the surface remains were
collected.These remains included 1 argillite biface fragment
(UA80-I49-2;Figure D.375a)!1 basalt biface fragment (UA80-I49-32),21
argillite flakes!and 2 basalt flakes.A single argillite flake was
surface collected at 9.5 m below the exposure where it had apparently
been transported by slumping or ~0lifluction.Test pit I!located at
the edge of the terrace,revealed seven argillite flakes at a depth of
0-3 cmbs!in and just under the humus at the contact between the humus
and a red-gray mottled silt.
0-306
-
-
-
,~...
During the systematic level testing,three of the five test squares
yielded a total of 156 lithic artifacts,4 rock fragments,and 8 bone
fragments.The lithic flakes and fragments were composed of two raw
material types;argillite and basalt.Argillite artifacts show
variability in texture and color that is probably due to differential
weathering of this material.Much of the lithic debitage shows evidence
of frost shattering.The inventory of artifacts is summarized on Table
0.64 and distribution by stratigraphic unit is summarized on Table 0.68 ..
The area suitable for subsurface testing was limited because of
extens i ve eros i on of the so il from mas t of the ri dge top.Two 1 x 1 m
s~fstematic test squares were initially excavated to define the western
(N99/EI00)and northern (N100/E102)extent of subsurface material.Both
squares contained subsurface artifacts and anomalous soil
configurations.Test square N103/E103,located on the ridge top inan
al~ea with a more gradual slope,was excavated both to test the spatial
extent of the site and to expose a soil profile that was less affected
by solifluction.Test square N99/E105 was opened to define the eastern
limits of the artifact distribution.The limited extent of flat surface
on the ridge top coupled with the steril ity of square N103/EI03 and
survey shovel test 2 suggested that the limits of the major artifactual
concentration were defined by test squares N99/ElOO,NIOO/El02,
N99/EI03,and the flake scatter found on the slope during the survey
tE!sting.
When a single flake was discovered on the surface,ca.15 m to the west
of the main artifact concentration at this locus,four shovel tests were
excavated to define the density of artifacts in this area.The place-
ment of the shovel tests was affected by the shallowness of the soil and
pf'edominance of drift at the surface.One additional flake was found.
T~felve separate soil/sediment units were described at locus A (Figure
0.47;Table 0.62).Five of these units were present in all test
squares,while the remaining seven units were present only locally.It
would appear that the ridge has been in a continuous process of erosion
based on the thinness of the 0 horizon,absence of an A horizon,
0-307
discontinuity of the tephra units and the presence of numerous disturbed
areas.A series of depressions and/or "hearth1ike ll features were
discovered in each of the test squares.In some cases,for exa~p1e,
NI00/EI02,the depression contained the only artifactua1 material
recovered from the test square.Stratigraphic units from test squares
NI00/EI02,NI03/EI03,and N99/EI05 were ambiguous in terms of definition
of these features as cultural or natural.Excavation of test square
N99/EI03,however,solved the problem and showed these anomalies to be
solifluction features.
Artifactua1 material was associated with the upper organic soil units,
oxidized sand,(unit 8)and depressions filled with tephra and organic
material.Most of the sediments in the test area were disturbed;thus,
it is doubtful that any of the artifacts were found in situ.It seems
likely that the artifacts were originally deposited in upper organic
rich zones and subsequently solif1ucted or eroded out to their current
positions.The oxidized sand unit (unit 8)is visible on the exposed
slope suggesting that it is more resistant to erosion and,thus,forms a
relatively stable surface on which artifacts are deposited.
Locus B:Survey and testing revealed both surface and subsurface
cultural remains.Artifacts collected from the surface included a
basalt stemmed point base (UA80-149-31;Figure D.375c),a chert flake
retouched along one margin (UA80-149-30),a basalt biface fragment
(UA80-149-28;Figure D.375e),and a dark gray chert flake.Two 40 x 40
cm test pits were excavated north of the eroding bluff edge and at a
slightly higher elevation.Test pit 1 produced a basalt endscraper
fragment (UA80-149-34;Figure D.375d)at a depth of 15-16 cmbs in a
light brown silt.A possible paleosol containing charcoal and organics
occurred at a depth of 16-20 cmbs.A possible volcanic ash,not
apparent in the east wall profile,was recorded at a depth of 5-10 cmbs
in the west wall of test pit 1.Test pit 2 did not reveal cultural
material.
Cultural material was recovered from five of the six 1 x 1 m systematic
test squares.Only one test square (N497/E499)produced faunal
D-308
--
-
,....
material.The two tool fragments recovered during systematic testing
include a chert side-notched point base (UA81-230-27;Figure 0.375b)
from the organic horizon in N497jE499 and a retouched black basalt flake
(UA81-230-18)from the lower silt and sand horizon (unit 5)in
N500/E498.This flake shows a possible burin facet on one margin and
dorsal polish which may suggest hafting.In addition,a total of 107
waste flakes,4 thermally altered rocks,and 20 calcined bone fragments
wrere recovered during systematic testing.One test square (N503/E499)
\'lIas s teri 1e.
The stratigraphy at locus B consisted of approximately 35 cm of
deposition overlying glacial drift (Figure 0.48;Table 0.63).Strati-
graphic units in test squares N500/E494 and N497/E499 showed a great
deal of disturbance as a result of soil creep and solifluction.Test
squares placed on more level portions of the site showed less
postdepositional disturbance but very little cultural material was
recovered from these tests.
Six stratigraphic units were identified.A silty sand (unit 5)overlies
unsorted drift (unit 6).Above the sand unit is a discontinuous
paleosol (unit 4)consisting of peat and charcoal fragments associated
with cultural material.A mixed silt and tephra (unit 3)overlies the
sandy silt (unit 5),where the paleosol (unit 4)is not present.
Unit 3,the Watana tephra,was the only volcanic ash identified at
locus B.A fine sandy loam (unit 2)overlies the mixed silt and Watana
tephra (unit 3).A radiocarbon determination on charcoal sample
(UA81-230-121),from unit 2 in test square N499/E501 yielded a modern
date (OIC-2282).No cultural material was directly associated with this
charcoal.The uppermost stratigraphic unit at locus B consists of an
organic horizon (unit 1)which is continuous over most of the site.
Lithic material,consisting of argillite,basalt,chert,obsidian,
quartzite,and rhyolite artifacts,was recovered from five test squares
and occurred in all stratigraphic units above glacial drift.The
inventory of artifacts is summarized on Table 0.65,and distribution by
stratigraphic unit is summarized on Table 0.69.The largest
O~309
concentration of lithic material (B7 flakes and a point base)and all
the faunal material (Table 0.67)occurred in test square N497/E499.In
this test a chert side-notched point base (UABl-230-27)was excavated
from the organic horizon (unit 1).The largest concentration of lithic
material (52 basalt waste flakes)in this test occurred in the silt and
sand horizon (unit 5)below the paleosol (unit 4)which contained the
majority of calcined bone found at this locus.It would appear that the
cultural material at locus B is primarily associated with a former
ground surface represented by the paleosol (unit 4)in this test.The
occurrence of cultural material above and below unit 4 is probably a
result of postdepositional disturbances which have resulted in a mixing
of artifacts and sediments.Because of these disturbances it is
difficult to accurately determine stratigraphic provenience for the
cultural material at locus B.It is also unclear whether more than a
single component is present.
Evaluation:
Locus A:Systematic testing at locus A has provided sufficient data to
document that virtually all of this site has been disturbed through
erosion.The vast majority of artifactual material recovered was
derived from the exposed and actively eroding southern slope.While the
composite soil profile suggests the site may have been multicomponent,
the data are too inconclusive to determine this with certainty.
Locus B:Lack of well-defined features and the limited assemblage of
artifacts make it difficult to definitively assess the function of
locus B;however,the presence of two point bases,an endscraper
fragment,waste flakes,and calcined bone suggest locus B was probably a
temporary campsite.Its position at the edge of a bluff overloo~ing a
lower alluvial terrace and the Susitna River suggests that locus B may
have functioned as a briefly occupied hunting camp and observation
poi nt.
The 1.5 km long ridge on which the two loci of TLM 042 (as well as site
TLM 026)occur is the easiest and most direct access to the Susitna
0-310
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-
-
-
I .....
I~
River from the uplands on the river's north side.It is likely that
this ridge was used for travel between the Susitna River and the uplands
to the north.Both loci of TLM 042 are situated on the
southeastern-facing edge of this ridge overlooking a lower terrace,
rather than on the northeastern edge,which drops steeply at an angle of
30-40 degrees all the way to the Susitna River.This may support the
additional inference that locus B,and possibly locus A,was a hunting
overlook.Observed site locus at locus A based on the distribution of
artifacts is 65 square meters.At locus B,observed site size based on
the distribution of artifacts is 91 square meters (Table D.2).
0 ...311
Contour Interval:1 rn
(I)
(I)
Systematic Test Square
Test Pit
Shovel Test
Grid Test:Sterile
Site Datum
Surface Artifact
Deflated Area/
Lithic Scatter
o
o
o
o
x
-....,,
I •,,
'-'
o 5,
METERS
10
-7
Figure 0.45.Site Map,TLM 042 Locus A
D-312
-
GN *
T.P.3o
o
o
Contour Interval:1 rn
Systematic Test Square D
Test Pit 0
Grid Test:wi Artifacts •
Grid Test:Sterile 0
Locus B Subdatum X
Surface Artifact -:-
Deflated Areal .,
\..
\\
Lithic Sca.tter ..I...
Spruce Tree *
o 5
METERS
10
I
Figure 0.46.Site Map,TLM 042 Locus B
D-313
DEPTH (em)PROFILE SOIL UNIT
0 ~
1
2a
5
3a ~
CULTURAL
10 3b
15 5
20 6
7a
25
8 -CULTURAL
,~,
30
7b -35
40 9 -
45 ~
-
Figure 0.47.Composite Profile,TLM 042 Locus A
0-314
-
DEPTH (em)
o
5
10
15
20
25
'30
35
PROFILE SOIL UNIT
1
2
3
4
5
6
CULTURAL
Figure D.48.Composite Profile,TLM 042 Locus B
0-315
Table D.62.
Soil/Se'diment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 042 Locus A
-
Unit
1
2a
2b
3a
3b
4
5
Description
Duff;light brown (7.5YR 6/4).Variable thickness,often
less than 1 em.Continuous with clear lower boundary.
Thin charcoal mat associated with unit 3a.
Thin charcoal mat associated with unit 3a.
Fairly well sorted tephra to fine silt with intermixed
tephra;white (lOYR 8/2)to light gray (lOYR 7/2)to very
dark grayish brown (2.5YR 3/2).Discontinuous.Clear to
sharp contacts.Thin discontinuous charcoal lenses
present.
Tephra with intermixed fine sand;light gray (10YR 7/2)
to strong brown (7.5YR 5/6).Localized in appearance.
Sharp contacts.
Medium grain sand;light yellowish brown (2.5Y 6/4).
Disturbed area localized appearance.Sharp lower contact
upper contact intermixed with units 3a and 5.
Fine silt with intermixed tephra;brownish yellow (lOYR
6/6).Discontinuous in extent but found in all test
squares.Contacts vary from clear to gradational.This
unit is probably a mixture of silt and tephra.Oxidized
portion of unit 5.
0-316
-
-
-
.1I'i".
-
Table 0.62.(Continued)
I"""
I
,,-,
Unit
()
7a
7b
9
Description
Silty sand intermixed with tephra;grayish brown (2.5YR
5/2).Discontinuous but with sharp boundaries where
present.
Fine to medium grain sand,oxidized;yellowish brown
(lOYR 5/6).Irregular zone of oxidized sand,probably
oxidized horizon associated with soil unit 7b.Localized
in appearance.Sharp upper boundary,gradational lower
boundary.
Medium size sand;olive brown (2.5Y 4/4).Generally is
well sorted,gradational boundaries with an upper
oxidized sand (unit 7a)and coarser material below (unit
9).
Fine grain sand,oxidized;dark yellowish brown
(lOYR 4/6).Localized in appearance.Sharp contacts.
Cultural.
Mixed cobble,boulder,and sand;variable in nature from
square to square.Poorly sorted (e.g.,NIOO/EI02)and in
other cases a fining-upward cycle is evident (e.g.,
N99/EIOO).Maximum boulder size ca.50 cm.Boulders
both rounded and angular (angular probably a function of
frost cracking).There is a slight orientation of rocks
in NE-SW line that parallels current slope.
0-317
Table 0.63.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 042 Locus B
.Unit
1
2
3
4
5
6
Description
Organic,roots and leaf litter.Thickness varies from
1-3 cm.Continuous over most but not all of site.Lower
boundary abrupt and smooth.
Fine sandy loam;yellow brown (10YR 5/5).Thickness
varies from 2-6 cm.Lower boundary abrupt where it
overlies unit 3,clear where it overlies unit 4.
Mixed silt and tephra.Occurs in three subunits varying
in color from very dark gray (10YR 3/1)to light grayish
brown (10YR 6/2)to yellowish brown (10YR 5/6).Dries to
a light powder.Present throughout most of site.Lower
boundary abrupt.(Watana Tephra)
Peat with charcoal fragments.Discontinuous.Buried A
horizon.(Paleosol)
Silty very fine sand.Occurs in four subunits varying in
color from very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2)to grayish
brown (10YR 5/2)to dark yellowish brown (lOYR 4/6)to
olive (5Y 4.5/3).This unit grades coarser with depth
and occurs throughout site.Lower boundary very abrupt.
Well-rounded boulders,cobbles,pebbles,and coarse sand.
Maximum boulder size observed ca.60 cm diameter.
0-318
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Table 0.64.
A,rti fact Summary,TLM 042 Locus A
Tools---
13 Modified flakes
12 Argillite (UA81-230-203,212,214,215, 216, 217,
~219, 220,221,227,231,252)
1 Basalt (UA81-149-33)
2 Biface fragments
1 Argillite (UA80-149-2)
,"""1 Basalt (UA80-149-32)
15
Lithic Material
480 Argillite flakes-I 12 Basalt flakes
1 Obsidian flake
4 Rock fragments
497
~Faunal Material
8 Bone fragments
0-319
Table 0.65.
Artifact Summary,TLM 042 Locus B
0-320
-
-
-
Table D.65.(Continued)
D-321
Table 0.66.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 042 Locus A
Unit
Unknown
Subsurface
Table 0.67.
Description
8 Unidentifiable fragments,calcined,mammal
-,
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 042 Locus B
Unit
2
Sandy loam
3
Mixed silt
and tephra
5
Silty sand
Description
6 Unidentifiable fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
1 Unidentifiable fragment,calcined,mammal
12 Unidentifiable fragments,calcined,mammal
1 Unidentifiable fragment,calcined,mammal
0-322
Table 0.68.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TlM 042 locus A
-
-
Unit
Surface
Unknown
Subsurface
Description
446 Argillite flakes
4 Basalt flakes
1 Obsidian flake
10 Argillite modified flakes (UA81-230-203,
212,214,215,·216,217,219, 220, 221,227)
1 Basalt modified flake (UA80-149-33)
1 Argillite biface fragment (UA80-149-2)
1 Basalt biface fragment (UA80-149-32)
34 Argillite flakes
8 Basalt flakes
2 Argillite modified flakes
(UA81-230-231,252)
4 Rock fragments
D-323
Table 0.69.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 042 Locus B
Unit Description
_.
Surface 9.Basalt flakes
2 Chert flakes ~"
1 Chert modified flake (UA80-I49-30)
1 Basalt biface (UA80-149-28)!!!!\!\l
1..Basalt stemmed point base (UA80-149-3I)
~
1 1 Argi 11 ite fl ake
Organic mat 2 Basalt flakes
1 Chert notched point base (UA8I-230-27)
4 Rock fragments -
2 5 Argillite flakes
Sandy loam 7 Basa lt fl akes
1 Obsidian flake
/!!l>.
3 3 Argi 11 ite fl akes
Watana tephra 5 Basa lt fl akes ~
1 Obsidian flake
~
D-324
Table D.69.(Continued)
j"""'"
Unit Description
,j
3:/4 1 Basa It fl ake
Contact between 1 Quartzite flake
Watana tephra-and palesol
4 5 Basa It fl akes
Paleosol ·1 Chert fl ake
2 Rhyo 1 He fl akesA_
4 and 5 7 Basalt flakes
Mixed palesol 1 Rhyo 1ite fl a ke
and s;lty sand
5 56 Basalt fl akes
Silty sand 1 Basalt modified flake (UA81-230-18)
Subsurface 1 Basa lt flake
unknown 1 Basalt scraper (UA80-149-34)
-i
-
--0-325
AHRS Number TLM 043;Accession Numbers UA80-150,UA81-221
-
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 21:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
West of Watana Creek Mouth
Fi gure 0.49
Figure E.98
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
-
The site is located on a river terrace on the north side of the Susitna
River,west of a tributary creek (locally known as No Name Creek)that
joins the Susitna River downriver from the mouth of Watana Creek.The
site is at 513 m asl (altimeter:1684 feet),and is approximately 23 m
above the river.The orientation of the terrace is northwest-southeast.
The site is located on a relatively flat surface approximately
equidistant from the northeastern and southwestern 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 30 m in all directions by trees which limit
visibility to the immediate clearing.Both the Susitna River and the
tributary creek to the east are easily accessible from the site.The
clear water tributary is fast,but shallow,draining several lakes
northwest and northeast of the site.Vegetation on the site 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
from the site with the understory becoming thicker closer to the creek
and river.
0-326
-
-
~,
-
.....
-
Testing:
Cultural material was initially encountered at TLM 043 in a shovel test.
This shovel test was expanded into test pit 1,which revealed a dense
concentration of burned bone fragments at a depth of 7-11 cmbs in silty
sand directly below the humus.Two additional test pits were excavated
in the immediate vicinity of test pit 1 during the survey phase of
testing,but only test pit 3 produced cultural material,a single
calcined bone fragment.No cultural material was observed on the
surface at the site location,nor was any lithic material recovered from
the test pits.
Systematic testing at the site consisted of the excavation of six 1 x
1 m test squares and 11 shovel tests.Test squares N53/E50,N46/E49,
N50/E51,and N49/E42 were placed in order to determine the extent of
artifact distribution to the north,south,east,and west respectively.
The two other test squares (N49/E48 and N50/E49)were excavated in an
area likely to yield information on the cultural material encountered in
the survey level testing.The 11 shovel tests,excavated along the
north-south and east-west grid lines of the site,failed to produce
cultural material.Due to the presence of frozen ground,only five of
these tests could be excavated down to alluvial gravels.
A grid shovel testing expansion program was undertaken to assist in
determining site size and the distributions of cultural materials.
T'flenty-seven grid shovel tests were excavated,but none of them
contained cultural materials.
Discussion:
Five of the test squares,all except N49/E42,produced artifactual
material including burned and unburned bone fragments,chert flakes,a
chert cobble,therma 11y altered rock,and rock fragments (Tabl es 0.71,
0.72,and 0.73).These have all been attributed to a single cultural
component located in stratigraphic units 1 and 2,the organic mat and
organic silt (Figure 0.50;Table 0.70).
0-327
Seven soil/sediment units were identified at the site.The cultural
units (1 and 2)were underlain by three tephra units identified as Devil
(unit 3),Watana (units 4 and 5),and Oshetna (unit 6)tephras,and
finally by glacial drift (unit 7).The presence of a possible paleosol
(unit 2a)was first noted during survey testing of test pit 1,and
appeared as a dark stain immediately below the silty sand directly below
the humus containing the faunal material.
The densest concentration of cultural material was recovered in the area
of test pit 1,N49/E48,and N50/E49.The test pit yielded 4 calcined
extremity fragments of caribou (Rangifer tarandus)2 artiodactyl teeth
fragments,2 rib fragments of medium-large mammal,and ca.640 long bone
and unidentifiable burned bone fragments of medium-large mammal (Table
0.72).Test square N50/E49 revealed over 10,000 burned bone fragments
from units 1 and 2 in its southeast quadrant.The single species
represented is caribou (Rangifer tarandus).Caribou extremity fragments
dominate the faunal remains from test square N50/E49 but additional
skeletal elements include 1 deciduous tooth,1 right mandible fragment,
1 left fibula fragment,1 cuneiform,1 left astragalus fragment,and 1
possible lumbar vertebra articular facet.The identified bone fragments
would indicate that one individual is represented at this site.Test
square N49/E48 produced only ca.30 bone fragments.
In addition to the faunal remains,six chert flakes and one chert cobble
were recovered from N50/E49.The chert flakes exhibit thermal spalling
and a glossy surface sheen,indicative of exposure to high temperatures.
In N49/E48 five chert flakes with thermal spalling and potlidding are
all derived from a sixth chert flake also found within the square.
Three other chert flakes,representing three different chert varieties,
were also recovered.
Bone fragments and chert flakes (two found in N50/E51)were sparsely
represented in the other three test squares to the north,south,and
east.However,over 30 thermally altered rocks and rock fragments were
found in two of these squares (N46/E49 and N50/E51).
0-328
-
-
Evaluation:
The site occurs on a comparatively minor terrace near a small clear
water tributary to the Susitna River in the valley bottom.It probably
represents the remains of a hunting camp occupied for a relatively short
period of time.Although no radiocarbon determinations are available
from this site,the occupation clearly occurred following deposition of
the Devil tephra and quite probably sometime within the last 1000 years.
The distribution of thermally altered rock,and caribou,as well as the
ecological situation of the site is strikingly similar to that of TLM
022,a site on Tsusena Creek.Both sites could well represent late
prehi stori c Athapaskan occupati ons of the Susitna Ri ver va 11 ey.A
s.triking dissimilarity between the sites is the occurrence of lithic
debitage at TLM 043.Observed site size based on the distribution of
artifacts is 40 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-329
-
"J ----
" 2
oo
o
o
...or CI /II 0 ...
............'"In
III III III III III III
N 5"
N 50
N S2
o
o
1
-
Systematic Test Square 0 0 10 2,0, ,
Test Pit 0 METERS
Shovel Test 0
Grid Test:Sterile 0 Contour Interval:0.5 m
Site Datum X
Spruce Tree *~
"3-- _
Figure D.49.Site Map~TLM 043
0-330
.-
-
-.
DEPTH (em)
o
5
10
15
20
25
PROFILE lOlL UNIT
:J CULTURAL
2a
3
4
S
Sa
6
7
-
I~
Figure 0.50.Composite Profile,TLM 043
0-331
Table 0.70.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 043
Unit
1
2
3
4
5
Description
Highly organic dark reddish brown sandy loam with root
pack,burned and unburned wood.Thickness varies as a
function of ~urface vegetation.Indiscrete boundary to
unit below.Continuous occurrence throughout site.
Highly organic silt loam with roots,charcoal,and
unburned wood present;very dark gray (10YR 3/1 moist).
At its lower boundary and limited in extent is a thin
(1-2 cm)black (N/2 moist)silt loam designated as unit
2a.Lower boundary discrete and irregular.
Silt loam;light grayish brown (10YR 6/2 moist).Devil
tephra.Occurrence varies but present throughout site.
Boundary to next unit below discrete.
Mottled silt;dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2.5 moist)Watana
tephra.Mixed with unit 5.Lower boundary with unit 5
indiscrete.
Silt;yellowish brown (10YR 5/4 moist)Watana tephra.
Mixed with unit 4.Lower boundary discrete and in
places,marked by a thin black (5Y 2.5/2 moist)uand of
loam (designated unit 5a).
0-332
-
-
Table 0.70.(Continued)
-
Unit
6
7
Description
Silt;grayish brown (IOYR 5/2 moist)Oshetna tephra.
Occurrence throughout site.Irregular surface and
conforms to top surface of boulders and cobbles of
underlying unit.
Coarse sandy loam with over 50%(by volume)rounded
pebbles t cobbles t and boulders;strong brown (7.5YR 4/5
moist)Glacial drift.Occurs throughout site.
0-333
Table 0.71.
Artifact Summary,TLM 043
Lithic Material
19
19
1
17
56
Fauna 1 Mater;a1
ca.11,234
Chert flakes
Thermally altered rocks
Chert cobble
Rock fragments
Bone and teeth fragments
0-334
-
-
-
-
-
Table D.72.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 043
-
Ulnit
1
Organic mat
2
Organi c silt
Description
27 Long bone and unidentifiable fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
1 Right anterior mandible fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Deciduous tooth,burned,probably caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Possible tooth fragment,unburned,
artiodactyl
1 Possible lumbar vertebra articular facet,
burned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left fibula fragment,burned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
3 Left astragalus fragments,burned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Cuneiform,burned,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
1 Distal metapodial fragment,burned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Possible metapodial fragment,calcined,
possibly caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Proximal fragment proximal phalanx,
calcined,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
3 Distal fragments proximal phalanges,burned
and calcined caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Medial phalanx fragment,unburned,cut
marks,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
D-335
Table 0.72.(Continued)
Unit Description
.....
Subsurface
Unknown
(Survey
testing)
1 Proximal fragment medial phalanx,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Vestigial phalanx fragments,burned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Vestigial phalanx,calcined,probably
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Sesamoid,calcined,probably caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Flatbone fragment,unburned,cut marks,
medium-large mammal
5 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
unburned,medium-large mammal
ca.10,530 Long bone,flat bone,and unidentifiable
bone fragments,calcined and heavily burned,
medium-large mammal
1 Distal metapodial fragment,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Probable distal metapodial fragment,
calcined,probably caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
1 Distal fragment proximal phalanx,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Proximal fragment distal phalanx,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Teeth fragments,calcined,artiodactyl
2 Rib fragments,calcined,medium-large mammal
642 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
burned and calcined,medium-large mammal
0-336
-
-
Table 0.73.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 043
Unit Description
2 19 Chert flakes
~Organic si It 19 Thermally altered rocks
1 Chert cobble
17 Rock fragments
-
-
0-337
AHRS Number TLM 044;Accession Number UA80-151
~I
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 30:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Northwest of Jay Creek Mouth
Figure E.51
Figure LI0?
Talkeetna Mts.0-2,Figure E.4
Appendix F
Setting:
The site,reported to project archeologists by Jo Fehyle of Land Use
Planning for the Susitna Hydroelectric Project,is located on a high
plateau north of the Susitna River and northwest of Jay Creek.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 ca.884 m asl
(2900 feet)at the point of highest relief on the approximately 80 x
35 m 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,122 m 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 ha 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 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 ~pruce-hardwood forest 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 TlM 044.Other sites within 1 km are
0-338
-
....
-
-
TLM 045 and TLM 046,and both are located on knolls immediately north-
east of TLM 044.
Jesting:
Both surface and subsurface cultural material were observed at the site.
Five surface lithic scatters are exposed in blowouts near the highest
elevation of the knoll (Table D.74).A total of 22 flakes,2 modified
flakes (UA80-151-40,43),1 biface fragment (UA80-151-42),and 19 bone
fragments were surface collected.Test pit 1,the only subsurface test
at scatter 1,revealed flakes and calcined mammal bone associated with
charcoal between the surface and 8 cmbs.
Scatter 1:A total of eight flakes were surface collected and 25
observed fl akes were 1eft ins itu from scatter 1.Test pit 1,excavated
near the center of the scatter (Figure 0.51),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 and 8 cmbs in this test.The dark stain may
suggest a hearth or similar feature,however,initial testing did not
reveal charcoal.All of the flakes from test pit 1 were basalt.In
addition to basalt,other raw materials represented in the surface
artifacts are argillite,chalcedony,chert,obsidian,and rhyolite.
Scatter 2:Scatter 2 (Figure 0.51)consisted of three flakes only one
of which,a quartzite flake,was collected.
Scatter 3:All of the observed artifacts at scatter 3 (Figure 0.51)
were surface collected.These consisted of 4 argillite flakes,1 chert
flake,and 1 obsidian leaf-shaped point (UA80-151-1;Figure 0.375g).In
addition,19 calcined bone fragments were surface collected.
Scatter 4:All of the observed artifacts at scatter 4 (Figure 0.51)
were surface collected.These consisted of only two flakes,one
argillite flake and one basalt modified flake (UA80-151-40).
0-339
Scatter 5:A total of 8 specimens were surface collected and 1 flake
left in situ at scatter 5 (Figure D.51).Collected artifacts consisted
of 4 basalt flakes,3 chert flakes,and 2 chert,articulating biface
fragments (UA80-151-42 articulates with 43;Figure D.375f).Brown and
gray chert and black basalt are represented by the flakes.
Estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts is 7,000
square meters (Table D.2).
0-340
-
-
-
-
_.
-
Table 0.74.
Artifact Summary,TLM 044
Provenience Description
Lithic Material
1"'"'
Surface:
,<;I""""",
Scatter 1 5 Basalt flakes
1 Cha 1cedony fl ake
1 Chert flake
1 Rhyolite flake
,~.25 Flakes (uncollected)
Scatter 2 1 Quartz flake
2 Flakes (uncollected)
Scatter 3 4 Argillite flakes
1 Chert flake
""'~1 Obsidian leaf-shaped point (UA80-151-1)
-Scatter 4 1 Argi 11 ite fl ake
1 Basalt modified flake (UA80-151-40)
Scatter 5 4 Basa 1t fl a kes
3 Chert flakes
2 Chert biface fragments (UA80-151-42
articulates with 43)
1 Flake (uncollected)
,f"~'"
0-341
Table 0.74.(Continued)
Subsurface:
Test pit 1 ca.55 Long bone and unidentifiable bone
fragments,calcined,mammal
0-342
-
-
...FS 5
",,,,
"",
""",',__-l-
1---11--'-"'"
\"\.-~-"
.ll_
I ...
'"',_I
0,.---(-:--:-1 FS 4"'--";
- 1
......-,FS 2----,."
FS 3
·3 ----------------------
Test pit a 0 20 40,I I
Site Datum X METERS,-Surface Artifact ,-,-
Flake Scatter Limit
.....,
Contour Interval:1 m
,,
\_...,
Birch Tree ~Spruce Tree
Figure 0.51.Site Map,TLM 044
.-0-343
AHRS Number TLM 045;Accession Number UA80-152
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 30:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northwest of Jay Creek Mouth
Locus A,Figure 0.52
Locus B,Figure 0.53
Figure E.107
Talkeetna Mts.0-2,Figure E.4
Appendix F
The general location,elevation,and topographic setting of site TLM 045
is similar to that of TLM 044.The site,consisting of two loci (A and
B),is located on the south and east facing slopes of a knoll
approximately 300 m northeast of site TLM 044 and slightly lower in
elevation.Both knolls are connected to the same ridge line by a low,
broad saddle of approximately the same elevation as the lower knoll.
Both loci are located at ca.884 m asl (2900 feet).
Locus A:This locus is situated on the southern slope of the knoll,
just below the 10 x 20 m flat summit.The northern and northwestern
slopes of the knoll drop off steeply 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 100 m.However,from the top of the knoll,only a few meters away,
a panoramic 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 the region and
prehistoric hunters may have sought shelter from them.
Locus B:This locus is situated 15 m lower in elevation and 104.5 m
east of the summit on an east facing slope overlooking a small valley.
The view from this location includes both the valley to the north and
low,marshy areas and kettle lakes to the southeast.A 3 ha lake is
visible and easily accessible to the southwest.Numerous bedrock and
0-344
--
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.TLM 046 is located approximately 200 m to the
northeast.
Testing:
Both surface and subsurface cultural material was recovered from three
flake scatters comprising two loci (A and B)situated approximately 104
m apart (Figures 0.52 and 0.53).A complete point,2 modified flakes,
and 47 bone fragments were surface collected at the site.In addition,
a total of 64 flakes were surface collected and 127 observed surface
flakes were left in situ.A subsurface test at scatter 1 (Figure 0.52,
test pit 1)produced 23 flakes,as well as bone,charcoal,and thermally
altered rock at a depth of 5-17 cmbs.
Locus A:This locus is composed of two lithic scatters.
Scatter 1:Scatter 1 is located in a blowout 4 m south of the site
datum (Figure 0.52).Two translucent chalcedony flakes were surface
collected from this blowout.Four basalt flakes were also surface
collected and six basalt flakes were left in situ (Table 0.75).
Scatter 2:Scatter 2 is located in a blowout 7 m southeast of the site
datum (Figure 0.52).A dark brown chert flake retouched on one margin
(UA80-152-15),28 flakes,and 22 calcined 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
material represented include argillite,brown and gray chert,and
rhyolite.Test pit 1,excavated near the northern edge of the blowout,
plroduced 1 rhyolite and 2 basa It fl akes between 6 and 10 cmbs from a
gray silt unit.Cal~ined bone and charcoal from 5-17 cmbs were probably
0-345
associated with the flakes (Table 0.75).In addition,rock exhibiting
possible thermal'cracking and discoloration was recovered between 10 and
12 cmbs in this test.This probable hearth in test pit 1 extended
throughout the 40 x 40 cm test and was more deeply buried in the
southwest corner.Twenty small argillite,basalt,and rhyolite flakes,
and ca.320 small,calcined bone fragments collected from test pit 1
between 10 and 12 cmbs.One medium-large mammal mandible fragment of an
undetermined genera and a femoral head fragment of caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)comprise the identifiable fragments.
Locus B
Locus B,located in a blowout 104.5 m east of the site datum
(Figure 0.53),is a surface lithic scatter,scatter 3 (Table 0.75).A
complete quartzite lanceolate point (UA80-152-37;Figure 0.375h)with a
constricted,thinned,straight base was surface collected from this
blowout.In addition,31 flakes,primarily of light and dark gray chert
but including brown chert;clear obsidian,and quartzite were collected.
Approximately 44 flakes were left in situ.Faunal material surface
collected consisted of 26 bone fragments.These included 1 unburned
medial phalanx (proximal end)fragment identified as caribou (Rangifer
tarandus),and right and left maxilla fragments of arctic ground
squirrel (Spermophilus parryi).
Estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts is 1,050
square meters (Table 0.2).
0-346
-
Table 0.75.
Artifact Summary,TLM 045
Provenience Description
L.ithic Material
t'i-,
Surface:
,w-
L.ocus A
Scatter 1 3 Basalt flakes
2 Chalcedony flakes
1 Basalt modified flake (UA80-152-4)
6 Basalt flakes (uncollected)
Scatter 2 2 Argi 11 ite fl akes
21 Basalt flakes
4 Chert flakes
1 Rhyo 1ite fl a ke
1 Chert modified flake (UA80-152-15)
"".77 Flakes (uncollected)
Locus B
(Scatter 3)25 Chert flakes
1 Obsidian flake
5 Quartzite
1 Quartzite lanceolate point (UA80-152-37)
r"'-
44 Flakes (uncollected)
-
0-347
Table D.75.(Continued)
Provenience
Subsurface:
Description -
Locus A
Test Pit 1
Fauna 1 Materi a 1
Surface:
Locus A
Scatter 2
Locus B
(Scatter 3)
4 Argillite flakes
16 Basalt flakes
3 Rhyolite flakes
16 Thermally altered rocks
4 Rock fragments
22 Long bones and unidentifiable bone
fragments,calcined,mammal
1 Proximal fragment medial phalanx,unburned,
weathered,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Maxillary fragments with teeth (right and
left),arctic ground squirrel
(Spermophilus parryi)
23 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
0-348
-
Table 0.75.(Continued)
Provenience
Subsurface:
Description
Locus A
Test Pit 1 1 Femoral head fragment (fovea capitus),
calcined,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Mandible fragment,calcined,medium-large
mammal
ca.240 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
ca.80 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
calcined,mammal
0-349
-
• 1
-,
~~-N--~~,
--------2
/_1-I
L!L -,-,
~I __
,I
...._---
o~GL ....·c ••105
FS 1
.,-.-.-
~,
I,,
I,,
I
\
\
~,,'.-
Test Pit o 'J
I
4 8
Site Datum x ~·iETERS
Surface Artifact _I-
I
Artifact Concentration
De r lated ,\rea
Boulder
Dwarf Birch
Contour Interval:1 m
Figure D.52.Site Map,TLM 045 Locus A
D-350
i~
LOCU8 A ca.105 m
o 4 8
Locus B Subdaturn X
Surface Artifact I-1-
Artifact Concentration -[-
DeE lated Area ",,*-...
'__.,1
Spruce Tree *'
;·lETERS
Contour Interval:1 rn
~
1 Figure 0.53.Site Map,TLM 045 Locus B
D-351
---_......,"-..-........~,~"._._-~------,-_•._,.~--,------~----_....---------------_._-
AHRS Number TLM 046;Accession Numbers UA80-153,UA81-263
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 30:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northwest of Jay Creek Mouth
Figure 0.54
Figure £.107
Talkeetna Mts.0-2,Figure £.4
Appendix F
The general location,elevation,and topographic setting of the site are
similar to those of TLM 044 and TLM 045.Site TLM 046 is situated on
the top of the easternmost and highest of three knolls,all of which are
slightly above the 884 m asl (2900 feet)elevation.Sites TLM 044 and
TLM 045 are located on the lower knolls to the southwest and are both
within 500 m of site TLM 046.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 TLM 046 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.All of the lakes and streams
visible from the site are easily accessible.Like the other knolls in
the vicinity,exposed bedrock and deflated surfaces occur over much of
the site.There 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.
Testing:
The site is comprised of six lithic and bone scatters covering an area
approximately 40 x 150 m at the summit of the knoll.During survey
0-352
"'"
'"""
-
testing,subsurface tests were excavated at three of the scatters (1,3,
and 4),but only one (test pit 2 placed at scatter 1)produced cultural
material.
Five 1 x 1 m test squares were excavated during systematic testing.
Four of these were pl aced'adjacent to surface scatters to determine
whether subsurface cultural material was present and,if.so,to
ascertain its stratigraphic position.One of these squares,N239/E198,
was excavated at scatter 1 to test the possible continuation of
artifactual material first encountered in nearby test pit 2.The fifth
test square was placed between scatters 4 and 5.
Discussion:
The total artifact assemblage from all phases of testing at TLM 046
included 4 modified flakes,1 scraper,3 lanceolate point bases,363
unmodified flakes of various raw materials,and over 11,750 burned bone
fragments (Table 0.77).Three of the six lithic and bone scatters
produced subsurface as well as surface material (Tables 0.78 and 0.79).
Due to the widespread surface distribution of artifacts and the
localized stratigraphy recorded in each test square,surface scatters
and their associated subsurface tests will be discussed separately
b,elow,following a brief description of the overall site stratigraphy.
Stratigraphy at TLM 046 is characterized by very localized processes of
erosi on and rework-i ng of strati graphi c units so that each test square
rievealed a unique stratigraphy.In addition,considerablecryoturbation
is evident at the site adding further difficulty to correlation between
tlest squares.Test square N130/E227 was the only test which revealed
the full stratigraphic sequence present at the site (Figure 0.55;
Table 0.76).The stratigraphy,as revealed in this test,is comprised
of approximately 20 em of deposition,including three tephra horizons
overlying glacial drift and fractured bedrock.The organic horizon,
5-7 em thick in this test,is absent or very thin over most of the site
and much of the surface of the site is deflated.
0-353
Scatter 1:The surface remains from scatter 1 consisted of four
argillite flakes and 15 basalt flakes,two of which were uncollected.
Subsurface remains recovered from test pit 2 consisted of 30 flakes (4
argillite,21 basalt,1 chert,and 4 obsidian)found between 0 and 16
cmbs.This is the only occurrence of obsidian at the site.Test pit 2
also revealed charcoal and 8 burned bone between 5 and 16 cmbs.A
radiocarbon determination of 2340 ±145 years:390 B.C.(01C-1903)was
obtained on a charcoal sample (UA80-153-38a)from this hearth.Three
obsidian flakes were recovered from the same depth as the hearth and a
fourth black obsidian flake was found between 5 and 10 cmbs.
Test square N239/E198 was excavated at scatter 1,adjacent to
reconnaissance test 2.The stratigraphy of the test square was
extremely cryoturbated and ranged from very poor to none.Because of
this,excavation in this test was done in arbitrary 10 cm levels.A
brown silt interpreted as Watana tephra (unit 4)directly underlay a
thin organic mat.Devil tephra was not present.Below the Watana
tephra,which showed evidence of extensive mixing by solifluction,was a
humic horizon (unit 5)consisting of black silt.Beneath unit 5 was a
discontinuous,very dark brown silt lens,also containing humic material
and mixed with glacial drift and fractured bedrock (unit 7).The
organic buildup in units 5 and 7 is attributed to natural water
collection in a small depression centered 2 m southwest of the test
square.
The cultural material in N239/E198 was mixed by cryoturbation but
appeared to occur in association with the Watana tephra (unit 4).Both
faunal material and lithic artifacts were recovered from this test.
Faunal material excavated from the Watana tephra included ca.105
calcined long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments (Table 0.78).
Lithic artifacts included 121 waste flakes of basalt,rhyolite,chert,
and quartzite excavated primarily from the Watana tephra (unit 4).Some
flakes did occur in the black silt humic horizon (unit 5)and the top of
the glacial drift (Table 0.79).Due to the poor stratigraphy and mixing
of stratigraphic units in N239/EI98,no correlation can be made between
0-354
~,
.....
-
~,
I~
the cultural material from this test square and the cultural material
and radiocarbon date in test 2.
Scatter 2:This scatter yielded only surface remains.These consisted
of 1 basalt lanceolate point base (UA80-153-50;Figure D.375k),1 gray
rhyolite burinated,lanceolate point base (UA80-153-53;Figure 0375j),1
basalt flake,1 chert flake,and ca.100 long bone and unidentifiable
bone fragments of medium-large mammals.Test square N226/E191 excavated
at the northern limit of scatter 2 proved to be sterile.
Scatter 3:Test square N203/E190 was excavated at scatter 3 adjacent to
survey test 1 which was sterile despite hundreds of bone fragments on
the surface nearby.Surface collection at scatter 3 during survey and
systematic testing produced 98 flakes of various raw materials,1 chert
modified flake (UA80-153-77),1 rhyolite modified flake (UA81-263-28),
and 1 basalt endscraper (UA80-153-55;Figure 0.3751)in addition to
ca.250 bone fragments,which include a calcined carpal/tarsal fragment
of a medium-large mammal.Only the northern half of this test square
was excavated.
Excavation of N203/E190 revealed a probable hearth,5-10 em below the
surface,which consisted of black silty sand mixed with calcined bone
fragments,flakes,and charcoal (unit 5).This cultural horizon was
below a yellOWish brown silt interpreted as Watana tephra (unit 4)which
contained some calcined bone fragments.This was the only tephra
present in the test.Both Devil and Oshetna tephras were missing.The
cultural material in the Watana tephra is interpreted as having
originated in unit 5 which had subsequently been mixed with the Watana
tephra by cryoturbation.The possible hearth overlies a reddish brown
silty coarse sand mixed with fractured and weathered bedrock.
Faunal material recovered from this test included 20 calcined long bone
and unidentifiable bone fragments collected from the surface of the test
square and more than 11,000 calcined long bone fragments excavated from
units 4 and 5.Forty-five basalt,chert,and quartzite waste flakes
were recovered from the possible hearth (unit 5).With the exception of
0-355
'I
one metapodial shaft fragment of probable caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
and a possible cranial fragment of a medium-large mammal,faunal
material from this test was too fragmentary for identification.No
diagnostic artifacts were recovered.
Scatter 4:This scatter produced only four surface artifacts.They
consisted of two chert flakes and two basalt modified flakes
(UA80-153-84,87).
Scatter 5:Test square N155/E215 was excavated near a surface
concentration of burned bone at flake scatter 5.Due to time
limitations only the west half of this test was excavated.Forty-three
subsurface flakes and ca.275 calcined bone fragments,the majority of
which were surface finds,were recovered from this test (Tables 0.78 and
0.79).Some lithic and faunal material were found in the upper
cryoturbated stratigraphic units (unit 1 and 2)but the concentration of
cultural material occurred in a grayish brown silt horizon (unit 6)
interpreted as Oshetna tephra mixed with glacial drift (unit 7).This
cultural horizon contained finely divided organic material and charcoal
and may represent an old living surfac~at the contact between the
Oshetna and Watana tephras.Devil tephra is not present in this test
and unit 5 (a possible paleosol)is not well defined.Deflation has
eroded the ground surface so that the Oshetna tephra (unit 6)is exposed
at the surface in the north wall of this test and consequently cultural
material from this unit appears as a surface scatter.It is likely that
the origin of cultural material at scatter 5 is from this mixed Oshetna
and drift horizon (unit 6).Faunal material was too fragmentary for
identification and no diagnostic lithic artifacts were recovered.
Scatter 6:A red chert lanceolate point base (UA81-263-73;Figure
0.375i)was surface collected from scatter 6.This bifacially chipped,
lanceolate,straight-based point is similar to the two preform fragments
(UA80-153-50,53)surface collected from scatter 2.
0-356
~-
-
~
I
I
~i
Evaluation:
Extensive deflation has exposed six lithic concentrations at the summit
of this knoll.Based on observed surface artifact distribution,the
entire summit,comprising an area of approximately 40 x 150 m appears to
have been utilized as a site.Both the topographic setting and the
nature of the artifacts suggest the use of TLM 046 as a hunting overlook
and campsite.The surface collection of calcined bone in association
with charcoal concentrations and surface finds of 1 point base,2
preform fragments,and 1 endscraper suggest the site functioned as a
campsite and overlook,and possibly a kill site.The commanding,
panoramic view,especially to the north overlooking a broad valley with
several lakes,makes this locale an excellent overlook site.Two other
sites (TLM 044 and TLM 045)are located on nearby knolls overlooking the
same terrain and further demonstrate the excellent advantages of this
locality for hunting.
Three probable hearth features were located during survey and systematic
testing.The extremely poor stratigraphy and localized erosion at the
site make correlation of subsurface cultural material between tests
extremely difficult.The radiocarbon determination of 2340 ±145 years:
390 B.C.(OIC-1903)on charcoal from the hearth in test 2 was the only
date obtained,although charcoal from the other hearths was collected.
This date cannot be correlated with other hearth features because of the
lack of uniform stratigraphy at the site.
Cultural material from the probable hearths in test squares N155/E215
and N203/E190 occurs below the Watana tephra.In N155/E215 the cultural
material appears to be associated with the contact between the Oshetna
and Watana tephras.In test square N239/E198 cultural material appears
to be associated with the Watana tephra but both Devil and Oshetna
tephras are absent in this test,and solifluction has mixed
stratigraphic units and artifacts.Association of cultural material
with specific soil units is uncertain.
0-357
,
Evidence for more than a single component is inconclusive because of the
extensive cryoturbation at this site.Horizontal distribution of lithic
artifacts does-not reveal differences between surface loci which might
imply different occupations.Of 366 surface and subsurface artifacts
that were collected,quartzite is the most common raw material (30%)
followed by rhyolite (27%),basalt (25%),chert (9%),argillite (7%),
chalcedony (1%),and obsidian (1%).Obsidian is the only raw material
that is restricted in distribution.
Based on the above data,there appears to be at least one occupation of
the site earlier than the deposition of the Watana tephra.The date of
2340 years B.P.from test 2 may date this component but stratigraphic
correlation is uncertain and a later component may be present at the
site,although present data are inconclusive.Estimated sit~size based
on the distribution of artifacts is 4,400 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-358
-
.....
•
1 m Test Square •
o :20
METERS
*G N
40
Test pit
Site Datum
Flake Scatter
o
x
contour Interval:1 rn
Figure 0.54.Site Map,TLM 046
0-359
Figure D.55.Composite Profile,TLM 046
DEPTH (em)
o
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
PROFILE UNIT
1
2 -CULTURAL
3
4
CULTURAL
5
6
7
D-360
.....
Table 0.76.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 046
,.,..
Unit
1
2
4
Description
Organic silt;brown (10YR 4/3).Includes silt,fine
roots,very small amount of humus.Generally from 5-7 cm
thick but discontinuous in places.0 horizon.
Finely divided organics with silt and charcoal fragments;
very dark gray (5YR 3/1).Discontinuous and generally
thin varying from 2-3 cm in thickness.Lower contact
with unit 3 gradational.A horizon.
Fine silt;gray (7.5YR 7/2).Discontinuous with charcoal
fragments occasionally present.Sharp to gradational
lower contact with unit 4.Devil tephra.
Silt;varies in color from oxidized strong brown (7.5YR
5/6)to unoxidized light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4).
Generally 10 cm thick.Evidence of frost action and
solifluction where oxidized bands are perpendicular to
ground surface.Sharp lower contact with units 5 and 6.
Watana tephra.
Silt with charcoal;very dark gray (lOYR 3/1).Thin,
discontinuous layer comprised of silt,charcoal,and some
humic material.Occasional pebbles present.Lower
gradational contact with unit 6.Paleosol.
0-361
Table 0.76.(Continued)
Unit
6
7
Description
Fine silt;light brownish gray (2.5Y 6/2).Discontinuous
and in places mixed with unit 5.Generally 2-3 em thick.
Sharp lower contact with unit 7.Oshetna tephra.
Unsorted silt,pebbles,cobbles,and boulders;varies in
color from yellowish red (5YR 4/6)to olive (5Y 5/3).
-Mixing with unit 6 occurs in some places.Glacial Drift.
0-362
-
Table D.77.
Artifact Summa~y,TLM 046
Tools
.-
-
4
1
3
8
Modified flakes
2 Basalt (UA80-153-84-87)
1 Chert (UA80-153-77)
1 Rhyolite (UA81-263-28)
Scraper
1 Chert (UA80-153-55)
Lanceolate point bases
1 Basalt (UA80-153-50)
1 Chert (UA81-263-73)
1 Rhyolite (UA80-153-53)
-0-363
---_._---_.._~~_._--~----,~-------
Table 0.77.(Continued)
.....
,.;;"
Lithic Material
25 Argillite flakes
88 Basalt flakes
4 Chalcedony flakes .~
31 Chert flakes
4 Obsidian flakes ~
108 Quartzite flakes
98 Rhyo 1ite fl akes '""'.
5 Flakes (unco'"ected)
~
363
~
Faunal Material
ca.11 t 760 Bone fragments
"""'
-
-~
0-364
Table 0.78.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM046
Unit
Surface:
Description
1 Carpal/tarsal fragment,calcined,
medium-large mammal
ca.610 Long bone and unidentifiable bone
fragments,calcined,medium-large
mammal
1 and 2
Mixed organic 34
silt and silt
with charcoal
4 and 5 1
Watana tephra
and paleosol 1
ca.11,105
Unidentifiable bone fragments,
calcined,medium-large
mammal
Metapodial shaft fragment,calcined,
probably caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Possible cranial fragment,calcined,
medium-large mammal
Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
calcined,mammal
Unknown 8 Long bone fragments,calcined and heavily
burned,medium-large mammal
0-365
-~_.-----
Table 0.79.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 046
~,
Unit Description -
Surface 21 Argillite flakes
33 Basalt flakes ~
1 Chalcedony flake
7 Chert flakes
57 Quartzite flakes
2 Rhyolite flakes
~
2 Basalt modified flakes (UA80-153-84,87)
1 Chert modified flake (UABO-153-77)
1 Rhyolite modified flake (UA81-263-28)
1 Chert scraper (UA80-153-55)
1 Basalt lanceolate point base (UA80-153-50)
1 Chert lanceolate point base (UABl-263-73)
1 Rhyolite lanceolate point base,burinated ~
(UA80-153-53)
5 Flakes (uncollected)
1 and 2 3 Basalt fl akes
Mi xed organi c 3 Chalcedony flakes ~;
silt and silt 4 Chert flakes
with charcoal 23 Quartzite fl akes .....
2 Rhyolite fl akes
~,!
0-366
Table 0.79.(Continued)
Unit Description
.~
4-and 5 30 Basalt flakes
(t;~:,Watana tephra and 18 Chert flakes
paleosol 25 Quartzite flakes.-94 Rhyolite flakes
~7 1 Basalt flake
Glacial drift 1 Chert flake
3 Quartzite fl akes
~
Unknown 4 Argi 11 He fl akes
(Test pit 2)21 Basalt flakes
1 Chert flake
4 Obsidian flakes
-
--
0-367
AHRS Number TLM 047;Accession Number UA80-154
-
-
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 34:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
West of Vee Canyon
Figure 0.56
Fi gure E.111
Talkeetna Mts.C-2,Figure E.7
Appendix F
The site is located at an elevation of ca.853 m asl (2800 feet)on the
west side of the Susitna River downriver from Vee Canyon.Situated on
the north end of a north-south oriented bedrock ridge approximately
274 m above the Susitna River,the site is 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.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 to the south,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 ca.1040 m asl (3422 feet).To the
east a steep slope descends to the Susitna River.The Susitna River
valley and the river itself are visible to 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.
0-368
-
-
,~
Testing:
The site consists of a 3 x 10 m surface lithic scatter exposed on the
deflated crest of a bedrock ridge (Figure 0.56).Artifacts surface
collected from the site include 1 argillite modified flake
(UA80-154-14)~1 argillite microblade fragment (UA80-154-5;
Figure O.376a)and 1 chert biface (UA80-154-4;Figure 0.376b)
In addition 24 argillite flakes and 1 basalt flake were surface
collected and about 70 argillite flakes were left in situ (Table 0.80).
Two test pits excavated at the site (test pits 1 and 2)did not reveal
subsurface cultural material.Test pit 2 revealed glacial drift and
fractured rock at a depth of 25-30 cmbs overlain by 20-25 cmbs of silt
and sandy s"ilt.Intensive surface sUrt'vey and subsurface testing (where
possible)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.Estimated site size based on the distribution of
artifacts is 30 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-369
Table 0.80.
Artifact Summary,TLM 047
Provenience
Lithic Material
Description
.~.
Surface:24
1
1
1
1
ca.70
Argillite flakes
Basa 1t fl ake
Argillite modifed flake (UA80-154-14)
Argillite microblade fragment (UA80-154-5)
Chert biface (UA80-154-4)
Argillite flakes (uncollected)
0-370
deflated area
2
I
I
t
I
I
r
I
f
I
[
t
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
t
(
t
r
(
I
t
I
I
I
I
r
r
Test
I
t
I
I
I
1Te.t
-
Test ::>it
Site !)atum
Surface Artifact
o
x
-:-
o
I
:2
I
METERS
4
I
Artifact Concentration _I-
I
Flake Scatter
~......'
Bedrock
Spruce
Figure 0.56.Site Map,TLM 047
0-371
AHRS Number TLM 048;Accession Numbers UA80-155,UA81-278
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 27:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northeast of Watana Creek Mouth
Figure 0.57
Figure E.103
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
-
The site,at an elevation of 637 m asl (altimeter:2090 feet),is
located at the northern end of a ca.18 ha lake (locally known as Duck
Embryo Lake or Sally Lake)east of Watana Creek and north of the Susitna
River.Situated at the top of a ca.20 m high,discrete,rounded knoll,
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 100 x 40 m and is oriented
to the northwest.The view from the site is panoramic and varies in
distance from 0.5-1 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 northwest of the site.The
knoll upon which the site is located is one of several knolls around the
lake which offer excellent views of the lake and the surrounding kettle
and kame topography.TLM 039 is located at the southeastern end of the
lake on the highest knoll on the lake margin.The immediate vicinity of
the site is well drained with ground vegetation consisting primarily of
dwarf birch?Labrador tea,lowbush 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
0-372
-
,,,,,
-
high brush to low,marshy areas with muskeg,sphagnum moss,grasses,and
dense black spruce.
Testing:
No cultural material was observed on the surface at the site location.
Initial survey testing involved the excavation of three shovel tests and
two test pits on the summit of the knoll (Figure 0.57).Shovel tests 1
and 2 did not produce cultural material;however,shovel test 3,
expanded into test pit 1,produced an argillite biface (UA80-155-1)from
15-20 cmbs associated with a dark gray volcanic ash.Test pit 2,
located 6 m northwest of test pit 1,did not reveal additional cultural
material.
During the systematic testing phase,five 1 x 1 m test squares were
excavated to determine the site size.Four of the five 1 x 1 m
systematic test squares contained cultural material.In addition to the
excavation of these test squares,a grid shovel testing program was
undertaken to assist in determining the site size and distribution of
cultural materials.Twenty-nine grid shovel tests were excavated,none
of which yielded cultural material.
Discussion
Testing at TLM 048 consisted of the excavation of 3 survey shovel tests,
2 test pits,5 test squares,and 29 grid shovel tests.The cultural
r'emains recovered consisted of 1 modified flake,1 microblade fragment,
1 biface,1 flake core,18 flakes,316 thermally altered rocks,and ca.
1,420 bone fragments.
All three tephra were present at the site,but in certain areas the
cont~cts of the stratigraphic units were unclear or the tephras were
mixed with other sediments (Figure 0.58;Table 0.81).In spite of this
ambiguity in stratigraphy,two components were clearly in evidence at
this site.The most recent component,situated above the Devil tephra
(unit 3),was found in two test squares (N34/E25 and N32/E22),wh"ile the
0-373
older component,associated with the Watana and Oshetna tephras (units 5
and 6)was encountered in three test squares (N30/E29,N34/E29,and
N34/E25).
Component 1:This component was best represented in test square N32/E22
by a hearth feature (feature 1)that contained thousands of burned bone
fragments and thermally altered rock fragments in an ash and organic
matrix (units 7a and 7b).In addition,6 chert flakes,1 basalt
modified flake (UA8I-278-26),1 chert flake core (UA8I-278-I3),and 2
rock fragments were located in this hearth feature.The flakes and
flake core are made of a brown chert and show evidence of heat
treatment,which would indicate that the manufacture or repair of stone
tools occurred at this site.The two rock fragments were collected as
·questionable flakes but have been subsequently determined to be
noncultural,resulting from heat spalling.A single thermally altered
rock fragment found in N34/E25 is the only other specimen from component
1 that postdates the most recent Devil tephra.
The bone and rock concentration (feature 1)was limited to the northern
half of the test squre N32/E22.A thin layer of ash,however,did
extent 15-50 cm beyond this concentration into the southeast and
southwest quadrants.A few,isolated bone fragments and thermally
altered rock fragments were found in the southern half of this test
square,but these represented only a fraction of those collected from
the entire feature.Over 300 pieces of thermally altered rock fragments
were excavated from the hearth,and these range in size from 20 cm to
less than 1 cm.A fine screen sample,20 x 20 x 20 cm in size,was
taken from the hearth matrix,but the quantity of material and the size
of the material in the wash sample prohibited counts being taken,as
much of the sample is made up of crushed bone matrix and thousands of
fine thermally altered rock fragments.Approximately 1,420,of the
larger bone fragments (generally greater than 1-2 cm in size)were
collected from the hearth.Fifteen of these bone fragments were
identifiable as to species,all caribou (Rangifer tarandus)(Table
0.83).Four other bone fragments were tentatively identified as
D-374
-
-
-
,Iii'"
caribou.The remaining burned bone fragments are attributable to only
medium-large mammal.
Component 2:This component is represented by lithic remains only.The
total artifact inventory consists of 7 argillite flakes,2 chert flakes,
3 rhyolite flakes,1 argillite biface (UA80-155~1;Figure D.376d),and 1
argillite microblade fragment (UA81-278-3;Figure D.376c).This lower
component has a greater variety of raw materials than does the upper
component.Component 2,although present in a greater number of test
squares,is more poorly defined stratigraphically than is component 1.
The 14 artifacts comprising the cultural remains from component 2 are
definitely associated with the lower tephra (the Oshetna tephra~unit
5),but whether they lie on the contact of units 5 and 6 (as in
N34/E25),on the contact of units 4 and 5 (as in N34/E29),or on both
contacts is not clear.The precise delineation of an original
depositional surface for the artifacts found in this component is
difficult to determine because of the irregular and gradational contacts
in the lower stratigraphic units.
!:valuation:
This site ;s situated beside a ca.18 ha lake at the top of a ca.20 m
high discrete knoll and probably functioned as a brief camp during two
periods of occupation.Proximity to the lake and its outlet may suggest
exploitation of freshwater aquatic resources such as fish and waterfowl.
Component 1 shows evidence of activities centered around a hearth in
association with caribou bone and thermally altered rock.It is
underlain by the Devil tephra.Component 2 is poorly represented.It
lies in an as yet undefined zone between the Watana and Oshetna tephra
contact and the glacial drift.The exact provenience of the artifacts
could not be determined,as all the test squares at this site showed
similar disturbance in the lower portions of their stratigraphic
sequences.Estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts
is 50 square meters (Table 0.2).
D-375
.,
-3 ____
*
oo
-~--------.----------
Systematic Square 0 0 5 10TestI
Test pit 0 i1ETERS
Shovel Test 0
Grid Sterile Contour Interval:.5 m
Test:0 .,
Site Datum X
Figure 0.57.Site Map,TLM 048
0-376
0-377
6
5
1
2
7a (CULTURAL)
7b (C U L T U R A L)
3
4
UNIT
CONTACT:CULTURAL
P.R 0 F I L E
Figure 0.58.Composite Profile,TLM 048
o
5
40
30
35
10
25
15
20
DEPTH (em)
-,---------------------
!~.
Table 0.81.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 048
.~
Unit
1
2
3
4
Description
Organic layer:thick root mat in some squares;in other
parts of site limited to a sparse lichen cover.Variable
in thickness.0 horizon.
Finely divided organic matter;dark reddish brown (5YR
2.5/2).Irregular in extent sometimes absent.In some
areas contains many rootlets and small pieces of
charcoal.
Fine-grained,well-sorted silt size particles;gray (lOYR
6/1)to pinkish gray (7.5YR 6/2).Devil tephra.
Variable in thickness.Continuous in some units while
discontinuous in others.Contacts irregular and sharp.
Well-sorted to moderately well-sorted silt size particles
with some sand;dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3 to 10YR 3/3)
to brownish yellow (10YR 6/6)depending on degree of
oxidation.Watana tephra.Discontinuous;in places
mixed with other units.Generally no distinct oxidized
band,instead oxidized areas distributed throughout unit.
Irregular contacts.
0-378
-
-
Table 0.81.(Continued)
-
-
-
Unit
5
6
7a
7b
Description
Oshetna tephra;gray (10YR 5/1).Unit rarely occurs in
II pure ll form but rather is intermixed with underlying
drift (unit 6).Thin (ca.1 cm or less)band of organics
present sporadically at the upper contact of the unit.
Discontinuous;variable in thickness where present.
Upper and lower contacts (especially the latter)tend to
be gradational;very irregular contacts.
Poorly sorted,mixed sand,granules,and cobbles;strong
brown (7.5YR 4/6).Oxidized throughout.Cobbles
generally rounded but occasionally angular rock fragment
present;maximum cobble size ca.15 cm.Upper contact
irregular and gradational.
Feature 1:Ash of cultural origin intermixed with
rootlets,thermally altered rocks,bone,and bone meal;
grayish brown (10YR 5/2).Present only in northern
portion of N32/E22,in some areas may be mixed with unit
3,otherwise sharp contacts.
Feature 1:Organic rich lens in ash (unit 7A);black (N
2/).Irregular in extent and thickness.Sharp contacts.
0-379
Table 0.82.
Artifact Summary,TLM 048
Tools -
1
1
1
1
4
Lithic Material
7
8
3
316+
2
Fauna 1 Mater;a1
ca.1,421
Modified flake
1 Basalt (UA81-278-26)
Microblade fragment
1 Argillite (UA81-278-3)
Biface
1 Argillite (UA80-155-1)
Flake core
1 Chert (UA81-278-13)
Argillite flakes
Chert flakes
Rhyolite flakes
Thermally altered rocks
Rock fragments
Bone fragments
0-380
-
,-
-
-
I~-
Table D.83.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 048
3
1
1
6
4
ca.1,400
~,
Unit
7a Associated
wi th Feature 1
Description
1 Left tibia medial shaft fragment,burned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Radius shaft fragment,burned,probably
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Possible cuboid fragment,calcined,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Astragalus fragment,calcined,probably
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Distal metapodial (hindlimb)fragments,
calcined,probably caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
Distal metapodial fragments,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Sesamoid,burned,probably caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
Proximal fragment proximal phalanx,burned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Distal fragments proximal phalange,burned
and calcined,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Proximal fragments medial phalanges,burned
and calcined,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
burned and calcined,medium-large mammal
0-381
Table 0.84.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLlVl 048
.-
Unit Description
1/2 1 Thermally altered rock
Contact between ~
the organic mat and
organic silt ~
4/5 1 Argi 11 ite fl ake -Contact between 2 Chert flakes
Watana and Oshetna
tephras
5 1 Argillite biface (UA80-ISS-I)-,
Oshetna tephra
5/6 6 Argillite flakes
Contact between 3 Rhyo 1ite fl a kes
Oshetna tephra 1 Argillite microblade fragment (UA81-278-3)
and Glacial drift
7a and 7b 6 Chert flakes
Mi xed cu ltu ra 1 1 Basalt modified flake (UA81-278-26)-
ash and organics 1 Chert flake.core (UA81-278-13)
315+Thermally altered rocks -2 Rock fragments
0-382
AHRS Number TLM 049;Accession Number UA80-156
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 48:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
East of Oshetna River Mouth
Figure 0.59
Figure E.126
Talkeetna Mts.C-l,Figure E.8
Appendix F
-
-
-
Setting:
The site,situated approximately 732 m asl (2400 feet),is located south
of the Susitna River and east of the mouth of the Oshetna River.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 30 m
below the elevation of the site.The Susitna River,flowing in a
serpentine course,is northwest of the site.The confluence of the
Oshetna River with the Susitna 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 approxi-
mately 15 m above the Susitna River and approximately 45-60 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.The
northernmost and smaller of the lakes,approximately 3 ha in size,is
west of the site and in view.The southernmost lake,an equal distance
southwest of the site,is not visible.These two lakes,the Susitna
River,and Oshetna River are easily accessible from the site.Other
large lakes lie 1-2 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
0-383
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.
Testing:
Cultural material was observed on the surface and in subsurface tests at
this site (Table 0.85).Four test pits 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.Only one of these tests (test
pit 1)produced cultural material.A single black basalt flake was
found in test pit 1 between the surface and 5 cmbs in the humus layer
below which glacial drift was encountered.A snowshoe hare (Lepus
americanus)left mandible fragment was discovered between the surface
and 5 cmbs in the humus at test pit 2.Two additional flakes were
noted~but not collected~in a blowout on a narrow portion of the ridge
top approximately 500 m south of the site datum.Estimated site size
based on the distribution of artifacts is 4 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-384
--
-
-
'"""
-
Table 0.85.
Artifact Summary,TLM 049
~"''4 Provenience Description
.-
Lithic Material-
Surface:2 Flakes (uncollected)
Subsurface:
,-...Test Pit 1 1 Basa It fl ake
Faunal Material
Subsurface:
-
.-
.-
Test Pit 2 1 Left mandible fragment with teeth,
unburned,snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus)
0-385
Test Pit 0
Site Datum X
Sl?ruce Tree ~
Shrub Birch 0
T ••t 4
o
I
~lETERS
Contour Interval:.5 m
Figure 0.59.Site Map,TLM 049
0-386
10
I
-
-
AHRS Number TlM 050;Accession Numbers UA80-157,UA8l-299
J\rea:
Site Map:
Survey locale 29a:
USGS Map:
Site location:
.,?etti ng:
Southeast of Watana Creek Mouth
Figure 0.60
Figure E.106
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
-
The site is l6cated at 498 m asl (altimeter:1635 feet)near the mouth
of an unnamed creek which joins the Susitna River from the northeast,
upriver from the mouth of Watana Creek.Situated on a small alluvial
bench on the east bank of the 4 m wide creek,the site is upstream from
the mouth of the creek and east of the creek margin.This small bench,
is the only relatively flat area in an otherwise irregular ground
surface.The bench is approximately 2 m above the creek and 4 m above
the Susitna River.The site is in an area of low topographic relief
which slopes steeply upward to the northeast toward a high plateau where
a large number Qf sites have been identified.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 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 30-40 m.The northern 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 topo-
graphy to less than 100 m except to the southwest across the Susitna
River which is approximately 200 m wide at this location and contains
numerous forested islands.Vegetation is dense in the immediate
vicinity of the site and consists of large white spruce,birch,and
alder with lowbush and highbush cranberry,wild rose,labrador tea,
blueberry,equisetum,and various grasses.Surrounding vegetation is
0-387
similar but includes cottonwood and willow along the bank of the Susitna
River and greater concentrations of white and black spruce to the
southeast toward the river.
Testing:
No cultural material was observed on the surface at this site,however,
shovel test 1 revealed thermally altered rock approximately 10 cmbs
associated with burned bone and charcoal.This shovel test was expanded
into test pit 1 which presented a concentration of charcoal,burned
bone,and thermally altered rock 14-30 cmbs,between the humus and a
yellow sand,and represented two hearth featu~es.Two additional test
pits (test pits 2 and 3)excavated to the northeast and southwest of
test pit 1 did not reveal additional cultural material.
Systematic testing of TLM 050 included the excavation of six 1 x 1 m
test squares and five shovel tests.Four of the test squares were
concentrated in the "immediate vicinity of test pit 1 which produced
cultural material from two hearth features during survey testing.These
test squares were excavated in an attempt to define the apparent hearth
features,clarify their relationship,and determine the site size.The
two additional test squares and five shovel tests were placed to help
define the southern extent of the site.
A grid shovel testing expansion program was undertaken to assist in
determining site size and the distributions of cultural materials.
Twenty grid shovel tests were excavated,but none of them contained
cultural materials.
Discussion:
During systematic testing,cultural material was recovered from all six
test squares from what appear to be two occupational horizons at the
site.Lithic material,faunal material,and thermally altered rock were
recovered from these test squares (Tables 0.87,0.88,and 0.89).The
upper component relates to the hearth features recorded during survey
0-388
-
-
testing,while the lower component is comprised of 1ithics only.The
two northernmost shovel tests,also excavated during systematic testing,
produced three thermally altered rock fragments but no other cultural
material.
Stratigraphy throughout the site consisted of approximately 55 cm of
fluvial deposits overlying glacial drift (Figure 0.61;Table 0.86)..
Eight major stratigraphic units were recognized.The upper organic mat
with roots and decaying wood (unit 1)overlies a humic A horizon
consisting of finely divided organics mixed with silt and sand (unit 2).
Unit 2 contained cultural remains,which were assigned to component 1.
Unit 3 consisted of sand and fine grain gravel probably resulting from
overbank deposits from flooding of the Susitna River.This unit was
continuous throughout the site.Underlying unit 3.was a·very dark brown
silt and sand deposit (unit 4)which contained lighter colored silt and
sand lenses.Unit 4 contained cultural remains,which were assigned to
component 2.Unit 5 consisted of a mixed silt and tephra deposit which
exhibited a distinctive E-B soil horizon indicating a prolonged period
of weathering.The upper part of this unit is reworked and mixed,as
evidenced by small sand lenses found within it.Below unit 5 a silty
loam (unit 6)overlays another sand and fine to coarse gravel deposit
(unit 7)interpreted as overbank flooding deposits from the nearby creek
west of the site.Below this,glacial drift (unit 8)was encountered
consisting of unsorted,coarse sand,pebbles,and cobbles.The site
appears to represent two periods of occupation,on the basis of their
stratigraphic positioning in units 2 and 4.
Upper Component:The upper component was first encountered during
survey testing,when two hearths were revealed.Hearth 1 occurs between
13 and 15 cmbs,and is located between the humus and the light brown
silt.A radiocarbon determination of 280 ±110 years:A.D.1670
(OIC-1905)was obtained on a charcoal sample (UA80-157-3)from this
hearth collected between 18 and 27 cmbs and above the light brown silt.
Hearth 2,lying at a depth of 16-30 cmbs,is located between the light
brown silt and a culturally sterile yellow sand. A concentration of
burned bone,charcoal,and thermally altered rock is associated with
0-389
this hearth.Another charcoal sample (UA80-I57-I)collected from hearth
2 between 28 and 35 cmbs was considered too small,after cleaning,to
give a reliable date,but was run and produced a date of 280 ±245
years:A.D.1670 (OIC-I904).
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 pit 1 was then
extended 17 cm west and additional faunal material and charcoal were
collected.Test pit 1 produced I·cranial fragment,1 rib fragment,2
carpal/tarsal fragments,2 caribou (Rangifer tarandus)phalanges,1
caribou sesamoid,1 c~ribou metapodial fragment,1 bird tarsometatarsus
fragment,and ca.210 long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments.The
majority of these faunal remains represent medium-large mammals.One of
the bone fragments (Lot UA80-I57 -7)recovered between 17 and 30 crnbs
exhibits a distinct cut mark.Other than 34 thermally altered rock
fragments,no lithic material of cultural origin was found in test
pit 1.
Cultural material associated with the upper component was recovered from
the humic A horizon (unit 2)in five test squares.It is not known
whether the dense concentration of charcoal,lithics,and faunal
material recovered from these squares represents an extension of the
hearths recorded during survey testing or an additional feature.
Approximately 275 calcined or heavily burned and two unburned long bone
fragments associated with charcoal and thermally altered rock were too
fragmentary for identification (Table 0.88).These bone fragments were
recovered from the three adjacent test squares (NIOO/EI02,N99/EIOI,and
N98/EI02).The majority of the calcined faunal remains represent
medium-large mammals,which is also true for the larger bone fragments
recovered during the ~urvey testing.
Lithic artifacts associated with this component were excavated from a
single test square (N96/EIOO)3 m southwest of the main concentration.
Six waste flakes of white chalcedony,chert,and basalt were recovered
from unit 2 (Tables 0.89).None of the flakes exhibit cor.tex.The
0-390
-
-
-
-
flakes appear to be products of pressure retouch resulting from
resharpening of tools rather than debitage from primary tool
manufacture.
!.ower Component::The lower component is separated from the upper
component by a sand deposit (unit 3)which does contain some cultural
material.Three bone fragments were found in unit 3 in test square
N96/EI00,but were interpreted as being intrusive from the unit above.
A single gray green banded chert flake was also recovered from unit 3 in
test square N99/EI0l.Because the chert flake is similar in raw
material to lithic artifacts primarily associated with unit 4,it is
also considered to be intrusive.
Cultural material recovered from unit 4,a dark brown silt and sand
deposit underlying the well-sorted sand in unit 3,consists of lithic
material and two bone fragments.These artifacts were excavated from
three test squares (N99/EI0l,N95/E95,and N99/EI03).Two large waste
flakes of gray green banded chert similar to the flake from unit 3 and a
large unifacially retouched flake of this same raw material (UA81-229-2)
were recovered in test square N99/EI0l. This retouched flake has
continuous dorsal retouch along the distal margin.It is large enough
to fit easily in the hand and may have been used without hafting.Two
yellow brown chert waste flakes were also recovered from unit 4 in tests
N95/E95 and N99/EI03.Two unburned long bone fragments of medium-large
mammal were found in unit 3.In addition,two thermally altered rock
fragments were recovered from this unit in test square N95/E95.
Evaluation:
TLM 050 appears to be a temporary campsite which shows evidence of two
periods of occupation,the most recent of which was in late prehistoric
or early historic times.The sheltered location of the site and the
close proximity to water would make this location an attractive
campsite.The lack of extensive debitage from tool manufacture and
resharpening and the presence of only one tool suggests that TLM 050 was
not occupied for a very long time during the two periods of occupation.
0-391
The lower occupation of the site is not dated by radiocarbon but occurs
in a unit which was interpreted in the field as a mixed silt/tephra
deposit (unit 4)overlying a yellowish brown tephra which shows evidence
of considerable weathering (unit 5).If unit 5 is interpreted as Watana
tephra and the tephra in unit 4 is Devil tephra,then the lower
component would not be earlier than,the minimum limiting date on the
Watana tephra.
Topography restricts the extent of the site to the north,west,and
east.If·the shovel tests to the south of the site are representative
of the artifact distribution,the site is probably limited to the
immediate vicinity of the area excavated during survey and systematic
testing.The upper component is strikingly similar to the TLM 022 and
TLM 043,and several sites located west of Watana Creek,which coupled
with data from TLM 050 will greatly enhance our understanding of late
prehistoric Athapaskan subsistence cycle in the upper Susitna River
area.The lower component could provide critical data pertinent to
understanding cultural developments and transitions prior to or during
the early phases of late prehistoric Athapaskan times.Observed site
size based on the distribution of artifacts is 51 square meters
(Table 0.2).
D-392
-
-
GN
N100
N 98
/
N96
N 94
'"
oo
Systematic Test Square [)0 10 20
,,-.L
Test pit c L-IETERS
Shovel Test 0
rs~
Grid Test:Sterile a Contour Interval:1 m
Site Datum X
~Birch Tree @
-
Figure D.60.Site Map,TLM 050
0-393
________,~.-------"'iA4 ._
DEPTH (em)
0
to
20
30
40
50
'I
1 60
1
70
80
PROFILE UNIT
1
2 CULTURAL
3
4 CULTURAL
5
6
7
8
Figure D.61.Composite Profile,TLM 050
0-394
Table 0.86.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 050
1~,
-
,-.
Unit
1.
2
3
4
5
Description
Organic mat,roots up to 20 cm in diameter.Lower
boundary sharp.
Organic silt and silt;very dark brown (10YR 3/2).
Varies in thickness from 15-20 cm,occurs over entire
site.Dark brown and grayish brown lenses present along
with decayed wood.Lower boundary abrupt.Cultural
material present.
Sand;dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2).Poorly sorted,
varies from medium to very coarse throughout site.Lower
boundary abrupt.
Silt;very dark brown (10YR 3/2).Varies in thickness
from 10-15 cm and is present over entire site.Dark
brown and grayish brown color variation in discontinuous
lenses.Possibly mixed with tephra.Lower boundary
clear but involuted.Cultural material present.
Silt;yellowish brown (10YR 5/3).Unit varies in
thickness from 8-14 cm.Possibly a tephra.Occurs
throughout entire site.Lower boundary abrupt.
0-395
Table 0.86.(Continued)
~.
Unit
6
7
8
Description
Silty loam;olive gray (5Y 4/2).Sand and clay
percentage varies.Thin dark brown silt subunit occurs
discontinuously at upper contact.Lower contact clear
and involuted or mixed with unit 7.
Sandy loam;olive gray (5Y 4/2).Approximately 10%
cobbles.Lower boundary diffuse.
Poorly sorted silty coarse sand with pebbles,cobbles,
and boulders;very dark brown.
D-396
-
-
Table 0.87.
Artifact Summary ~TLM 050
Tools
1 Modifi ed fl ake
1 Chert (UA81-229-2)
~
Lithic Material
-1 Basalt flake
2 Chalcedony flakes
8 Chert flakes
147 Thermally altered rocks
~"1 Rock fragment
159
Faunal Materi a1
ca.499 Bones and bone fragments
,~
0-397
Table 88.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 050
-,
......
..
Unit
2
Organic silt
3
Sand
Unknown Hearths
1 and 2
(Survey
testing
Description
1 Possible rib fragment,calcined,
medium-large mammal
1 Long bone shaft fragment,unburned,
medium-large mammal
1 Flatbone fragment,unburned,medium-large
mammal
230 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
burned and calcined,medium-large mammal
45 Unidentifible bone fragments,calcined,
mammal
2 Long bone fragments,unburned,medium-large
mammal
1 Left proximal metapodial (hindlimb)
fragment,burned,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
1 Proximal fragment proximal phalanx,
calcined,cut marks,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
1 Proximal fragment medial phalanx,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Carpal/tarsal fragments,burned,large
mammal
1 Cranial fragment,unburned,medium-large
mammal
0-398
-
-
,~
Table 0.88.(Continued)
Unit Description
1
1
,~210
1
--
-
Rib fragment,unburned,medium-large mammal
Distal tarsometatarsus fragment,calcined,
bird
Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
burned and calcined,medium-large mammal
Unidentifiable bone fragment,calcined,
small mammal
0-399
-------------------------
Table 0.89.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 050
-Unit Description
2 1 Basa It fl ake
Organic silt 2 Chalcedony flakes
3 Chert flakes
109 Thermally altered rocks
1 Rock fragment
~
3 1 Chert fl ake
Sand
4 4 Chert flakes
Silt 1 Chert modified flake (UA81-229-2)~
2 Thermally altered rocks
Unknown 36 Thermally altered rocks
(Survey testing)
0-400
AHRS Number TLM 051;Accession Number UA80-158
Plrea:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 151:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northeast of Tsusena Creek Mouth
Figure 0.62
Fi gure E.245
Talkeetna Mts.0-4,Figure E.2
Appendix F
-
_.
The site is located east of Ts~sena Creek and northeast of the
confluence of Tsusena Creek with the Susitna River.Located at an
elevation of ca.701 m asl (2300 feet)on a 50 x 15 m bench which forms
the northern extens i on of the summit of a knoll,the site 1i es at the
northwest corner of the bench 2-3 m 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.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-ha lake with a long finger of the lake extending
to the northwest.The lake margin,located 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 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 slopes of more than 30
degrees.The site appears to be oriented more toward the surrounding
lakes which are eas"ily accessible.TLM 015,identified by Bacon
(1978b),i~located in the same topographic context,to the south on a
similar but slightly lower knoll.The ground surface at site TLM 051 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
0-401
-----~-~-------
increase in density in lower elevations where alder thickets are
present.
Testing:
No cultural material was observed on the surface at the site;however,a
~hovel test revealed four argillite flakes approximately 20 cmbs,one of
which (UA80-158-1)was modified (Table 0.90).This shovel test was
expanded into test pit 1 (Figure 0.62)which produced an additional
argillite flake 17 cmbs in a possible paleosol lens contained within a
matrix of yellow brown sand and gravel which was interpreted as glacial
drift.All of the flakes recovered from the initial shovel test and
test pit 1 show a light to dark brown staining on one side.A possible
volcanic ash layer is present in test pit 1 between 5 and 10 cmbs.Four
additional test pits were excavated at the site but did not reveal
additional cultural material.Estimated site size based on the
distribution of artifacts is 4 square meters (Table 0.2).
Table 0.90.
Artifact Summary,TLM 051
-
-
'"""
Provenience
Lithic Material
Subsurface:
Test pit 1
Description
4 Argillite flakes
1 Argillite modified flake (UA80-158-1)
0-402
·4
Te.tS 0
,,,,,,,,,,,"
Test Pit a 0 '3 18
I ,
Site Datum X 1-1ETERS
~
Contour Interval:1 m
Te.t
~-
-
r""",
Figure 0.62.Site Map,TlM 051
0-403
----=._-_.----------
AHRS Number TLM 052;Accession Number UA80-159
~,
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 51:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northwest of Jay Creek Mouth
Locus A,Figure 0.63
Figure E.129
Talkeetna Mts.0-2,Figure E.4
Appendix F
The site,consisting of two loci (A and B),is located on a
southeast-northwest trending kame at an elevation of ca.884 m asl (2900
feet)north of the Susitna River and northwest of the mouth of Jay
Creek.This kame forms a ridge,the highest of numerous deflated ridges
and knolls characteristic of the 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 and overlook the largest kettle lake in the area,an
8-ha lake,locally known as Laha Lake,southeast of the site and ca.
91 m lower in elevation.To the east of the site,the lake's outlet
stream is visible.This stream drains the higher terrain to the north.
A 3-ha lake,not visible from the site,is located 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 138 m 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,
lowbush 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
0-404
-
i~
.-
-
--
,~
--
of tundra and low brush with areas of marsh and grass in the vicinity of
the lake margins.
Testing:
Both surface and subsurface cultural materials were found at the site
including a surface lithic scatter (locus A)exposed on the south slope
af the ridge crest at the edge of a large deflated area,and two
isolated surface artifacts (locus B)observed approximately 130-150 m
northeast of locus A on the rounded and largely deflated crest of the
northeastern end of the ridge (Figure 0.63).Artifacts collected from
this site include 1 point base,1 preform,1 biface fragment,and 1
chalcedony pebble fragment (Table 0.91).Thirty-four additional flakes
were observed on the surface but left in situ.
locus A:Surface artifacts were observed at the southern edge of the
deflated ridge crest during surface survey.The exposed portion of the
flake scatter measures approximately 5 x 15 m (Figure 0.63).Artifacts
surface collected from this scatter include a straight,edge-ground
black chert lanceolate point base (UA80-159-1;Figure D.376e),and a
similiar but smaller fragment of a gray argillite bifqce exhibiting the
same characteristics (UA80-159-4;Figure 0.376f).In addition,four
argillite and three basalt flakes were surface collected.Approximately
30 black basalt and three argillite flakes were left in situ.Test
pit 1,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 gray leached silt (possibly Devil tephra).No
other cultural material was revealed by test pit 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 gray basalt preform
fragment (UA80-159-12;Figure 0.376g)was surface collected 138.6 m
northeast of the datum at locus A (Figure 0.63).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
0-405
..A ---·-----------
located 33.8 m southeast of the locus B datum.No subsurface testing
was conducted at locus B.Estimated site size based on the distribution
of artifacts is 8,000 square meters (Table 0.2).
Table 0.91.
Artifact Summary,TLM 052
......
Provenience
Lithic Material
Surface:
Locus A
Locus B
Subsurface:
Locus A
Test Pit 1
Description
4 Argillite flakes
3 Basalt flakes
1 Argillite biface fragment (UA80-159-4)
1 Chert lanceolate point base (UA80-159-1)
1 Chalcedony pebble
3 Argillite flakes (uncollected)
30 Basalt flakes (uncollected)
1 Basalt preform fragment (UA80-159-12)
1 Basalt flake (uncollected)
1 Basalt fl ake
0-406
<!1!11'),
-
'"'"
dell.ted .re.
-:-
-:-
,..,,,
I I,_...."
-:-
-:-
Te.t
\
"-
"""....
"....
".......,..~~
""""",
"I ,",'\'"\'"1 I....I I -,-
....'I"10~",.,...._--,.,.
-'-"
I ".........--
.......-----------.._--/"""
I
_I-
I
-;-
Test Pit 0 a 1 2
I I r
Site Datum X METERS
Surface Artifact I-,-..-'"Artifact Cluster '.I --'"--Deflated .i\rea Limit ,--,
Figure D.63 Site Map,TLM 052 Locus A
0-407
AHRS Number TLM 053;Accession Number"UA80-160
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 51:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
North-northeast of Jay Creek Mouth
Locus A,Figure 0.64
Figure E.130
Talkeetna Mts.0-2,Figure E.4
Appendix F
The site,consisting of two loci (A and B),is located north-northeast
of the confluence of Jay Creek with the Susitna River and west of Jay
Creek.Situated on a 150-200 m long,discrete,northeast-southwest
trending ridge line at an elevation of ca.975 m asl (3200 feet),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.The Susitna River valley is visible approximately 3 kill
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.
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.The northeastern end of the ridge
terminates abruptly and locus A is situated on a relatively flat 20 x
25 m 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
dwa~f and shrub birch,lowbush cranberry,crowberry,bearberry,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.
0-408
-
.-.
....
Locus B: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.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
8 ha lake,locally known as Laha Lake,located 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.
Testing:
Surface and subsurface cultural material was located at the site;all
observed surface artifacts were collected.
Locus A:Locus A consists of a surface lithic scatter covering an area
of approximately 6 x 8 m (Figure 0.64).Artifacts surface collected
from locus A include 2 modified chert flakes (UA80-160-4,6),1
quartzite modified flake (UA80-160-1),and 2 unmodified flakes (Table
0.92).Test pit 1,excavated at the west edge of the deflated area in
which the artifacts are exposed.produced a single light brown quartzite
flake 10 cmbs in a dark gray leached silt (possible Devil tephra).
Glacial drift was encountered in test pit 1 between 10 and 19 cmbs.
Locus B:A single gray rhyolite flake (UA80-160-2)modified on the
dorsal surface was surface collected approximately 240 m southwest of
locus A (Figure 0.64;Table 0.92).Intensive surface survey 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 mapping or subsurface testing
was initiated.At locus A,estimated site size based on the
distribution of artifacts is 48 square meters.At locus B,estimated
site size based on the distribution of artifacts is 4 square meters
(Table 0.2).
0-409
Table 0.92.
Artifact Summary,TLM 053
Provenience Description
-
Lithic Material -Surface:
Locus A 1 Basa 1t fl ake
1 Quartzite fl ake
2 Chert modified flakes (UA80-160-4,6)
1 Quartzite modified flake (UA80-160-1)
Locus B 1 Rhyolite modified flake (UA80-160-2)
Subsurface:
~
Locus A
Test Pit 1 1 Quartzite flake
-
-
0-410 -
-----------
areadeflated
-:-
~'---_..~,--,---------,.,---..-,.-"-,-I I
I
I
t
)~-
J
tID)
,,-........_-,",.--,
,"".-..."I
.',.......-\"'\..........""
'-":,':',-"'~'....,
\
Te.t p (
I
,..,J
I '--'
"_I-t 1_:-
I
I
240 m "
J..
..."...'-------_...
,.,.,.......-
-',.,....-----
""",
-
Test Pit 0 a 4 8III
Site Datum X METERS
Surface Artifact -:-
I
Deflated Area Limit ..
"
..~
Alder @
Figure 0.64.Site Map,TLM 053 Locus A
0-411
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
AHRS Number TLM 054;Accession Number UA81-245
North of Tsusena Butte
Figure D.65
Proposed Borrow C,Figure E.276
Talkeetna Mts.D-4,Figure £.2
Appendix F
-
The site is located on a kame east of Tsusena Creek.Although the site
is 15-20 m above the level of Tsusena Creek at an elevation of 751 m asl
(altimeter:2465 feet),the location affords limited visibility of
Tsusena Creek and the intervening series of kames and eskers to the
west.A small clear water stream passes south of the site and in the
past may have eroded the landform on which the site rests.The stream
drains the 1525 m asl (5000 feet)mountains to the east through a
"V"-shaped valley which terminates a kilometer above the site,
eventually joining Tsusena Creek to the west-southwest in the immediate
vicinity of TLM 086.TLM 054 occupies the southwest quarter of the 20 x
10 m kame.The kame is oriented northeast-southwest and is distinct
from the ridges and slope of the eastern valley wall.A large marsh,
ca.200 (northwest-southeast)x 40 m,is the prominent terrain feature
in view,being at the western base of the kame and 10-15 m lower in
elevation.In addition to the marsh,the sinuous course of the stream
to the south and the gentle slopes of valley walls to the east form the
principal surrounding topographic features.The absence of spruce trees
would increase the visibility from the site to a kilometer to the north
and south as well as along the southward course of Tsusena Creek to the
west.In addition to spruce,local vegetation consists of dwarf birch,
Labrador tea,sphagnum moss,and lichens.
D-412
-.
-
-
Testing:
Two dark gray chalcedony flakes were recovered from beneath the organic
mat during an initial shovel test (Table 0.93).The shovel test was
expanded into test pit 1,resulting in the additional recovery of one
small bone fragment at 5 cmbs.No cultural material was found on the
surface or in a second subsurface test 5 m to the northeast.A grid
shovel testing program was implemented to assist in determining the
areal extent of TLM 054.Sixteen grid shovel tests were excavated,but
none produced cultural remains.Observed site size based on the
distribution of artifacts is 4 square meters (Table 0.2).
Table 0.93.
Artifact Summary,TLM 054
Provenience
Lithic Material
Subsurface:
Test pit 1
Faunal Material
Subsurface:
Test pit 1
Description
2 Chalcedony flakes
1 Unidentifiable bone fragment,calcined,
large mammal
0-413
--------"""""'-'--.-.-------
"!i>:',
~
-H-~,
~
"""
-
T ••to
~
/
""'"
pit 0 0 4 8Test
Grid Test:Sterile 0 HETERS
Site Datum X
Contour Interval:.5 m
Figure D.65.Site Map,TLM 054
0-414
-
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
AHRS Number TLM 055;Accession Number UA81-246
Northwest of Tsusena Butte
Figure 0.66
Proposed Borrow C,Figure E.277
Talkeetna Mts.0-4,Figure E.2
Appendix F
.-
The site is located north of the northwest tip of Tsusena Butte,and
west of Tsusena Creek.It lies in a north-south glacial valley of about
500 m in width,dominated by marshy terrain interspersed with ice
stagnation topography.The site is situated atop a ca.12 m circular
knoll at the southern end of the valley,at an elevation of 756 m asl
(altimeter:2479 feet).This discrete knoll rises only about 2 m above
the immediate surrounding terrain.The relief in the vicinity decreases
in height to the east toward Tsusena Creek,and the valley wall rises in
elevation to the west of the site.Site TLM 097 is northeast of TLM 055
and as it lies below the level of an intervening knoll it is not
visible.Parts of Tsusena Creek are visible from the site,as is
Tsusena Butte and the eastern valley wall of Tsusena Creek.Vegetation
at the site consists of lichen,moss,dwarf birch,blueberry,lowbush
cranberry,crowberry,and scattered spruce.The surface is uneven due
to vegetation concentrations and differential soil deposition.Spruce
trees are clustered in the poorly drained channels surrounding the site
and on the slopes of the valley wall.The marshy plain to the east of
the site is covered by muskeg.
Testing:
There are no surface indications of the site.However,a shovel test
revealed a pale red rhyolite scraper (UA81-246-1;Figure 0.376h)at
7 cmbs.In the subsequent test (test pit 1),four gray argillite flakes
were found at 9 cmbs.An additional shovel test,dug prior to discovery
of the site yielded no artifacts.
0-415
During the systematic testing of site TLM 097,TLM 055 was revis.ited and
a single 1 x 1 m test square excavated at the site in an attempt to
obtain additional diagnostic lithic material.Three very small chert
flakes were the only lithic material recovered from this test square.
A grid shovel testing program was undertaken to assist in determining
site size.A total of 23 shovel tests were excavated;however,none
contained artifacts.
Discussion
Testing at TLM 055 involved the excavation of 1 survey shovel test,1
test pit,1 test square,and 23 grid shovel tests.The cultural remains
recovered from this site consisted of 1 rhyolite scraper,4 argillite
flakes,3 chert flakes,5 thermally altered rocks,and 4 bone fragments
(Tables 0.95,0.96,and 0.97).
Six stratigraphic units were defined at TLM 055.These units are
depicted in Figure 0.67 and described in Table D.94.The basal sediment
is glacial drift (unit 6)which has an oxidized portion and an
unoxidized portion.Above the glacial drift is the Oshetna tephra (unit
5)which may be mixed with other sediments in the grid shovel tested
areas.Overlying the Oshetna drift is the Watana tephra.The lower
portion of this tephra unit is unoxidized (unit 4b)while the upper
portion (unit 4a)shows variable amounts of oxidation.The contact
between the subunits is gradational.The Devil tephra (unit 3)caps the
sequence of tephras present at this site.It is variable in color and
may be discontinuous off the summit.The tephra sequence is overlain by
an 02 horizon (unit 2)with abundant charcoal,especially at its lower
boundary,which may indicate a paleosol development or a burning
episode.The sedimentary units are capped ~y an organic mat (unit 1)of
mosses,lichens,dwarf birch,Labrador tea,and berries.The
stratigraphy encountered during systematic testing indicates some
geologic mixing of the soil units underlying the Devil tephra (unit 3)
as these units are discontinuous throughout the test pit.
0-416
-
,~
-
-
-
The initial survey testing revealed a rhyolite scraper (UA81-264-1)in
the lower portion of the finely divided organics (unit 2)and four
argillite flakes at the contact between the finely divided organics and
the Devil tephra.Systematic testing yielded three chert flakes from
unit 2.Four unidentifiable burned bone fragments and five thermally
altered rocks were found in association with a dense concentration of
charcoal in the same finely divided organic horizon from which the
previous material was collected.The grid shovel testing program did
not produce any additional cultural remains.On the basis of the survey
and systematic testing phases,the site appears to be single component
and restricted to a very limited area in the immediate vicinity of the
top of the knoll.
Evaluation:
TLM 055 is located on a knoll that is centrally located between Tsusena
Creek and the sloping valley walls to the west,northwest of Tsusena
Butte.The surrounding terrain is interspersed with similar knolls,
valley terrace remnants,and poorly drained marshy channels and bogs.
Testing at the site has revealed the presence of a single component in
the lower portion of the organics which overlie the Devil tephra and the
contact of these two units.The site is apparently spatially restricted
to the knoll top.Estimated site size based on the distribution of
artifacts is 8 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-417
-
""'"
~-
-tt-
I -
~
o
~
Systematic Test Square 0 Q 4 8
Test pit 0 METERS
Shovel Test 0
Grid Test:Sterile 0 Contour Interval:.5 m
Site Datum X
Figure 0.66.Site Map,TLM 055
0-418
DEPTH (em)
o
10
16
20
26
30
PROFILE UNIT
1
2 -CULTURAL
3
4.
4b
6
8
Figure 0.67.Composite Profile,TlM 055
0-419
Table 0.94.
_Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 055
Unit
1
2
3
4a
4b
Description
Organic root mat:dwarf birch,Labrador tea,lowbush
cranberry,mosses,lichens,blueberry,crowberry,and
leaf cover.Thickness varies from less than 1 cm to
greater than 6 cm.
Finely divided organics mixed with very fine grained
silt;black (10YR 2/1).Abundant charcoal flecks and
pieces present with dark organics,possibly burned.
Diffuse contact with unit 3.02 horizon,possibly mixed
with tephras and/or eolian deposits in lower portion of
unit.Basal portion may have very high concentrations of
charcoal.
Very fine grained silt;grayish brown (lOYR 5/2),with
pockets of dark brown (7.5YR 3/2).Devil tephra.
Discontinuous,off knoll top.
Fine silt;dark reddish brown (5YR 2.5/2).Heavily
oxidized.Oxidized Watana tephra.Upper contact clean.
Lower contact with unit 4b gradational.Amount of
oxidation variable.
Fine silt;yellowish brown (10YR 5/6).Unoxidized Watana
tephra.Upper contact with 4a gradational.Lower
contacts clear.Unit 4 ca.6 cm in depth.
0-420
~I
Table 0.94.(Continued)
Unit
5
6
Description
Silt;brown (10YR 5/3).Oshetna tephra.Silty sand
where mixed with drift (unit 6).Unit ca.4 cm in depth.
Sand mixed with pebbles,cobbles,and boulders;dark
brown (7.5YR 3/4)to dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3)where
oxidized.Glacial drift.
0-421
Table 0.95.
Artifact Summary,TLM 055
~
Tools
1 Scraper ~
1 Rhyolite (UA81-246-1)
~
Lithi c Materi a1
"""
4 Argillite fl akes
3 Chert flakes
5 Thermally altered rocks
12
Fauna 1 Material ~
4 Bone fragments ~
0-422
Table 0.96.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit~TLM 055
I~Unit
2
02 hori zan
Table 0.97.
Description
4 Unidentifiable bone fragments~burned~
mammal
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit~TLM 055
,.....
.....
Unit
2
02 horizon
2/3
Contact between
02 horizon and
Devil tephra
Description
3 Chert flakes
1 Rhyolite scraper (UA81-246-1)
5 Thermally altered rocks
4 Argillite flakes
0-423
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
AHRS Number TLM 056
West of Tsusena Butte
Figure 0.68
Proposed Borrow C,Figure E.277
Talkeetna Mts.0-4,Figure E.2
Appendix F
The site is a cabin located on the western boundary of Borrow C,west of
Tsusena Creek.The confluence of Tsusena Creek with the Susitna River
lies to the south.The base of Tsusena Butte is directly east across
the creek ..The cabin is situated on a gently sloping terrace 4 m above
Tsusena Creek at an elevation of 733 m asl (altimeter:2404 feet),
south of a 3 m high knoll.To the west of the site the slope is gentle
but rolling to the base of the steep valley wall 800 m distant.
Vegetation in the area consists of occasional white and black spruce
trees with an understory of grasses,moss,bearberry,Labrador tea,and
dwarf birch.Thick stands of low willow border the creek.
Documentation:
The site consists of a dirt-floored,one room (lot x 7t ft.-internal
dimensions)log cabin constructed of unstripped spruce logs with moss
chinking.The corner joints are saddle notched.The roof originally
sloped toward the west and was supported by a center beam and the top
wall logs upon which rested one layer of split logs with a sod covering.
Due to the collapse of the west wall and roof,the exact slope angle
could not be determined.The east wall was approximately 7t ft.high.
Both the north and south walls were constructed with the wider end of
the logs (tree base)to the east,causing the top of the walls to slant
toward the west.
0-424
-
Openings in the cabin include a small vent hole covered with sheet metal
with punched holes at the top of the north and south walls.The south
wall has aca.2 x 4 ft.door opening.The door is missing,but hinge
holes indicate that the door was hung on the east side and swung out.
Few interior furnishings were noted,however only a third of the cabin
interior is visible due to the ~ollapsed sod covered roof.A crushed
sheet metal stove is in the southwest section of the cabin.Along the
south end of the east wall is a built-in table with lower shelf.It
appears that the rear (north)of the cabin contained some sort of raised
platform now buried under the sod.One metal frying pan was noted on
the floor.
General condition of the cabin is poor.The majority of the log members
are extensively rotted.Although the cabin may not be salvageable,
additional work could provide information on construction techniques and
contents.There was no collection of cultural material at the site.
No associated outbuildings were noted.A rectangular 1.3 (east-west)x
1.8 m (north-south)depression is located southwest of the cabin.A
number of recent tools were found 2 m east of the cabin under a stand of
spruce trees.These included a draw knife,a double headed axe,a coil
of rope,and a section of stove pipe with damper.There is a sparse
scatter of metal cans near the cabin,however,no garbage dump was
noted.A recent number 1 spring trap was found approximately 50 m south
of the cabin.Estimated site size based on the distribution of
artifacts is 225 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-425
Table 0.98.
Artifact Summary,TLM 056
Provenience
Historic Remains
(Uncollected)
Description
Sheet metal frying pan
Double headed axe
Draw kni fe
Coil of rope
Stove pipe with damper
Sheet metal cans
Number 1 spring trap
0-426
#I..
-i-
o
~t;OI .....
':1•I cabin
collapsed --:
wall I_
X
·~~Q~....-H----~~
a 4 8~'b",I I I
Site Datum X METERS
Metal Cans _1-Contour Interval:ea.SO ern1
Depression C)
S!?ruce *-
Figure D.68.Site Map,TLM 056
-D-427
AHRS Number TLM 057;Accession Numbers UA80-255,UABl-203
Area:
Site Map:
Site Location Map:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
East Shore of Big Lake
Figure 0.69
Figure E.52
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
The site,at an elevation ca.945 m asl (3100 feet),is located on the
east margin of Big Lake overlooking an outlet creek to the north and the
lake itself to the west.Occupying 30 m across the top of a rounded
knoll,the site is east of and approximately 30 m above Big Lake,and
south of the creek.Terrain rises to the south of the site along the
lake margin,appearing as deflated ridges and knolls,and rises to the
east as well,in large rounded hills which prevent visibility of Watana
Creek and the Susitna River valley.The overlook characteristic of the
site,therefore,is directed toward the lake to the west and the
surrounding slopes and valleys in other directions.The site is above
present treeline.Dwarf birch,heath,moss,lichens,sedges,and
grasses cover the ground surface.Several deflated areas occur over the
knoll.High brush,including dwarf birch and alder,line creek margins
and poorly drained areas.
Testing:
The site was discovered by the presence of surface artifacts in a
blowout.The surface collected artifacts consisted of 1 chalcedony
flake,2 chert flakes,1 rhyolite flake,3 basalt modified flakes
(UA80-255-1;UA81-203-1,3),and 1 chert mi~roblade fragment
(UA81-203-4).Seven plus basalt waste flakes were left uncollected in
the blowout.An isolated basalt flake was collected from the surface on
the northern portion of the knoll (Table 0.99).Five shovel tests,four
0-428
~,
-
-
,~
of which were placed on the knoll,were sterile.A 40 x 40 cm test pit
(test pit 1)dug on the flat top of the knoll was also sterile (Figure
0.69).The stratigraphy,consisting of a humic mat over sandy gravels
with silt,was devoid of clear tephra units.Estimated site size based
on the distribution of artifacts is 30 square meters (Table 0.2).
Table 0.99.
Artifact Summary,TLM 057
1
ca.7
Provenience
Lithic Material
Surface:
Description
-f.
1 Basalt flake
1 Chalcedony flake
2 Chert flakes
1 Rhyolite flake
3 Basalt modified flakes (UA80-255-1;
UA81-203-1,3)
Chert microblade fragment (UA81-203-4)
Basalt flakes (uncollected)
0-429
Teat 1o
x ...1::..,.r.ll:=:i~''I I+JCluater1I.......J
-1-
Test Pit 0 0 15 30
I 1 I
Shovel Test 0 METERS
Site DatU.il x Contour Interval:.5 m
Surface Artifact _I-
I
Deflated Area ,,-.......
'......_-"~
Figure D.69.Site Map,TLM 057
0-430
AHRS Number TLM 058;Accession Numbers UA81-204,UA84-95
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 21:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
West of Watana Creek
Figure D.70
Figure E.98
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
The site is located on one of a series of terraces of a creek,locally
known as No Name Creek,downriver from the mouth of Watana Creek.The
terrace is ca.38 m above the present level of the Susitna River,at an
elevat10n of 513 m asl (altimeter:1682 feet).The site is located on
the northwest corner of this northwest-southeast trending terrace,north
and east of a channel dividing this terrace from a slightly lower
terrace.At its eastern end the terrace ascends to the northeast and
descends to the southeast.The site overlooks a tributary creek to the
northwest,including a basin vegetated with open spruce forest which
constitutes a former channel of the creek.The Susitna River is south
of the site,but is not visible due to vegetation and topography.The
terrace on which the site is located forms a natural access route from
higher terrain to both the Susitna River and the tributary creek.
Vegetation at the site consists of open white spruce and birch forest
with heath and lichen covering the terrace between isolated spruce
trees.Spruce stands also occur to the south in the intervening channel
and beyond the eastern end of the terrace.
Testing:
TLlVJ 058 was discovered when lithic material was exposed in a shovel test
placed on the terrace during survey.Survey testing at this time was
limited to the expansion of the discovery test into a 40 x 40 cm test
pit (test pit 1)and the placement of six additional shovel tests in the
immediate vicinity.A second 40 x 40 cm test pit (test pit 2)was
excavated ca.10 m southeast of,the first in an attempt to locate
D-431
additional cultural material and to investigate site stratigraphy.All
cultural material collected during survey testing came from the first
shovel test and its expansion into test pit 1.The lithic inventory
consists of 2 chert flakes,1 quartzite flake,and 1 chert modified
flake with bifacial retouch (UA81-209-3).They were described as
originating in a dark gray tephra (Devil)below the organic layer (Table
0.101 and 0.102).
A grid shovel testing program was implemented to locate subsurface
material and to assist in determining the areal extent of the site.
Seventeen shovel tests were excavated,but all failed to produce
cultural material.The six initial survey shovel tests were reexcavated
and the matrix screened through one-quarter inch mesh screen.The tests
were confirmed to be negative.Nine additional grid shovel tests
(placed to the north and south of the site datum)also proved negative.
Systematic testing at TLM 058 consisted of the location and reexcavation
of test pit 1 and the excavation of one 1 x 1 m test square N99/E99.
The reexcavated matrix from test pit 1 did not produce cultural
material.The single test square was excavated at the approximate
center of the shovel test pattern.This test square was placed at the
least ~egetational disturbed area 1 m east of test pit 1.This test
square produced no cultural material.
Discussion:
No artifacts or indications of cultural disturbance were discovered
during the excavation of N99/E99.The stratigraphy of the site is
typical of the project area as a whole.The basal stratigraphic unit is
a sterile slightly oxidized glacial drift (unit 6)containing
unconsolidated sands and cobbles.This drift is overlain with a series
of three volcanic tephra deposits:the Oshetna (unit 5),the Watana
(unit 4),and the Devil (unit 3b).The Oshetna tephra has a dark stain
at the contact with the Watana that conforms to an associated paleosol
identified at other locations.This stain is incorporated into the unit
designation for the Oshetna tephra (unit 5).The tephra sequence is
0-432
-
--
-
-
overlain with an organic mat divided into two units:the decayed humic
layer at the organic mat and Devil tephra (unit lb),and the current
living site vegetation cover (unit la).The stratigraphic sequence
exhibited evidence of frost disturbance (Figure 0.71;Table 0.100)and
contacts between the units were,at times,indistinct.This
necessitated the excavation of several layers in arbitrary 5 centimeter
units (units 2 and 3).This occurred at the contacts of the decayed
humic layer (unit lb),the Devil (unit 3b)and the Watana (unit 4).All
other contacts were sharp and well defined.
Evaluation:
TLM 058 is located on an old terrace of the Susitna River and a creek
locally known as No Name Creek,overlooking the valley formed by the
creek.No cultural material was located during systematic testing.The
varied material types (black and brown chert and white quartzite)found
in test pit 1 suggest that a number of incidences of tool reduction or
modification took place within a very restricted area.Extensive
testing in the immediate site area failed to disclose evidence of
intensive occupation.Estimated site size based on the distribution of
artifacts is 4 square meters (Table D.2).
0-433
~
"()
0 0
0 0 0
0 T.P.1 nG 00
0
N99 E 99
0 0 0
0 0 0 0
o T.P.2
0 0 0
-
Systematic Test Square 0 0 5 10
I I ,
Test Pit 0 METERS
Shovel Test 0 ~
Grid Test:Sterile 0 Contour Interval:.S m
Site Datum X -
Figure 0.70.Site Map,TLM 058
0-434
~I
-
-
-
DEPTH (em)
o
10
1S
20
2S
30
3S
40
PROFILE UNIT
1.
1b
2/3
3.
3b CULTURAL
4
5
e
Figure 0.71.Composite Profile t TLM 058
0-435
Table 0.100.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profiles TLM 058 -
Unit
1a
Ib
2 and 3
Description
Surface organic root mats consisting of thin intertwinned
blanket of roots.Thickness between 0.5-4 cm.
Discontinuous s irregular to wavy contact with 02 unit
below.Truncated by intrusions from below.
Sandy silt organic unit with some charcoal staining.
Generally dark reddish brown (5YR 3/4)s with staining s
black (N2/).02 horizon.Varies in thickness from 0.5
-10 cm.Discontinuous s truncated in small areas by unit
below,irregular to wavy contact with disturbed unit
below.Heavy root penetration.
Arbitrary level units,composed of mixed tephras and
organics.Heavily mottled and cryoturbated unit;ranging
in color from 1 ight yellowish brown (lOYR 6/4)to very
dusky red (2.5YR 2.5/2).Varies in thickness from 6-20
cm,generally 12 cm.Continuous s irregular to wavy
.contacts with units above and below.Heavy root
penetration decreasing as unit descends.Extensive
chemical weathering,appearing as pockets of leached and
oxidized tephras.Described as well-mixed tephras,Devil
and Watana with possible intrusion of Oshetna.
0-436
-
-
-
Table 0.100.(Continued)
-
Unit
3a
3b
4
5
Description
Fine silt,heavily oxidized,very dusky red
(2.5YR 2.5/2).Part of arbitrary levels (2 and 3).
Varies in thickness from 0.5-10 cm,appearing as thin
lenses and large clods.Discontinuous irregular contacts
with units above,below,and within.Abrupt,
well-defined contacts to graded gradual contacts.
Very fine silt,leached;very pale brown (10YR 7/3).
Devil tephra.Varies in thickness 0.5-2 cm.Part of
arbitrary levels (2 and 3).Appears as thin,lenses or
small pockets.Discontinous wavy contacts with arbitrary
levels difficult to delineate.Cultural.
Fine silt;strong brown,(7.5YR 5/8).Watana tephra.
Varies in thickness from 0.5-12 cm.Discontinous,
gradual lessening of cryoturbation of arbitrary units
above.Wavy to irregular contacts above to distinct
abrupt wavy contacts below.Lessening root penetration.
Silt;gray (7.5YR N/6).Oshetna tephra.Varies in
thickness from 0.5-20 cm.Discontinuous,generally
abrupt contacts with units above and below.Appears as
lens and pockets.Wavy contacts.Some organic lenses
(0.5 cm)appearing above this unit.
0-437
Table 0.100.(Continued)
Unit
6
Description
Sand.mixed with pebbles and cobbles;strong brown (7.5YR
4/6).Glacial drift;poorly sorted.Continuous.
distinct abrupt contacts with units above.slightly wavy
to regular.Defines extent of excavation.
D-438
-
,,-
Table 0.101.
Artifact Summary,TLI\1 058
.-Tool
-1 Modified flake
1 Chert (UA81-204-3)
-Li thi c Materi a 1
~
2 Chert flakes
1 Qua rtz ite fl ake
,.w.
3
-'-
~~Table 0.102.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 058
......
Unit
3b
Devil tephra
Description
2 Chert flakes
1 Quartzite flake
1 Chert modified flake (UA81-209-3)
0-439
AHRS Number TLM 059;Accession Number UA81-205
Area:'
Site Map:
Survey Locale 69:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Between Deadman and Watana Creeks
Figure D.72
Figure E.145
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
The site is located on a system of kames between Deadman and Watana
creeks,east of a creek,known locally as No Name Creek,and north of
the Susitna River.It is 664 m asl (altimeter:Z177 feet)and ca.
183 m above the Susitna River.The site is situated at the top of a
low,rounded kame,flanked on the southwest by a slightly higher kame,
on the northwest by a descending slope,and on the east by a shallow
channel,beyond which isa knoll slightly lower than the site.This
channel drains into a small creek north of the site,which flows west
into the clear water No Name Creek running south through the kame system
to the Susitna River.Neither creek is visible from the site.The
predominant view is to the east looking up the Susitna River valley,and
to the northeast,overlooking the knolls below.A lake basin lies to
the south of the site,bounded by low knolls,of which the site knoll is
one.This basin is not entirely in view from the site.Vegetation in
the site vicinity is classified as woodland white spruce.The
vegetation at the site consists of scattered white spruce,low shrub
ground cover,including mosses and lichens,heath,and dwarf birch,with
little or no exposed ground ~urface.A stand of black spruce fills a
channel to the southwest,between the site and the higher knoll.
Testing:
The site is characterized by a 1.8 x 1.5 m depression ca.35 cm deep,
oriented northwest-southeast on the long axis.A vaguely defined berm
30 cm high surrounds the depression.This feature (feature 1),located
at the top of the knoll,does not appear to be natural due to the
0-440
-
-
-
-
....
-
regularity of the dimensions.No cultural material was observed on the
surface of the site,although a 40 x 40 em test pit (test pit 1)dug in
the floor of the depression adjacent to its southwest side did produce
cultural material.Test pit 2,7.5 m northeast of feature 1,was
sterile.Test pit 3,2.1 m northeast of feature 1,revealed a bone
fragment between 9 and 10 cmbs in a layer of black finely divided
organics (unit 2)below humus and above a light gray tephra unit.Five
shovel tests,all sterile,were placed around feature 1 prior to
systematic testing.
Systematic testing consisted of the excavation of three 1 x 1 m test
squares.These were excavated at the site to define the extent and
nature of the rectangular depression.
A grid shovel testing program was implemented to assist in the
determination of site size and distribution of subsurface cultural·
material.Twenty-four grid shovel tests were excavated during the
program,but these failed to produce additional cultural material.
Discussion:
TLM 059 was defined by the presence of a rectangular depression feature.
Test pit 1,placed inside the depression,yielded a large number of bone
fragments,mostly burned,and partially burned wood,which have been
intrepreted as timbers.Bone was encountered closer to the surface in
the southeast quarter of test pit 1 than elsewhere in the test.Burned
and decaying timbers underlie the highest bone occurrence in this
section,while elsewhere the wood overlies and is contiguous with the
bone.These cultural remains were recovered from 16-45 cmbs in a
gravelly sandy matrix.Charcoal was also encountered in the peat lenses
above the bone and between the gravelly sand lenses.A charcoal sample,
taken from 28 cmbs,produced a date of 740 ±70 years:A.D.1210
(DIC-2253).
The limited amount of material in the systematic test squares suggests
that the site lies primarily in the 1.8 x 1.5 m depression itself.The
0-441
artifact inventory from these squares (Table 0.104, 0.106,and 0.107)
includes 5 thermally altered rocks (N103/E102),1 basalt flake
(N101/E103),and 1 bone fragment (N104/E99).It can be inferred from
the lack of structural features in N103/E102,which bisected the
southern corner of the depression,that the depression is hot a house
pit,but might instead represent a cache or some other type of feature.
Testing of the depression and surrounding area revealed the presence of
two different types of stratigraphy.A description of the stratigraphy
outside the depression is presented in Table 0.103 and illustrated in
Figure 0.73.Inside the depression the normal stratigraphic sequence
had been altered.The stratigraphy of test pit 1 is comprised of
alternating units of peat with charcoal and gravelly sand.By contrast,
the stratigraphy of test pits 2 and 3,and shovel tests in the vicinity,
did not indicate the presence of gravelly sand or peat.Lenses of drift
were found in all three systematic test squares between the upper
organic units and the Oevil tephra (Figure 0.73).This is apparently the
case in the tests outside the depression.The presence of drift
material suggests that it originally had been dug from the area of the
depression and tossed a distance of approximately 3 m.
Stratigraphy in the three systematic test squares and test pits 2 and 3,
shows considerable reworking of the three tephra units (Figure 0.73,
Table 0.103).Other disturbance in the regional stratigraphic sequence
(i.e.,unit 3)is probably the result of human activity at the site
associated with the excavation of the depression.The stratigraphy in
the depression suggests that the feature may have a complex history of
reuse.The presence of thermally altered rock in unit 3 of test square
N103/E102 could be used as evidence for multiple use of the depression
(i.e.,the redigging of a previous hearth area,throwing the earlier
hearth material onto the b~rm surrounding the depression).The strati-
fied nature of test pit 1 would also argue for multiple events within
the depression.Test pit 1,inside the depression adjacent to the
southwest wall,produced ca.1,430 bones and bone fragments,as well as
bone meal.The bone meal was present throughout the gravelly sandy-peat
matrix.The faunal remains were all mammalian and represented,for the
0-442
-
-
"'"'"
,-.
most part,medium-large mammals (Table 0.105).Identifiable faunal
remains represented one species -caribou {Rangifer tarandus}.The
presence of both mature and immature (epiphyses)skeletal elements,
indicate that two individuals are probably represented by these faunal
remains.Two of the bone fragments,a caribou proximal radius fragment
and an unidentifiable long bone fragment,had cut marks.One
unidentified bone fragment was found in unit 3 of test square NI04/E99.
Evaluation:
TlM 059 represents the remains of a structure which may show a series of
activities not occurring contemporaneously,but within a relatively
brief interval of time.It is suggested that the depression functioned
as a cache.The site is located in an elevated region above Watana
Creek,but does not offer a panoramic view of the surrounding area.The
feature is dated to approximately A~O.740 by radiocarbon dating and
this agrees with its stratigraphic superposition above the Devil tephra.
Observed site size based on the distribution of artifacts is 41 square
meters (Table 0.2).
0-443
o
o
r------~__--..:...J-----_q,
T.P.2o
G N
o
,...,.
-
-.
-
-
Figure D.72.Site Map,TLM 059
0-444
-
.....
-Figure 0.73.Composite Profile,TLM 059
0-445
Table 0.103.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 059 --Outside
Depression
Unit
1
2
3
4
5
6
Description
Organic material,roots and lichens;variable in extent
and thickness.0 horizon.
Finely divided organic material;very dark brown (10YR
2/2).Variable in thickness.02 horizon.
Poorly sorted sand,gravels,and cobbles;olive brown
(2.5Y 4/4).Discontinuous but present in all 3 test
squares.Cultural material probably from depression.
Finely sorted organic rich lens;black;(10YR 2/1)
Discontinuous but present in all 3 test squares.
Irregular and gradational upper and lower contacts;at
times overlies unit 5 and at times found within unit 5.
Tephra (Devil);dark gray (10YR 4/1)to light brownish
gray (10YR 6/2).Variable in color.Discontinuous in
extent with gradational upper contacts and sharp to
gradational lower contacts.
Tephra (Watana),or tephra mixed with sand;variable in
color depending on degree of oxidation,dark yellowish
brown (10YR 4/6)to yellowish brown (10YR 5/6).Discon-
tinuous in appearance and variable in thickness.
Contacts,especially lower one,often gradational.
0-446
-
Table D.I03.(Continued)
Unit
7
8
9
10
11
Description
Mixed sand and tephra (Oshetna);variable in color
depending on amount of mixing,gray (10YR 5/1)to brown
(10YR 5/3).Some pebbles present in unit.
Discontinuous.Both upper and lower contacts tend to be
gradational.Generally not a well-defined unit at this
site.This unit includes the disturbed fill within the
depression.
Poorly sorted sand,gravels,and large cobbles;yellowish
brown (10YR 5/6).Oxidized.Both rounded and angular
cobbles are present.Continuous across site;gradational
upper and lower contacts.
Medium to coarse grain sand;variable in color,olive
gray (5Y 4/2)to dark grayish brown (2.5Y 4/2).
Moderately well sorted.Upper contact gradational.
Disturbed area found in NI03/EI02 containing numerous
roots;appears to be related to excavation of depression
(not included in profile).
Mixed drift with 2 or 3 tephra units dark yellowish brown
(10YR 4/6).Gradational boundaries (both vertical and
horizontal)with a sandy texture;occurs locally in
NI0l/El03.
0-447
Table 0.104.
Artifact Summary,TLM 059
~I
Lithi c Material
1 Basa 1t fl ake
6 Thermally altered rocks
7
Faunal Material
ca.1,540 Bones and bone fragments
0-448
-
-
-
Table 0.105.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 059
~,
.~
Unit
2
Finely divided organics
(outside depression)
3
Sand (outside
depression)
Fill
gravelly sandy
peat matrix
(survey
test pit 1)
Description
1 Unidentifiable fragment, burned,mammal
1 Unidentifiable fragment,heavily burned,
mammal
1 Cervical vertebral articular facet,
calcined,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Lumbar vertebra fragment,burned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Probable lumbar vertebral articular facet,
burned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Caudal vertebra,calcined,probable caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Rib fragment,calcined,probable caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right proximal ulna fragment,burned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Left proximal ulna fragments,burned
and heavily burned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
0-449
Table 0.105.(Continued)
Unit Description
1 Right proximal radius fragment,burned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left proximal radius fragment,burned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Left proximal radius fragments,heavily
burned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Innominate fragment,burned,probable
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left f"ibula fragment,heavily burned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right astragalus fragment,burned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right calcaneus fragment,calcined,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Cuneiform fragment,burned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Sesamoid,unburned,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
2 Sesamoid,calcined,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
1 Proximal fragment proximal phalanx,
burned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Proximal fragment proximal phalanx,
calcined,caribou (Rangifer tarandusj
2 Distal fragments proximal phalanx,burned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
0-450
"""
-
Table 0.105.(Continued)
-
Ji~
-
-
Unit Description
1 Probable distal fragment proximal phalanx,
burned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Distal fragment proximal phalanx,immature,
burned,probable caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
1 Proximal fragment medial phalanx,burned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Distal fragment medial phalanx,burned and
heavily burned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Medial phalanx fragment,heavily burned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Distal phalanx,heavily burned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Vestigial phalanx fragment,burned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus).
2 Vestigial phalanx fragments,burned and
calcined,probable caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Vestigial phalanx,heavily burned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Cranial fragment,calcined,medium-large
mammal
1 Vertebral articular facet,burned,
medium-large mammal
2 Vertebral fragments,burned,medium-large
mammal
0-451
Table 0.105.(Continued)
Unit Description
1 Possible rib fragment,burned,medium-large
mammal
8 Vertebra fragments,immature,burned and
heavily burned,medium-large mammal
1 Possible vertebra fragment,immature,
burned,medium-large mammal
7 Rib fragments,calcined and heavily burned,
medium-large mammal
1 Possible innominate fragment,unburned,
medium-large mammal
1 Possible innominate fragment,burned,medium
mammal
1 Flatbone fragment,heavily burned,
medium-large mammal
1 Long bone fragment,burned,cut marks,
medium-large mammal
1 Unidentifiable bone fragment,possible cut
marks,calcined,medium-large mammal
ca.1,370 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
heavily burned and calcined,medium-large
mammal
0-452
-.
-
Table 0.105.(Continued)
Unit Description
..-
.....
-
-
7b
Fill ,gravelly
sandy peat matrix
(mixed sand and
tephra -test
pit 1
1 Atlas articular surface fragment,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Cervical vertebra fragment,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Dorsal rib fragment,calcined,probable
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Probable dorsal rib fragments,burned,
probable caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Probable dorsal rib fragment,calcined,
probable caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Possible sternum fragment,calcined,
probable caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right pelvis fragment (acetabulum),burned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
·1 Right tibia shaft fragment,burned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left distal tibia fragment,burned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Proximal fragment proximal phalanx,
calcined,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
3 Distal fragments proximal phalanx,burned
and calcined,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Possible rib fragment,immature,calcined,
medium-large mammal
90 Vertebra and unidentifiable bone fragments,
burned and calcined,medium-large mammal
0-453
Tab 1e 0.105.(Conti nued)
Unit Oescr"j pti on
Unknown
Subsurface
(back dirt)
1 Epiphysis,calcined,medium-large mammal
1 Unidentifiable bone,calcined,medium-large
mammal
0-454
-
-
"""
-
-
Table 0.106.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 059
Unit Description
3 5 Thermally altered rocks
I""~Sand
4/5 1 Basalt flake
Contact between
organic lens and-Devil tephra
Fill,mixed sand 1 Thermally altered rock
and tephra'(inside
depression)
-
-
0-455
AHRS Number TLM 060;Accession Numbers UA81-206,UA84-86
~,'
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 68:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northeast of Watana Creek Mouth
Figure 0.74
Figure E.144
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
-
The site was
(UA81-206-1;
west of the
the ridge.
TLM 060 is located on the northwestern end of a long,high northwest-
southeast trending kame,downriver from the confluence of Watana Creek
with the Susitna River.The kame forms a 100 m long ridge,situated on
the northern rim of Susitna River canyon,at an elevation of 663 m
asl (altimeter:2176 feet),is the highest and most prominent
topographic feature of the kettle and kame terrain west of a tributary
of the Susitna River,known locally as No Name Creek.From the site the
view consists of the Susitna River and lower forested terrain to the
east and north.There is a good view of a small (ca.1 ha)kettle lake
approximately 150 m to the west.Site TLM 061 is visible 300 m to the
east,and TLM 171 is visible across the kettle lake on a kame of similar
elevation 300 m to the west.The site,occupying the level,rounded top
of the ridge at its northwestern high point,contains dwarf birch shrubs
and scattered white spruce,paper birch,lowbush blueberry,and Labrador
tea.The slopes of the kame are forested with spruce and poplar.The
surrounding area is covered with a mosaic of dwarf birch cover and
spruce woodland,with wetland vegetation surrounding the lake to the
west.
Testing:
initially discovered when a black chert biface fragment
Figure 0.376i)was found on the surface in a soil slump
ridge crest,approximately 15 m south of the northern end of
Eight shovel tests placed along the crest of the ridge
0-456
-
~,
.-.
-
resulted in the recovery of one argillite modified flake (UA81-206-2),
about 15 m southeast of the surface find.Three 40 x 40 cm test pits
placed on the site failed to produce any other cultural material.
A grid shovel test expansion program was conducted around the areas
containing artifacts and one 1 x 1 m test square,NI24/E97,was
excavated.The grid shovel testing program yielded no further cultural
remains in the vicinity of previous finds,but a shovel test
(N125.44/EI00.25)produced three chert flakes ~ear the northeast end of
the ridge.Expansion around this test resulted in three other positive
shovel tests yielding a total of eight chert flakes,one of which was
modified (UA84-86-4).A total of 70 shovel tests were excavated during
the grid shovel testing program.The 1 x 1 m systematic test square was
placed adjacent to one of the positive tests in an effort to determine
the nature and stratigraphic position of this portion of the site.See
Figure 0.74 for a map of the site and location of the test square and
cultural materials.
Discussion:
Excavation of test square N124/E97 resulted in the recovery of 451
lithic artifacts and one unidentifiable calcined bone fragment,in
stratigraphic contexts ranging from the finely divided organic layer
(unit Ib)down into weathered glacial drift (unit Sa).All the material
is probably referable to a single component,and the vertical dispersion
within the stratigraphic column is the result of postdepositional
cryoturbation.The raw material types represented in the square include
argillite,chert,rhyolite,and quartzite,with chert being by far the
most abundant.Table 0.108 lists the artifact inventory from the site,
and Table 0.110 presents the distribution of materials by stratigraphic
unit.
Seven stratigraphic units were designated for the site,based on the
exposures from test square and shovel test excavation.A surface
vegetation mat (unit la)is underlain by a humic 02 horizon (unit Ib).
These surface organic units tend to be relatively thick in the area of
0-457
the test square.Beneath these are the Devil (unit 2)and Watana (units
3a and 3b)tephra layers.The Watana tephra shows extensive oxidation
in parts (unit 3a),but is discontinuous and apparently heavily
cryoturbated.A thin paleosol unit (unit 4)occurs in patches
throughout the square,and is also markedly cryoturbated.Beneath this
paleosol is weathered (unit 5a)and unweathered (unit 5b)glacial drift.
The presence of small drift pebbles scattered throughout the
stratigraphic column is further evidence of the cryoturbation affecting
the site at this location.Figure 0.75 depicts stratigraphic units at
the site,which are described in Table 0.107.
While artifacts were encountered in all units from unit 1b through 5a,
the majority of the flakes are from an identical veined chert material
and probably represent a single stoneworking episode.Given the
abundant evidence for vertical stratigraphic mixing of pebbles and
sedimentary units,the dispersion of cultural materials in this area is
not surprising.It is likely that a single occupational component is
represented in this part of the site and that the dispersion of flakes
through the stratigraphic column is the result of postdepositional
di stu rbance.
The distribution of flakes stratigraphically shows a concentration in
the thin paleosol (unit 4)and its upper and lower contacts.Two-thirds
of all flakes from the test square occur in this stratigraphic position,
and there is a consistent gradual decrease in the number of flakes found
in strata,as distance from the paleosol (unit 4)increases.Although
the original stratigraphic position of the component cannot be
determined with certainty,the prevalence of material on and in the
paleosol (unit 4)may indicate occupation of the site during the period
of paleosol formation.
All flakes encountered in this component are by products of secondary
and retouch stages of lithic reduction,probably from a bifacial
reduction industry.Five of the flakes (UA84-86-4,13,17,52,and 59)
show signs of edge modification,but the amount of edge damage in all
cases is slight.
0-458
-
-
-.
Evaluation:
Systematic testing at TLM 060 indicates that the artifacts located
during initial field survey are isolated occurrences in the site.Their
temporal positions remain unknown.An additional assemblage was located
at the northwest end of the site,containing abundant lithic material
but also highly limited in areal extent.The most likely stratigraphic
position for this occupation is the paleosol but this determination is
by no means certain owing to acute vertical mixture of flakes.The
assemblage probably represents a short-term occupational episode
involving the manufacture'of stone tools.
TLM 060 appears to represent the accumulation of several very short-term
occupational episodes within a single area.These occupations may have
been separated by long periods of time,and the site may therefore have
up to three known components,but because the stratigraphic position of
the artifacts found in initial field survey is unknown,the number of
separate occupations at the site is also unknown.Due to the site's
prominent topographic setting,the site may have served as a lookout
with tool repair occurring during hunting expeditions.Observed site
size based on the distribution of artifacts is 15 square meters (Table
0.2).
0-459
Site Datum X
Systematic Test Square 0
Test pit 0
Shovel Test e
Grid Test:w!Artifacts •
Grid Test:Sterile 0
Surface Artifact _I-
I
o
I
8
I
METERS
Contour Interval:.5 m
16
I
Figure 0.74.Site Map,TLM 060
D-460
mix-
.-
-
DEPTH (em)
o
5
10..
15
20
25
30
Figure D.75.
PROFILE
Composite Profile,TLM 060
0-461
UNIT
CULTURAL
Table 0.107.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 060
.-
-
Unit
1a
1b
2
Description
Continuous thick,dense layer of roots and organic
debris,mixed with a small amount of silt.Varies
between 2-12 cm thick,usually 5-8 cm.Contains a few
small scattered pebbles.Contact with unit 1b is abrupt,
wavy,with marked contrast in amount of roots.Units
below 1b sometimes make contact with 1a in areas of
localized uplift,around large roots.
Very dark brown (10YR 2/1)to black (5YR 2.5/1).02
horizon with humics,finely divided organics,silt,and
occasional scattered pebbles.Varies in thickness from
1-6 cm,usually 2-3 cm.Continuous across square.
Abrupt,wavy contact with la,abrupt to somewhat diffuse
contact with unit 2 below.Contains some artifactual
material.
Pale brown (lOYR 6/2)to light brownish gray (lOYR 6/3);
well-sorted,ve~y fine silt.Devil tephra.
Discontinuous.Thickness variable,ranging from
0-3.5 cm,usually 1-2 cm.Sometimes mixed with units 1b
or 3.Upper contact abrupt to diffuse and wavy,lower
contact usually diffuse and wavy to broken.Both
contacts and the unit itself contain artifacts,as well
as a few scattered pebbles from drift.
0-462
-
"""
Table 0.107.(Continued)
-
1"-":
Unit
3a
3b
4
Description
Dark reddish brown (5YR 3/3)silt to sand size particles,
well sorted,the sand size particles probably cemented or
coated silt particles owing to concretion with iron
oxides.Illuvial horizon.Watana tephra.Mottled,
grades into unit 3b below.Broken,diffuse,and
discontinuous contact.Usually abrupt contact with unit
2,sometimes mixed with unit 2.Areally discontinuous,
varying between 0 and 3 cm thick.Contains artifacts.
Light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)to yellowish brown (10YR
5/6)well-sorted,extremely fine silt,with scattered
pebbles.Watana tephra.Discontinuous in area,varying
between 0-9 cm.Often missing or mixed with glacial
drift (unit 5).Diffuse contact with unit 3b and 5a,
abrupt to diffuse wavy contact with unit 4.Contains
artifacts,especially at contact with unit 4.
Thin (less than 1 cm),highly discontinuous brown (10YR
4/3)sandy silt with abundant finely divided charcoal
flecks.Paleosol.Often mixed with units 3b or Sa,
usually diffuse broken or wavy contact with unit 5,often
missing entirely.Contains abundant pebbles and flakes.
0-463
Table 0.107.(Continued)
-Unit
Sa
5b
Description
Dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6)poorly sorted silty sand
with abundant gravel,shale pebbles,and occasional
rounded cobbles.Variably thick between 4 and 15 cm,
usually 8-10 cm.Gradual contact with Sb below,marking
depth of weathered glacial drift.Continuous across
square.Often mixed with units 3 and 4 above,usually
diffuse contact with these units.Contains artifacts in·
upper part.
Olive brown (2.5Y 4/4)unweathered poorly sorted gravelly
sand.Glacial drift.Marks bottom of excavation.
0-464
-
-
-
-
Table 0.108.
Artifact Summary,TLM 060
0-465
Table 0.109.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 060
Unit
5a
Weathered drift
Description
1 Unidentifiable bone fragment,calcined,
medium-large mammal
0-466
-
11m
""""
Table 0.110.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TlM 060
,~
Unit
Surface
1a/1b
Contact between
organic mat and
fine organic
Ib
Fine organic
layer
1/2
Contact between
organic mat and
Devil tephra
2
Devil tephra
2/3a
Contact between
Devil and Watana
tephras
Description
1 Chert biface fragment (UA81-206-1)
1 Chert flake
4 Chert flakes
1 Chert flake
1 Quartzite flake
15 Chert flakes
4 Rhyol ite flakes
1 Argillite modified flake (UA81-206-2)
1 Chert modified flake (UA84-86-13)
4 Argillite flakes
27 Chert flakes
2 Quartzite flakes
8 Flakes less than 1/8 inch
1 Chert modified flake (UA84-86-17)
0-467
Table 0.110.(Continued)
~,
Unit Description
~!
3a 2 Arg illite fl akes
Oxidized 23 Chert flakes ~I
Watana tephra 5 Quartzite fl akes -3b 13 Chert flakes
Unoxidized 2 Quartzite flakes
JlWI:l'
Watana tephra
3a and 3b 13 Chert flakes
Watana tephra 4 Quartzite flakes
1 Chert modified flake (UA84-86-4)
3b/4 47 Chert flakes
Contact between 8 Quartzite flakes
unoxidizied Watana 4 Rhyo 1 ite fl akes
tephra and paleosol 8 Fl akes less than 1/8 inch
4 3 Argi 11 ite fl akes
Paleosol 132 Chert flakes
7 Quartz ite fl a kes """"
1 Chert modified flake (UA84-86-52)
0-468 -
Table 0.110.(Continued)
Unit Description
-
,.,..
....
4/5a
Contact between
paleosol and
weathered drift
Sa
Weathered
drift
1 Argillite flake~
63 Chert flakes
11 Quartzite flakes
2 Rhyolite flakes
10 Flakes less than 1/8 inch
1 Quartzite modified flake (UA84-86-59)
28 Chert flakes
1 Quartzite flake
0-469
AHRS Number TLM 061;Accession Number UA81-207,UA84-87
~I
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 68:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northwest of Watana Creek Mouth
Figure 0.76
Figure E.144
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure £.3
Appendix F
-
The site is located west of Watana Creek on the northern border of the
Susitna River canyon at an elevation of 628 m asl (altimeter:
2062 feet).It is situated at the summit of a discrete ca.20 m high
kame of conical form located northeast of the kame on which site TLM 060
is located.The site is near the center of the relatively flat summit
of the kame,approximately 5 m southeast of the highest elevation which
occurs at the northwest end of the summit.The top of the kame occupies
an area of approximately 10 x 15 m with extremely steep slopes to the
north and east.This is the highest point of land between site TLM 060
to the west and an unnamed tributary creek,locally known as No Name
Creek,to the east.The view from the site is panoramic but somewhat
obscured by fairly dense tree growth.Gradually rising terrain to the
southwest limits the view to less than 500 meters in that direction.A
kettle lake of less than 1 ha lies approximately 500 m southwest of the
site,but is obscured from view by intervening higher terrain.
Immediately east of the site the terrain drops steeply ca.90 m to the
south-flowing tributary creek.Another eastward-flowing creek,
originating as an outlet from the lake 2.3 km to the northwest,joins
the southward-flowing tributary 300 m northeast of the site.These two
creeks are not in view from the site due to the steepness of the terrain
and fairly dense forest growth.
The terrain in the vicinity of the site is undulating and poorly drained
with numerous kames and ridges and kettle depressions characteristic of
ice-stagnation terrain.The Susitna River lies approximately 1 km south
of the site at its closest point and is in view for approximately 6 km
0-470
""'"
-
upstream to the southwest.The river is ca.152 m lower in elevation
and not easily accessible due to the distance and difference in
elevation.The stream drainage to the east occupies a deep "V"-shaped
valley with exposed bedrock present.Two alluvial terrace levels are
present on the west side of the stream below the site.
Vegetation in the site vicinity consists of low shrub and woodland white
spruce.The slopes~of the kame support a mixed birch,aspen,and spruce
tree cover.The lower terrain around the base of the kame consists of
sphagnum moss,grasses,and wet tundra with areas of marsh.Black
spruce are also present on this wetter terrain.On-site vegetation
consists of low shrubs including dwarf birch and blueberry.Aspen and
birch occur on the slopes of the kame along with a few large white
spruce.Bearberry,Labrador tea,moss,and lichen form a solid ground
mat at the summit of the kame,which is relatively open with only low
vegetation present.
Testing;
A shovel test near the center of the kame's summit revealed subsurface
charcoal and bone.This shovel test was expanded into test pit 1 which
produced ca.535 calcined medium-large mammal bone fragments.Charcoal
and 15 fragments of thermally altered rock were associated with these
bone fragments which occurred between 12 and 25 cmbs in two distinct
soil/sediment units in test pit 1.This concentration of burned bone
and charcoal in test pit 1 appears to extend to the southwest of the
test.A single possible basalt flake was recovered from the backdirt of
one shovel test prior to its enlargement into test pit 1.The shovel
test adjacent to test pit 1 produced three small possible fragments of
red ochre (UA81-207-4).Seven additional shovel tests were placed at
the summit of the kame but none of these produced faunal material or
charcoal.No cultural material was observed on the surface of the kame.
Systematic testing at TLM 061 consisted of the excavation of one 1 x 1 m
test square and a grid shovel test expansion program.A total of 29
grid shovel tests were excavated,two of which produced cultural
0-471
remains.In grid shovel test N100/E104 a basalt flake was found below
the Devil tephra (unit 2)near its contact with the oxidized Watana
tephra (unit 3a).In grid shovel test N102/E104 21 argillite flakes and
six chert flakes were recovered from the organic silt (unit 1b),the
contact between the organic silt and the Devil tephra (unit 1b/2),and
the Devil tephra (unit 2).The majority of these flakes were recovered
at the contact of the organic silt and Devil tephra (unit 1b/2).The
one 1 x 1 systematic test square,N100/E102,was placed between test pit
1 and the positive grid shovel tests.
Discussion:
Testing at TLM 061 consisted of the excavation of 1 test pit,8 survey
shovel tests,29 grid shovel tests,and one 1 x 1 m test square.The
cultural remains recovered from this site include 1 argillite biface
fragment,47 flakes,15 thermally altered rock fragments,and ca.555
bone fragments (Table D.112).Three types of lithic raw material are
present,represented by 21 argillite,18 basalt,and 8 chert flakes.
Faunal material from this site consist of fragmentary bones which are
calcined or heavily burned and mostly attributable to medium-large
mammal(s).The few identifiable bones and bone fragments are caribou
(Rangifer tarandus).Identifiable skeletal elements consist of a
metapodial fragment,sesamoid,and vestigial phalanx fragment (Table
D.113).
Six soil/sediment stratigraphic units have been identified at TLM 061
(Figure 0.77;Table 0.111).The basal layers of a general stratigraphic
section from the test square consist of an upper,oxidized drift (unit
5a),a dark gray silty sand (unit 5b),and a lower,unoxidized drift
horizon (unit 5c).These glacial drift units are overlain by a sequence
of three tephras.The Oshetna tephra (unit 4)overlies the oxidized
drift (unit 5a),but lacks continuity throughout the test square.The
upper extent of the Oshetna tephra shows evidence of carbon staining,
but lacks the evidence of a well-defined paleosol that is present in
other sites in the project area.Above the Oshetna tephra are the
oxidized and unoxidized portions of the Watana tephra (units 3a and 3b),
0-472
-
-.
which usually appear as a mottled mixture.The Watana tephra units are
overlain by the Devil tephra (unit 2).These volcanic sediments are
capped by the organic mat (unit la and Ib).
Survey testing at TLM 061 yielded faunal remains in association with
charcoal and thermally altered rock in two distinct soil units that were
recorded prior to the designation of stratigraphic units described
above.A gray brown sand occurs-only in the southern half of test pit 1
between 12 and 22 cmbs and may represent a cultural feature intrusive
into an older cultural deposit of gray brown silty sand occurring 13-25
cmbs.It appears that the faunal material and charcoal in both the gray
brown sand and the gray brown silty sand represent different occupations
of the site.A dark gray ash horizon occurs 23 cmbs in test pit 1.
This ash is present directly above the brown silty sand and separates
the two cultural stratigraphic horizons.
Systematic testing confirmed the presence of two cultural components at
TLM 061.Artifacts from these components were found in three of the six
soil/sediment units and at their contacts.The upper occupation occurs
in the Devil tephra (unit 2)and its upper contact with the organic silt
layer (unit Ib/2).The lower component occurs in the Oshetna tephra
(unit 4)and its lower contact with the drift (unit 4/5)•.Cultural
material also occurs within the Watana tephra (unit 3).Disturbance of
the stratigraphic units as a result of natural processes such as
cryoturbation may have displaced flakes and bone from either or both of
the components into the Watana tephra.However,it is possible that
these artifacts represent a middle site component.
Upper Component:Cultural material associated with this component were
found in one shovel test (NI02/EI04)and the test square (NI00/EI02).
The cultural material includes both lithic and faunal material.One
basalt flake and one unburned long bone fragment of a medium-large
mammal were found in the test square on the contact between the organic
silt and Devil tephra (unit Ib/2).In the shovel test (NI02/EI04),11
argillite flakes and four chert flakes were found at this same contact.
One chert flake was found within the organic silt layer (unit Ib),and
0-473
10 argillite flakes and one chert flake were found within the Devil
tephra.The cultural remains recovered from the gray brown sand during
survey testing,may be from a cultural feature associated with this
upper component.
Lower Component:The lower component is concentrated in the lower
extent of the Oshetna tephra (unit 4)and its contact with the oxidized
drift (unit 4/5).Cultural material in this stratigraphic context
consists of both lithic and faunal material from the test square
NI00/EI02.One basalt flake was recovered from within the Oshetna
tephra (unit 4).At the contact between the Oshetna tephra and
underlying oxidized drift (unit 4/5),there were 12 basalt flakes,1
chert flake,and 1 argillite biface fragment (UA84-87-15;Figure
D.376j).The faunal material associated with this component consists of
seven calcined unidentifiable bone fragments found within the Oshetna
tephra (unit 4)and three calcined unidentifiable bone fragments found
at the contact between the Oshetna tephra and oxidized drift (unit 4/5).
The cultural remains recovered from the gray brown silty sand beneath
the dark gray ash horizon during survey level testing may be associated
with this lower component.
Evaluation:
TLM 061 is situated on the summit of a discrete,conically shaped kame
located northwest of the mouth of a creek locally known as No Name
Creek.The view from the site is essentially panoramic but is somewhat
obscured by dense forest growth and steep undulating kettle and kame
topography.The location of the site,in conjunction with the artifact
assemblage,suggests that it functioned as a chipping station and food
processing location.
Systematic testing at TLM 061 indicates the presence of two or possibly
three,cultural occupations.An upper component associated with the
organic silt and Devil tephra unit and a lower component in the Oshetna
tephra and its contact with the oxidized drift were identified.
Cultural material found within the Watana tephra may indicate a middle
0-474
_.
-
"""'
-
,...,
component,but is more likely displaced from the two adjacent
components.Based on the homogeneity of lithic morphology associated
with the lower occupation of the site,it is speculated that cultural
activity focused on lithic reduction and bifacial tool manufacture.The
presence of burned bone,thermally altered rocks,charcoal,and lithic
material suggest food processing activities.Observed site size based
on the distribution of artifacts is 21 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-475
a 4 8
I I !
Site Datum X t1ETERS
Systematic Test Square D
Test pit 0 Contour Interval:.5 m
Shovel Test 0
Grid Test:w/Artifacts •
Grid Test:Sterile 0
Figure D.76.Site Map,TLM 061
0-476
-
!lIIJI'51
DEPTH (em)PROFILE UNIT
0
1.
5
1b
10
2
3.
.-15 3a/b CULTURAL
3b
20 4
5.
5b
25
5e
30
Figure 0.77.Composite Profile.TLM 061
0-477
Table 0.111.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 061
Unit
1a
1b
2
Description
Surface organic layer,thick fibrous root mat with living
and partially decomposed plant material from Labrador
tea,blueberry,lowbush cranberry,sphagnum moss,low
heath,and lichens.Varies in thickness from 3-11 cm,
but ts usually 7 cm.The lower boundary is clear and
smooth.Continuous.01 horizon.
Very fine silt with decomposed plant fragments and
rootlets;black (N 2/).Varies in thickness from 2-9 cm,
usually 4 cm.Lower boundary clear and smooth to wavy.
Continuous,02 horizon with tiny flecks of charcoal
present.Cultural material at lower contact with unit 2.
Fine-grained silt size particles;pinkish gray
(7.5YR 6/2)to dark gray (N 4/)to very dark gray (N 3/).
Ranges in thickness from 2-7 cm,but generally is 4 cm.
Abrupt,wavy contact with unit 3a.Tephra (Devil);
eluvial A horizon.Fairly continuous.Root penetration.
Cultural.
D-478
~-
Table 0.111.(Continued)
Unit
3a
3a and 3b
3b
4
Description
Fine to medium silt size particles,granular structure,
friable;strong brown (7.5YR 5/6).Ranges in thickness
from 2-4 cm.Lower boundary wavy to indistinct.
Mottling and cryoturbation evident.Discontinous.
Tephra (Watana);illuvial 82 horizon.Oxidized.
Cu ltura 1•
Fine to medium silt size particles,granular structure,
friable;strong brown (7.5YR 5/6)to (7.5YR 5/8).Ranges
in thickness from 2-7 cm,generally 4 cm.Lower boundary
abrupt to wavy,but fairly distinct.Mottling and
cryoturbation evident.Discontinuous.Tephra (Watana);
illuvial 82 horizon.Some oxidation.Cultural.
Very fine silt size particles;yellowish brown
(10YR 5/6).Ranges in thickness from 2-7 cm,but is
generally 6 cm.The lower boundary is clear and
distinct.Tephra (Watana);illuvial 82 horizon.
Discontinuous.Cryoturbated.Cultural.
Fine silt size particles mixed with sand;very dark
grayish brown (10YR 3/2).Varies in thickness from 2-7
cm,generally 3 cm.Lower boundary clear to diffuse with
a wavy discontinuous contact.Tephra (Oshetna);eluvial
A horizon.Cryoturbated.Cultural material within this
unit and its lower contact with unit 5a.
0-479
Table 0.111.(Continued)
Unit
5a
5b
5c
Description
Sand and silt size particles mixed with gravels;strong
brown (7.5YR 5/6)to (7.5YR 4/6).Varies in thickness
from 1-16 cm,generally 6-9 cm.Lower boundary gradual
and distinct to diffuse.Glacial drift.Poorly sorted.
Oxidized.
Sand and silt size particles,gritty texture,granular
structure;dark gray (10YR 4/1).Varies in thickness
from 1-11 cm,generally 2 cm.Possible percolation layer
of decomposed slate.Glacial drift.Poorly sorted.
Lower boundary distinct and wavy to straight.Present
primarily in the southwest corner of the test square.
Sand and silt with pebbles and cobbles;brown (10YR 5/3).
Glacial drift.Poorly sorted.Cobbles are rounded,
usually 4-8 cm in diameter.Frost feature present.Unit
determined the extent of excavations.
0-480
~,
Tab 1eO.112.
Artifact Summary,TLM 061
Tools
~,
1 Bi face
1 Argillite (UA84-87-15)
0-481
Table 0.113.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 061
Unit
2
Devil tephra
3b
Unoxidized
Watana tephra
4
Oshetna tephra
4/5
Contact between
Oshetna tephra and
Glacial drift
Subsurface
Unknown
(Survey
testing)
Description
1 Long bone fragment,unburned,medium~large
mammal
7 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
7 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
3 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
1 Distal metapodial (hindlimb)fragment,
heavily burned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Vestigial phalanx fragment,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Sesamoid,calcined,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
10 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
heavily burned,large mammal
ca.525 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
0-482
-
-
--
Table 0.114.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 061
~M,Unit Description
.,s'~.",
1b 1 Chert flake
--Organic silt
1b/2 11 Argill ite fl akes
Contact between 1 Basalt flake
organi c silt and 4 Chert flakes
Devil tephra
-2 10 Argi 11 ite fl akes
Devil tephra 1 Chert flake
2/3a 1 Basalt flake
Contact between
Devi 1 tephra and
oxidized Watana-,tephra
,,.,,,3a 1 Basalt fl ake
Oxidized Watana
tephra_.
3b 1 Basalt flake
~y.,..Unoxidized 1 Chert flake
Watana tephra
0-483
Table 0.114.(Continued)
Unit Description
4 1 Basalt flake
A"
Oshetna tephra
4/5 12 Basalt flakes
Contact between 1 Chert flake
Oshetna tephra 1 Argillite biface fragment (UA84-87-15)~
and drift
""""Unknown 1 Basalt flake
(Survey 15 Thermally altered rocks
testing)3 Ochre pieces
0-484
AHRS Number TLM 062;Accession Numbers UA81-208~UA84-237
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 78:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
West of Kosina Creek Mouth
Figure 0.78
Fi gure E.152
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
The site is located on the south side of the Susitna River west of the
mouth of Kosina Creek.It is situated on the relatively flat,densely
forested edge of a continuous alluvial terrace at an approximate
elevation of 560 m asl (altimeter:1836 feet).The site is on the
extreme northeastern point of the terrace where it changes direction
from an east-west trending terrace to a north-south trending terrace.
The site elevation is ca.60 m above the river level.The Susitna River
is northeast of the site.The terrace point on which the site is
situated is the highest and most prominent landform in the immediate
site vicinity.Areas of exposed bedrock are visible on the steep
eastern slope of the terrace immediately below the site location.The
mouth of an unnamed creek,located east of the site,is not visible from
the site due to the dense forest cover.The northern terrace edge
slopes steeply down to a broad lower terrace level approximately 30 m
lower in elevation.This lower terrace edge arcs northwest from the
site following the Susitna River margin.The view from the site
encompasses both the lower terrace to the northwest and the marshy wet
tundra terrain below.The view extends across the Susitna River
encompassing the mouth of the outlet stream from a small lake located
northeast of the site on the north side of the Susitna River and the
terrace and ridges in the vicinity of site TLM 033 which is directly
across the river at almost the same elevation.A small.forested island
is also visible east of the site at the confluence of the unnamed creek
with the Susitna River.Site vegetation consists of open black spruce
forest with birch and some white spruce present.Ground vegetation in
0-485
the site vicinity includes dwarf birch~lowbush cranberry~Labrador tea~
and a thick lichen and moss mat.Surrounding vegetation is open mixed
forest which includes fairly dense birch and willow in the vicinity of
the creek drainage to the east of the site.White spruce occurs on
higher,better-drained ground and~primarily,black spruce occupies the
fl at terraces.
Testing:
Initial testing at the site was restricted to the extreme northeastern
edge of the terrace.One shovel test exposed a gray chert flake core
17 cmbs within a matrix of whitish gray tephra.This test,expanded
into test pit 1,also produced two fragments of a unifacially retouched
red chert endscraper in the same matrix.Surface material collected at
the site consists of a black basalt waste flake found on the top of the
moss and lichen mat next to the southernmost shovel test.The
provenience of this flake is unclear as it may have dropped out of the
backdirt from this test.This test was enlarged into test pit 2 but no
subsurface cul tura 1 materi a 1 was observed.Intensive surface survey in
the immediate vicinity of test 2 did not produce any additional surface
artifacts.Six additional survey shovel tests at the site were all
sterile.
Six 1 x 1 m test squares and 49 shovel tests were excavated during
systematic testing.Five test squares were placed near the eastern edge
of the terrace where survey testing had shown cultural material to be
present.These tests were placed to define the extent and continuity of
the site along the terrace edge and to obtain additional diagnostic
artifacts and charcoal if possible.Shovel testing was conducted along
east-west transects at 5 m intervals to define the western extent and
boundary of the site.
A grid shovel testing program was undertaken to assist in determining
site size and the distribution of cultural materials.Thirty-one grid
shovel tests were excavated~however,only one shovel test contained
cultural material.Shovel test N94/E96 revealed a dense concentration
0-486
-
-
--
-
of bone fragments in a mixed or cryoturbated Watana unit.This lens of
bone matrix ranges from 24-29 cmbs,resting on the top of the Oshetna
tephra.
Discussion:
Testing at TLM 062 involved the excavation of 6 survey shovel tests,2
test pits,80 grid shovel tests,and 6 test squares.One test pit,1
shovel test,and 1 test square produced cultural material.The cultural
remains recovered at this site include both lithic and faunal material
and represent two cultural components.Table 0.116 presents a complete
artifact summary for the site.The stratigraphic distributions of
lithic and faunal material are presented on Tables 0.117 and 0.118.
Stratigraphy at this site is characterized by 15-30 cm of deposits
overlying unsorted glacial drift (Flgure 0.79;Table 0.115).Much of
the deposition at the site appears to be of volcanic origin with 20-25
cm of tephra directly overlying the drift and capped by modern organic
and humic horizons.Three volcanic tephra horizons have been
distinguished on the basis of color,weathering,and stratigraphic
position.Contacts between these tephra units are in some cases
extremely involuted and often gradational,therefore,artifact
provenience at the contact zone between tephra units frequently could
not be assigned to a single tephra and was instead assigned to a contact
transition zone.In general,the stratigraphy was fairly uniform at the
site and correlation of tephra and soil units between test squares was
possible.Test square N80/E103 contained a buried humic horizon (unit
2a)and a Devil tephra lens (unit 3a)within the Watana tephra (unit 4).
These were interpreted as a localized disturbance of the stratigraphy,
probably as a result of an uprooted tree.In test square N90/E95.5 a
lens of charcoal (unit 6)was associated with flakes and calcined bone
at the contact between the Watana tephra and the Oshetna tephra.
There appears to be a difference in the raw material of artifacts
between the upper and lower components.Rhyolite flakes are found only
at the contact between the finely divided organics and the Devil tephra
0-487
(unit 2/3).Light gray quartzite and very fine grain dark gray chert
are associated with the Devil tephra (unit 3)and do not occur below its
lower contact with Watana tephra (unit 4).The flakes from the upper
component lack cortex.The small size of these flakes is characteristic
of pressure flaking and suggests that finishing work or resharpening was
occurring at the site during the upper component occupation.Basalt
flakes are concentrated in the Oshetna tephra (unit 5,5a)and at its
upper contact with unit 4.They also occur in the Watana and Devil
tephras with less frequency.
Approximately 2132 calcined bone fragments were recovered from both
components at this site.Only six of these fragments were identifiable.
They include caribou (Rangifer tarandus)extremity fragments and a rib
fragment.One unidentifiable bone fragment has possible cut marks.
Upper Component:This component is associated with the Devil tephra
(unit 3)and is represented by basalt,chert,quartzite,and rhyolite
flakes and calcined bone fragments.This component was present in all
five test squares which produced cultural material.Tools recovered
during systematic testing,which are attributable to this component,
include a basalt biface fragment (UA81-208-75;Figure D.376m),with
continuous retouch along two adjacent margins and hinge fractures on two
margins,and a basalt modified (retouched)flakes (UA81-208-85),which
may be and endscraper fragment.The component also occurred in test pit
1,excavated during initial survey,which produced a red chert
endscraper (UA81-208-2,3;Figure 0.3761)found in two fragments and a
gray chert flake core (UA81-208-1;Figure D.376k).Cultural material
from this component was primarily associated with the contact between
the A horizon and the Devil tephra (units 2 and 3)but also occurred
within the Devil tephra and at its lower contact with the Watana tephra.
Feature 1,a concentration of over 1,200 calcined bone fragments
associated with 28 basalt flakes,occurred in test square NI00/E1G?at
the gradational contact between the A horizon (unit 2)and the Devil
tephra (unit 3),with some lithic and faunal material recovered from
within the Devil tephra.Devil tephra (unit 3)was not present directly
0-488
.-
-
·below feature 1 in test square NI00/EI0?,indicating a possible cultural
mixing or modification of this surface.A radiocarbon determination on
charcoal recovered from within the Devil tephra (unit 3)and in
association with the red chert endscraper from test pit 1 yielded a date
of 1380 ±155 years:A.D.5?0 (DIC-2246).
Lower Component:The lower component at the site was present only in
test square N90/E95.5 and was associated with the Oshetna tephra (unit
5).Cultural material includes basalt flakes,calcined bone fragments,
and a modified (retouched)flake of fine-grained black basalt
(UA81-208-174)which may represent a complete endscraper.A
concentration of 125 basalt flakes (Feature 2)was associated with the
Oshetna tephra and a zone of apparent mixing between the Oshetna tephra
and the Watana tephra in the northern half bf the test (units 5,Sa).A
concentration of over 454 calcined bone fragments and two basalt flakes
(Feature 3)occurred in the zone of mixing (unit Sa)between the Oshetna
and Watana tephra in the southern half of the test.In addition,six
basalt flakes and 251 calcined bone fragments,one with possible
butchering marks (UA81-208-95),were recovered from the Watana tephra
and appeared to be associated with feature 3.The faunal material found
in grid shovel test 1 (N94/E96)may also be associated with feature 3.
Unfortunately N90/E95.5 was the only test square containing artifacts
from both the upper and lower components at the site.Cryoturbation has
mixed cultural material through several stratigraphic units with no
sterile horizon separating the two components.Calcined bone and/or
flakes occurred within the Watana tephra in four test squares and in one
grid shovel test,and may represent a third component.
0-489
Evaluation:
No evidence of permanent or semipermanent structures was observed during
testing,so it is presumed that the site probably functioned as a
temporary campsite and hunting overlook at which tool manufacture
occurred.The negative evidence of 79 sterile shovel tests suggests
that the site is limited in spatial extent with the utilized area being
in the vicinity of the terrace edge.There appears to be a horizontal
separation between the two components,with the most recent occupation
concentrated near the edge of the terrace and the earlier occupation
well back from the edge.With the 1imited amount of testing it is too
early to look for patterns relating to activity areas at the site,but
there does seem to be some preliminary evidence of differential use of
the site at different time periods.The small rhyolite,quartzite,and
chert flakes associated with the upper component suggest finishing work
or lithic resharpening.These activities are not indicated by the
basalt flakes present in the lower component.
While the results of systematic testing were not entirely conclusive,
they do demonstrate TLM 062 to be a multicomponent site.The upper
component probably documents the site's use as a hunting camp at
approximately A.D.570.This component is critical to understanding the
recent cultural history of the upper Susitna River basin,because it
occurs immediately prior to the Athapaskan tradition.The lower
component appears to represent a campsite where subsistence activities
relating to either the cooking of meat or the processing of bone took
place.Estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts is
384 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-490
-
""'"
ooo
o
ao
,~
0 x 0 a
NIOO/EIOO
~
0 0
@ a 0 a 0 0
tiP.,~.
Q)0 0 0
a a •a 0 0 0 0 0"'.l>-oJlit
(2)N93/EllO
0 0
Q 0 0 0
0 a 0
0 a a
0 0
0 0 a
systematic Test Square 0
Test Pit 0
Shovel Test <2)
Grid Test:wi Artifacts •
Grid Test:Sterile a
site Datum X
Birch 'Tree ®
0 5 10
I f
METERS
Contour Interval:.5 In
Figure D.78.Site Map TLM 062
D-491
DEPTH (em)PROFILE UNIT
...,.
o
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
.~
1
,.."
2 -3 CULTURAL
4 '1".,,,
2a
3a
~j CULTURAL
7 ","",.
Figure 0.79.Composite Profile,TLM 062
0-492
-
Table 0.115.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 062
,"
Unit
1
2
2a
3
Description
"
Organic with roots and rootlets;varies in color from
very dusty red (2.5YR 2.5/2)to dark reddish brown (2.5YR
2.5/4).Varies in thickness from 2-17 cm.Small pieces
of charcoal are occasionally present.Contact with unit
2 is gradational.0 horizon.
Finely divided organics;black (5YR 2.5/1 to 10YR 2/1).
Charcoal present in all tests and shovel tests with
greatest concentration at contact with unit 3.Thickness
varies from 2-9 cm.Lower contact with unit 3
gradational with some mixing.Greasy texture.A
horizon.Cultural.
Finely divided organics;black (5YR 2.5/1).Occurs only
in test square N80/E103.Interpreted as buried unit 2.
Very fine si1t;ranges from light brownish gray (10YR
5/2)to 1ight gray (10YR 7/1)with dark gray streaks
(10YR 3/1)at upper gradational contact with unit 2 where
mixing occurs and charcoal flecks are present.Varies in
thickness from 1-8 cm and is occasionally discontinuous.
Sharp lower contact with unit 4.Occasiona1 charcoal
flecks present.Dries to a fine white powder.Devil
tephra.Cultura1.
0-493
Table 0.115.(Continued)
Unit
3a
4
5
5a
Description
Very fine silt;light brownish gray (lOYR 6/2).Occurs
only in test s"quare N80/E103.Interpreted as buried unit
3.
Very fine silt;ranges in color from dark reddish brown
(2.5YR 2.5/4)in strongly oxidized upper contact with
unit 3 to yellowish brown (lOYR 5/6)or pale yellow (2.5Y
7/2)in lower portion of unit.Strongly oxidized zone
discontinuous and mottled with granular texture.
Oxidation gradational within unit.Thickness varies from
4-28 em.Lower contact with unit 5 sharp and involuted.
Watana tephra.Cultural.
Medium silt to sandy silt;varies in color from dark
grayish brown (10YR 4/2)to gray (lOYR 6/1).Pebbles
present,probably due to mixing with unit 6.Often
overlain by thin discontinuous charcoal lense.Sharp but
very involuted contact with unit 6.Oshetna tephra.
Cultural.
Fine silt;brown (10YR 5/3).Contains many charcoal
flecks.Involuted and gradational contacts with units 4
and 5.Contains flakes and calcined bone fragments.
Occurs only in test square N90/E95.3.Interpreted as
mixing of units 4 and 5.Cultural.
0-494
Table 0.115.(Continued)
Unit
6
7
Description
Charcoal lens.
Oxidized coarse sand,pebbles,and cobbles;ranges in
color from strong brown (7.5YR 4/6)to yellowish brown
(10YR 5/6).Unsorted.Glacial drift.
0-495
Table 0.116.
Artifact Summary,TLM 062
Tools
·2
2
1
1
6
Li thi c Materi a1
178
6
18
5
207
Faunal Material
ca.2,132
Modified flake
2 Basalt (UA81-208-85,174)
Scraper fragments
2 Chert (UA81-208-2 articulates with 3)
Biface fragment
1 Basalt (UA81-20B-75)
Flake core
1 Chert (UA81-20B-1)
Basa It fl akes
Chert fl akes
Quartzite flakes
Rhyo 1ite fl akes
Bone and bone fragments
0-496
Table 0.117.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 062
2/3 1
Contact between
finely divided 2
organics and
Devil tephra 18
-.
r-',
/"""
Unit
2/3
(Feature 1)
4
Watana tephra
Description
Sesamoid bone,calcined,caribou,(Rangifer
tarandus)
Distal fragments proximal phalanx,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
Long bone and unidentifiable fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
1 Distal metapodial fragment,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1,200+Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
1 Possible metapodial distal fragment,
calcined,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Probable proximal fragment proximal phalanx,
calcined,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Unidentifiable bone fragment,possible cut
marks,calcined,medium-large mammal
248 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
4,4/5
Within Watana
tephra,contact
between Watana
and Oshetna tephras
1 Dorsal rib fragment,calcined,probably
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
172 Unidentifiable bone fragments,calcined,
mammal
0-497
Table 0.117.(Continued)
Unit Description
-
5
Oshetna tephra
5a
Mixed Watana
and Oshetna
tephras
31 Long-bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
1 Rib fragment,calcined,medium-large mammal
454 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments.
calcined,medium-large mammal
0-498
-
-
Table 0.118.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 062
Unit .Description
2 8 Basalt flakes
Finely divided
organics
2/3 24 Basalt flakes
Contact between 4 Chert fl akes
~finely divided 7 Quartzite fl akes
organics and 5 Rhyo 1ite fl akes
Devil tephra
3 15 Basa It fl akes-Devil tephra 2 Chert flakes
10 Quartzite fl akes
1 Basalt modified flake (UA81-2G8-85)
2 Chert scraper fragments (UA81-208-2
!~articulates with 3)
1 Basalt biface fragment (UA81-2G8-75)
~1 Chert flake core (UA81-208-1)
4 6 Basa 1t fl akes
Watana tephra 1 Quartzite fl ake
....;.
5 9 Basalt flakes
Oshetna tephra 1 Basa 1t modifi ed flake (UA81-208-174)
f1i1l-
,~
0-499
Table 0.118.(Continued)
_.
-
Unit Description
~""
5/5a 64 Basalt flakes
Contact between -
Oshetna tephra
and mixed unit -
5a 52 Basalt flakes
Mixed Watana
and Oshetna ~.
tephra units
0-500
AHRS Number TLM 063;Accession Numbers UA81-209,UA84-127
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 55:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Southeast of Watana Creek Mouth
Figure 0.80
Fi gure E.134
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
TLM 063 is located near the top of an isolated,ca.20 m high kame south
of the Susitna River,and southeast of the mouth of Watana Creek.The
kame is steep sided and oval,with an east-west trending,rounded crest.
The site is on the eastern end of the crest,at its southern edge where
the slope begins to steepen.The kame is situated on the northern
margin of a low,level flood plain terrace,which is approximately 10 m
higher than the present elevation of the Susitna River.At an elevation
of 505 m asl(altimeter:1656 feet),the site is about 20 m higher than
the surrounding flood plain terrace and ca.30 m above the river.The
terrace extends southward from the river about 400 m to the southern
wall of the Susitna River canyon and runs for over 5 km east and west of
the site.South of the site and ca.200 m distant on this terrace is an
esker ridge and small (ca.1 hal kettle lake.A-small outlet stream
runs from the lake to the river ca.300 m west of the site.A clear
view of the terrace to the west almost to the outlet stream mouth can be
obtained from the site,but visibility is impaired in other directions
by forest vegetation.The kame summit is wooded with paper birch,
aspen,and white spruce,with an understory of juniper,Labrador tea,
sphagnum moss,dwarf birch,blueberry,and other plants.Surrounding
vegetation on the terrace is extensive dwarf birch and blueberry scrub
brush with patchy black spruce woods.
Testing:
Over 700 small fragments of burned bone and a single red chert flake
were recovered from test pit 1 during initial field survey.These
D-501
artifacts were found in a reddish brown loess stratum within a series of
eolian silts deposited at the site.Ten additional shovel tests and
another test pit (test pit 2)excavated during survey failed to produce
further artifactual material.
To assist in defining the boundaries and stratigraphic context(s)of the
site,a shovel test expansion program and excavation of a 1 x 1 m test
square,N99/E107,was conducted.Three sterile survey shovel tests and
24 grid shovel tests were excavated,two of which yielded cultural
materi a 1•
Discussion:
Four basalt flakes wer~recovered from the single positive shovel test,
and the test square revealed an additional rhyolite flake and two
unidentified calcined bone fragments.The most productive area of the
site lies on its eastern end,where test pit 1 produced abundant faunal
material.The positive grid shovel test (N99/EI05)is located in the
next most productive area in the site.Test square N99/EI07,located
directly between these areas,contains very little cultural material
(Table 0.120).Three raw materials (basalt,chert,and rhyolite)are
represented in the lithic artifacts.All are small flakes with no
evidence of modification.
Owing to its position adjacent to the Susitna River,the site contains a
stratigraphic sequence dominated by eolian silts.Seven soil/sediment
units are recognized at TLM 063,based on the exposures in test square
N99/E107.Beneath a thin surface organic mat (unit 1)is a leached
layer of grayish brown silt mixed with modern rootlets (unit 2).A
similar silt unit (unit 3)with less roots and brown in color,underlies
this leached zone.Unit 3 may be an illuvial horizon of the p,'esent
soil development regime.Below unit 3 is a grayish yellow extremely
fine,well-sorted silt (unit 4)similar in texture to other silt units
at the site.Patches of this unit bear a resemblance to Devil tephra in
having glass shards and being cohesive when moist;the unit may be a
mixture of this tephra and locally derived eolian silts.Below unit 4
0-502
-
-
-
.~.
is a locally discontinuous lens of reddish silt that appears to have
been thermally oxidized by natural or cultural means.The unit (unit 5)
is limited in areal extent,and contains charcoal iri some areas of the
site (but not in N99/E107)and seems to follow traces of partially
carbonized roots in test square N99/E107.Burned bone from the test
square and test pit 1 is present in this stratigraphic unit.Unit 6,a
yellow extremely fine,well-sorted silt,underlies the localized unit 5
and unit 4.Unit 6 resembles the Watana tephra in color,texture,and
stratigraphic position,and is considered to be the Watana tephra unit
at this site.It may contain a significant component of fluvially
derived eolian silts as well.Lithic artifacts from test square
N99/E107 and shovel test N99/E105 occurred in this unit.Unit 6 drapes
over and mixes with the rocky glacial drift surface (unit 7),which
marked the bottom of excavation.Organic stringers composed of decaying
roots and rootlets occur throughout the sequence,often at contacts
between units,but no paleosols were discernible.Figure 0.81 provides
a depiction of the soil/sediment units present at the site,and Table
0.119 describes these units in more detail.
Artifacts from test square N99/E107,shovel test N99/E105,and test pit
1 all come from the oxidized silt unit (unit 5)or upper part of the
Watana tephra (unit 6),suggesting a single occupational component at
the site,located in silts between units 4 and 6.The component
consists of abundant small pieces of calcined bone,three of which were
identified as caribou extremity fragments and a small number of
unmodified pieces of lithic debitage (Tables 0.121 and 0.122).It is
not possible to conclude whether the oxidized silt (unit 5)is cultural
in origin and part of this component as well,or is natural in origin,
as no definite hearth feature was located.The abundance of calcined
bone in test pit 1 indicates unit 5 may be cultural,but it occurs well
beyond the distribution of calcined bone into areas lacking artifacts
(e.g.,test pit 2).
Assigning the occupation to the contact between the Devil and Watana
tephra depends on identification of units 4 and 6 as the Devil and
Watana tephras,respectively.While this identification seems
0-503
reasonable,more sedimentological work is required to clarify the
relationships of the rather unique stratigraphic sequence at TLM 063
with the generalized stratigraphy developed for the Susitna River region
as a whoie.
Evaluation:
...
TLM 063 is a small,single component site consisting of abundant small
fragments of burned bone and several pieces of lithic debitage.The
occupation is attributed to the unit contact between unit 4 and unit 6,
which is thought to represent the contact between the Devil and Watana
tephras at this site.Activities at the site during this occupation
seem to have been limited to processing of game for consumption and a
.small amount of stoneworking.The time span of occupation was probably
brief,accounting for the low artifact density and distribution.
Observed site size based on the distribution of artifacts is 15 square
meters (Table D.2).
D-504
-
"'"
-
-
~,
0 4 8
Site Datum X
I !,
D METERS
Systematic Test Square
Test Pit 0 Contour Interval:.5 m
Shovel Test 0,.~~.
Grid Test:w/Artifacts •
Grid Test:Sterile 0
Figure 0.80.Site Map,TLM 063
0-505
DEPTH (em)
o
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
PROFILE UNIT
1 .'
2 -3
-,
4
5
CULTURAL
6
7
Figure 0.81.Composite Profile,TLM 063
0-506
Table 0.119.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 063
Unit
1
2
3
4
Description
Organic mat:thin,discontinuous layer of present day
vegetative material,roots and decomposing organics.
Thickness varies from less than 1-2 em.In the NW
corner,overlain by a thin lens of backfill from previous
excavation of test pit 2.Contact with underlying unit
diffuse.
Eolian silt,fine well-sorted,with abundant rootlets and
carbon staining;gray brown (10YR 6/2).Continuous with
thickness varying between 0 and 5 em,with a mode of 2-3
em.Contact with unit 3 below is generally abrupt.Unit
is a probable leached zone.
Extremely fine,well-sorted eolian silt;brown
(10YR 4/3).Continuous.Varying in thickness from 2-10
em.Contact with unit 4 generally abrupt and wavy.
Extremely fine,well-sorted eolian silt;yellowish gray
brown (2.5YR 6/4).May contain Devil tephra.
Continuous.Ranging in thickness from 2-10 em with a mode
of 5 em.In ME and NW corners,near base of unit,
texture is fine grained and compact resembling Devil
tephra.Discontinuous decomposed stringers of organic
material,probably of roots and rootlets.
0-507
Table 0.119.(Continued)
...,...
Unit
5
6
7
Description
Extremely fine,well-sorted eolian silt.Unit appears to
follow partially carbonized root fragments;reddish in
color (7.5YR 4/6).Oxidized.Discontinuous with minor
pale streaks occurring in eastern and southern profiles.
Best developed in NW quad with greatest thickness of 6
cm.Redness of unit increases with depth.Upper contact
gradational and diffuse,but obvious;lower contact
abrupt.Two unidentifiable calcined bone fragments are
associated with this unit.
Extremely fine,well-sorted silt with occasional drift
pebbles yellowish brown (10YR 5/8).Continuous.Varying
in thickness from 3-15 cm.Contact with unit 4 above
gradational and diffuse,involving a color change from
grayish to yellowish brown.Watana tephra.Contact with
unit 5 above is abrupt.Contact with unit 7 below is
diffuse and mixed.Gray or reddish mottling occurs in
some areas.Unit contained one flake.
Poorly sorted glacial drift,marks the bottom limit of
excavation.Surface of unit consists of pebbles and
well-rounded cobbles up to 15 cm in diameter.Bottom of
unit consists of rocks in sandy matrix (7.5YR 5/8).
0-508
-
-
-
-
,r;:'-=:"
Table D.120.
Artifact Summary,TLM 063
"""Lithi c Material
~4 Flakes
4 Basalt
~,;~
1 Flake
1 Rhyolite
5_.
Fauna 1 Material
~
755+Bone fragments
"'""
D-509
Table 0.121.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 063
Unit
5
Reddish silt
Subsurface
unknown
(Survey
testing)
Description
2 Longbone and unidentifiable fragments,
calcined,medium-large'mammal
1 Right astragalus fragment,calcined,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Cuneiform fragment,calcined,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Possible proximal phalanx fragment,
calcined,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
750+Long bone and unidentifiable fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
0-510
-.
Table 0.122.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 063
-
Unit
4-6
From Devil tephra(?)
through Watana tephra(?)
Description
4 Basalt fl akes
6
Watana tephra(?)
1 Rhyolite flake
0-511
AHRS Number TlM 064;Accession Numbers UA81-220,UA84-68
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Local 72:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
South of Susitna River and Southeast of Watana
Creek Mouth
locus A,Figure 0.82
Locus B,Figure 0.83
Figure E.147
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
-
The site is located south of the Susitna River and southeast of the
mouth of Watana Creek,just south of survey locale 72.Two site loci fA
and B)are located on two knolls ca.109 m apart on a
northeast-southwest axis.Loci A and B are at an elevation of 675 as1
(altimeter:2213 feet).These knolls comprise part of a series of low,
rounded knolls on a relatively flat,gently sloping lacustrine plain at
an elevation of 579-686 m asl (1950-2250 feet),and ca.183-213 m
(600-700 feet)above the Susitna River at its nearest point.A small
lake (less than 1 hal lies to the southwest of the site.A tributary
creek cuts a steep canyon west of the site through which access to the
Susitna River could be obtained.The flake scatter which represents
locus A is situated on the southwestern knoll,ca.1 m above the
surrounding plain,and about 50 cm lower than the top of the knoll.The
slope of the knoll is estimated to be less than 10 degrees.Locus B,
109 m northeast of locus A,is on a knoll rising ca.4 m above the
surrounding terrace on the north,while only ca.1 m on the south and
east.The cultural material is located ca.50 em below the top of the
knoll on the southeast slope.The view from the site is essentially
panoramic.Particularly noteworthy is the view in southerly directions
overlooking the lacustrine plain and the steep slopes of Mt.Watana.
The Susitna River canyon to the north and the valley of the tributary
creek to the west are visible,although the watercourses themselves
cannot be seen.A broad expanse of open black and white spruce widely
scattered on the plain is in view from both loci.Vegetation on the two
0-512
-
-
-
knolls consists of a thin organic mat of lichens,low heath,dwarf
birch,Labrador tea,crowberry,bearberry,lowbush cranberry,blueberry,
and alpine azalea.Small frost boils and deflated areas occur
sporadi ca lly.
Testing:
Two loci (A and B)on separatekno 11 s weredefi ned during survey
testing.Locus A contained only surface remains while locus B contained
both surface and subsurface remains.Five waste flakes (one of which
was collected),1 chalcedony flake,and 1 basalt modified flake
(UA81-220-1)were discovered on the surface of locus A.The chalcedony
fl ake was collected from the surface of a frost boi 1 (scatter 2)at the
northwestern portion of the locus whtle the majority of material was
present on the southwestern end of locus A.A 50 x 50 em test pit (test
pit 1)at scatter 1,and a shovel test at the southwestern base'of the
locus A knoll were excavated but proved to be sterile.
Locus B consi sted of a scatter of 21 bas a It fl akes (10 of whi ch were
collected)on a frost boil on the southeast slope of the locus B knoll.
The slope inclines at an estimated 10 degrees or less.Test pit 2 was
excavated 1 m northwest and uphill from this scatter.A light brown
argillite flake and a basalt biface fragment (UA81-220-14;Figure
0.3760)were recovered from the test at 6 and 8 cmbs,respectively,at
the contact between a black humic horizon with charcoal flecks and a
light gray tephra unit (Devil tephra).Surface survey of deflated frost
boils and the excavation of two shovel tests on the flat surface of the
knoll did not provide additional cultural remains.
A grid shovel testing program was implemented at locus B to assist in
determining the areal extent of the locus and to obtain additional
information regarding the occupation previously found at the contact of
the organi c 50;1 and Devil tephra.Twenty-seven gri d shovel tests were
excavated,but none produced artifactual remains.Approximately 4 m
southeast of the site datum and ca.20 em south of test pit 2,102
basalt flakes were observed on and around a frost boil.A 1 x 1 m
0-513
systematic test square was placed over the area of the frost boil and
exposed artifacts.
Discussion:
Testing at TLM 064 involved survey testing only at locus A and both
survey and systematic testing at locus B.Three survey shovel tests,27
grid shovel tests,2 test pits,and 1 1 x 1 m test square were excavated
at the site.Six hundred and twenty-six flakes,which were all basalt
except for one argillite and one chalcedony flake,were recovered from
both loci.Three tools were also found:a basalt modified flake,a
basalt biface fragment,and an argillite lanceolate point base.
Six soil/sediment stratigraphic units are identified at TLM 064.Figure
0.84 illustrates the vertical superposition of these units.Table 0.123
describes the various unit characteristics.The vertical placement of
the soil/sediment units is fairly consistent within the single test
square.A general stratigraphic section consists of oxidized and
unoxidized glacial drift (units 6a and 6b)overlain by a sequence of
tephras.The Oshetna tephra (unit 5)occurs occasionally,represented
in a discontinuous context between the drift and the overlying
unoxidized and oxidized Watana tephra (unit 4b and unit 4a,
respectively).The paleosol between the Oshetna and Watana tephras,
found elsewhere in the project area,is not present in the stratigraphic
sequence.Above the Watana tephra lies the Devil tephra (unit 3).
Above the volcanic sediments is a humic,carbonaceous organic silt layer
(unit 2)that represents the 02 horizon of the contemporary organic mat
which caps the sequence.This thin lichen mat is sparse and contains
plant debris and rootlets from lowbush cranberry,low heath,and
lichens.
The single cultural component at TLM 064 (locus B)can be correlated to
the organic silt layer (unit 2)and its contacts with adjacent units
(unit 1,3,4a).The inventory of artifacts for locus A is summarized
on Table 0.124,and distribution by stratigraphic unit for locus A is
summarized on Table 0.126.The inventory of artifacts for locus B is
0-514
-
--
-
-,
,-
summarized on Table 0.125,and distribution by stratigraphic unit for
locus B is summarized on Table 0.177.Four hundred sixty-four small
basalt flakes (less than 2 em)and one argillite lanc~olate point base
(UA84-68-5;Figure D.376n)occurred within unit 2.A total of 102
basalt flakes were recovered from the thin organic mat directly above
the dense concentration of lithic material in the organic silt.The
presence of flakes in the organic mat may be due to a frost boil,which
is in the southern portion of the test square.Cryoturbation in the
vi ci nity of the frost boil presumably caused the di sp 1acement of 30
basalt flakes found in the Devil tephra (unit 3)and one basalt flake
found in the oxidized Watana tephra (unit 4a).
Evaluation:
TLM 064 consists of two site loci (A and B)that are situated on two
knolls surrounded by a relatively flat,gently northward sloping
lacustrine plain.The site affords a panoramic view of the plain,the
walls of the Susitna River canyon to the north,and a tributary creek to
the west.The location of the site and the artifact assemblage suggest
that the site functioned as a chipping station for tool manufacture
and/or as a hunting overlook.Survey testing in locus A revealed two
widely separated lithic scatters.Results of survey testing,the grid
shovel testing program~and systematic testing indicate that locus B is
limited to the immediate area surrounding an undeflated frost boil.The
artifactual assemblage,consisting primarily of small basalt flakes in
association with a lanceolate point base,represents a post-Devil tephra
occupation.Observed site size for locus B based on the distribution of
artifacts is 9 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-515
"*GH
Contour Interval:.25 m
~-
-
_.
10
11ETERS
5
I
,...----...",-s""cau.r 2 ...."
I \
I J
I J
\'.....~....:.-_-J-
o
I
Test Pit 0
Shovel Test 0
Surface Artifact ,-,-
Site Datum X
Lithic Scatter ,-,,r"--J
Spruce Tree *Game Trail ~,,~
-:.1,
Figure 0.82.Site Map,TLM 064 Locus A -
0-516
"*
...,
0 0
0
0 0
0 0
@J.P.2
0 0N98E101
0
0 0
Contour Interval:.5 m
Systematic Test Square
Test Pit
Shovel Test
Grid Test:Sterile
Locus B Subdatum
Surface Lithi~Scatter
o
o
o
o
X
o 5
~1ETERS
10
Figure 0.83.Site Map,TLM 064 Locus B
0-517
DEPTH (em)PROFILE UNIT
""""
-
0
1
5
2 CULTURAL
10 3
4.
15 4b
5
8.20
25 8b
30
-
Figure 0.84.Composite Profile,TLM 064,Locus B -
0-518
-~
Table 0.123.
~oil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 064 Locus B
-
-
Unit
1
2
3
Description
Surface organic layer:rootlets and sparse plant material
from lowbush cranberry and low heath.01 horizon.
Varies in thickness from 1-5 cm,generally 2 cm.Lower
boundary clear to smooth.Continuous.Cultural material
displaced from underlying unit.
Very fine silt with decomposed plant fragments and finely
divided organic material;dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2).
Varies in thickness from 1-10 cm,usually 5 cm.Lower
boundary gradual to wavy.Fairly continuous except in
southeast corner.Humic,carbonaceous,02 horizon with
tiny flecks of charcoal present.Rootlets present.
Cultural unit.
Fine-grained,silt size particles;pinkish gray (7.5YR
6/2).Ranges in thickness from 1-6 cm,generally 3 cm.
Tephra (Devil);eluvial horizon.Discontinuous with
abrupt to irregular boundary.Dries quickly to a fine
powder.Leaching of organic material at upper extent of
unit is evident.Rootlet penetration.Low percentage of
cultural material displaced from overlying unit.
0-519
Table 0.123.(Continued)
Unit
4a
4b
5
6a
Description
Fine to medium silt and sand size particles,granular
structure,friable,gritty texture,pea gravel present;
very dusky red (10YR 2.5/2).Ranges in thickness from
1-9 cm,generally 4 cm.Clear to diffuse to wavy lower
boundary.Tephra (Watana);illuvial 82 horizon.Highly
weathered.Fairly continuous.Oxidized,particularly at
the contact with unit 3 and unit 2.Poorly sorted and
apparently mixed with unit 6a.
Fine silt size particles;strong brown (7.5YR 5/8 to
7.5YR 4/6).Thickness varies from 4-6 cm.Lower
boundary is diffuse.Tephra (Watana).Discontinuous.
Occurs only in southeast corner of N98/E101.
Fine silt to sandy size particles,gritty texture;dark
yellowish brown (lOYR 3/4).Thickness generally 4 cm.
Lower boundary is diffuse to irregular.Tephra
(Oshetna);buried eluvial A horizon.Discontinuous.
Occurs only in small pockets along west and south wall
profiles.
Sand and silt mixed with pebbles and cobbles;usually
s.trong brown (7.5YR 4/6)although variable in color
depending on degree ~f weathering.Graduational lower
boundary.Glacial drift.Poorly sorted.Oxidized,
particularly at upper contact with unit 4a.
0-520
_.
-
-
Table D.123.(Continued)
.-,
-
-
Unit
6b
Description
Sand and some silt mixed with pebbles and cobbles;olive
brown (2.5Y 4/4).Glacial drift.Poorly or very poorly
sorted.Cobbles are usually 8-19 cm in diameter.
Excavation into this unit determined limit of excavation.
D-521
Table 0.124.
Artifact Summary,TLM 064 Locus A
Tools
-
1
Lithic Material
1
1
4
6
Modified flake
1 Basalt (UA81-220-1)
Basa lt fl ake
Cha lcedony fl ake
Basalt flakes (uncollected)
0-522
-
-
Table 0.125.
Artifact Summary,TLM 064 Locus B
'I~Tools
1 Biface fragment
1 Basalt (UA81-220-14)
1 Lanceolate point base
~1 Argi 11 i te (UA84-68-5)
2
~
Lithic Material
-
1
608
11
620
Argi 11 ite fl ake
Basa 1t fl akes
Basalt flakes (uncollected)
0-523
Table 0.126.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 064 Locus A
""".
-
Unit
Surface
Description
1 Basalt flake
1 Chalcedony flake
1 Basalt modified.flake (UA81-220-1)
4 Basalt flakes (uncollected)
0-524
-
Table D.127.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 064 Locus B
-
'-.
.-
Unit
Surface
1
Organic mat
2
Organi c silt
2/3
Contact between
organic silt and
Devil tephra
3
Devil tephra
4a
Oxidized Watana
tephra
Description
10 Basalt flakes
11 Basalt flakes (uncollected)
102 Basalt flakes
465 Basalt flakes
1 Argillite lanceolate point base (UA84-68-5)
1 Argillite flake
1 Basalt biface fragment (UA81-220-14)
30 Basalt flakes
1 Basalt flake
0-525
AHRS Number TLM 065;Accession Numbers UA81-222.UA84-238
_.
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 85:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
South of Kosina Creek Mouth
Locus A,Figure 0.85
Loci Band C,Figure 0.86
Figure E.159
Talkeetna Mts.0-2,Figure E.4
Appendix F
--
The site consists of three loci (A,B,and C)located on a broad terrace
south of the confluence of Kosina Creek and the Susitna River.The
terrace descends steeply on its northern and western faces.then slopes
gradually upwards to the base of a steeply ascending slope to the south.
The terrace,about 60 (east-west)x 75 m (north-south),is terminated by
a creek drainage on the east.
Locus A:This locus is situated on the eastern edge of the terrace
overlooking the creek drainage about 30 m to the east.Locus A.located
at 597 m asl (altimeter:1959 feet),is approximately 45 m higher than
Kosina Creek where it flows west of the site,and approximately 67 m
higher than the present elevation of the Susitna River.Locus A lies
about 40 m back from the northern edge of the terrace,from which edge a
narrow ridge descends to the flood plain below,along the western bank
of the creek.Visual coverage of the Susitna River to the northeast and
the terrain to the east,south,and west toward loci Band C is good.
However,the flood plain to the northwest is only seen from the terrace
edge north of locus A.Vegetation at locus A consists of a birch and
spruce grove with heath and moss on the ground surface.
Locus B:This locus is located ca.74 m southwest of locus A at the
western edge of the terrace and lies at an elevation of 594 m asl
(altimeter:1949 feet).Locus B is situated on a 15 m lobate
projection toward the eastern slopes of the Kosina Creek drainage.The
view is limited to the main body of the terrace east of locus B,and to
0-526
-
-
-
-
-
-
shallow channels and sections of the terrace to the south and west.As
at locus A,a birch and spruce grove hinders the view to the north.
Heath and moss cover the ground surface at the locus.
Locus C:This locus occupies the central portion of the broad terrace
directly north of locus B and is ca.64 m west-southwest of locus A.
The terrace surface rises slightly at this point,providing a slightly
drier microenvironment than the nearby terrace margin on the slope base.
The lower Susitna River flood plain and Kosina Creek drainage are
obscured by the terrace edge ca.30 m north and west.Vegetation at
locus C includes moss and lichen mat with interspersed groups of stunted
black poplar,willow,and dwarf birch surrounded by Labrador tea.
Testing:
Locus A:Locus A is characterized by a rectangular depression (feature
1),approximately 2.3 x 2.7 x 0.3 m deep,oriented north-south on the
long axis;a circular depression (feature 2),ca.1 m in diameter;and
an area,ca.2 x 5 m,of sedges,moss,and grass,comprising a
discontinuity in the general vegetation (feature 4).No surface
artifacts were observed during survey testing and none of the features
were tested.Two 40 x 40 cm test pits within 6 m of the features,
however,revealed bone and thermally altered rock.Test pit 1 yielded
unburned and calcined bone fragments including parts of a caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)mandible and a possible thermally altered rock at
5-7 cmbs in dark charcoal-flecked humus.Test pit 2 contained
one unburned bone fragment at 3 cmbs in dark humus.Four additional
shovel tests in the vicinity of locus A were sterile.
Systematic testing at the site consisted of the excavation of four 1 x 1
m test squares at locus A.These test squares were located at N90/E103,
N93/E104, N99/E105,and N102/E98.Test square N99/E105 was excavated to
obtain a representation of the undisturbed stratigraphy in the site
area.The remaining three test squares were excavated to obtain
information about the features in the site area.
0-527
Locus B:Locus B consists of a single circular depression 43 cm in
diameter and 20 cm deep (feature·3).It was tested prior to the dis-
covery of locus A by means of a shovel test,~nd revealed two unburned,
innominate fragments of caribou (Rangifer tarandus)at 8 cmbs in humus.
Three additional shovel tests in the vicinity were sterile.No surface
artifacts were noted.Fourteen shovel tests placed between loci A and B
on the terrace were also sterile.
Locus C:Locus C was first defined during the grid shovel testing
program.One of the grid shovel tests,N8S.5/E39,placed next to a ca.
50 cm square depression,produced bone and hearth materials confirming
the depression as a cultural feature.
A grid shovel testing program was implemented to assist in determining
the site size and the distribution of cultural material.This program
resulted in the excavation of 295 grid shovel tests at and between the
three loci of the site,49 of which produced cultural materials.
Forty-four of these tests produced unburned and calcined bone in the
organic layer.One shovel test (N96/E96)produced a thin piece of iron
(UA84-238-45;Figure 0.377e)also in the organic layer.Thirty-one
survey shovel tests were placed at peripheral locations on the terrace
to investigate potential features.
Discussion:
Testing at the three loci (A,B,and C)resulted in the excavation of 52
survey shovel tests,2 test pits,4 test squares,and 295 grid shovel
tests.Surface features observed at TLM 065 loci A and B include two
shallow rectangular depressions (features 1 and 4)and two circular
depressions (features 2 and 3)located on a relatively level terrace
overlooking the confluence of Kosina Creek with the Susitna River.
Locus C has one shallow rectangular depression.Lithic and historic
.remains found at locus A are listed on Tables 0.129 and 0.135;faunal
remains from locus A,B,and C are listed on Tables 0.132, 0.133,and
0.134 respectively.
0-528
-
-
-
_.
The soil/sediment sequence at TLM 065 consists of 12-60 cm of sediments,
which were divided into six units.These soil/sediment units are
depicted on Figure 0.87 and described in Table 0.128.The site is
capped by an organic mat of roots and leaves (unit 1).Beneath this
organic mat is a sandy loam,02 horizon (unit 2),which appears to be
culturally disturbed.A cultural fill unit of sand and gravel,
identified during grid shovel testing,occurred between the root mat and
02 horizon at locus C.The three tephra unitstypi ca lly present in the
project area were not defined at-this site.Only the Watana tephra unit
was recognized (unit 5)overlain by a black sandy silt (unit 3)and a
coarse sand and gravel unit (unit 4).This tephra unit often occurs as
a lens in the coarse sand and gravel unit.The basal unit at this site
is the glacial drift (unit 6).
Test squares were located at three of the surface depressions recorded
during survey level testing.Test square N90/EI03 bisected feature 2,a
spherical depression approximately 1 m in diameter.Ei~ht bone
fragments,1 piece of wood,1 glass bead (UA81-222-77;Figure D.377c),3
thermally altered rocks,and birch bark were recovered in this test.
Test N93/El04 was positioned to intersect the wall of the larger
rectangular depression (feature 1)located 3 m north of feature 2.
Excavation of feature 1 revealed heavily decayed logs running parallel
to the berm forming the margin of the depression.Artifacts collected
from this test include eight beads (UA81-222-1,2,3,4,6,7,8,15;
Figure D.377d,b,a)and four thermally altered rocks.Excavation of test
square NI02/E98 was begun to test the nature of a very sha 11 ow
depression at the northern end of the site (feature 4).Thermally
altered rock and faunal material were encountered but not collected.
Testing was discontinued so as not to further disturb this feature.The
fourth test square,N99/EI05,was placed 1 m south of survey test pit 1
in an area not immediately adjacent to a depression.A shallow
concentration of faunal material was encountered directly below the
organic mat.Material collected included 1 gray chert flake,1
chalcedony flake,1 bead fragment (UA81-222-63),and approximately 100
unburned and calcined bone fragments.
0-529
The three loci were connected by grid shovel transects (Figures 0.85 and
0.86).Bone was not encountered during the transects,but this may
represent a factor 9f poor preservation under lichen mat rather than a
distinct site hiatus.The majority of bone producing tests were covered
by thick moss and Labrador tea.Minor interruptions in otherwise dense
bone concentrations at locus A were found to be associated with lichen
mat ground cover.Several shovel tests at both loci A and C contained a
continuous layer of decomposed wood within the organic horizon.This
wood appeared to be aligned and could not be attributed to remnants of
trees growing on this portion of the terrace.The terrace is presently
devoid of large spruce except at the eastern and western ends.These
wood mats may represent the remains of collapsed above surface
dwellings.Additional depressions noted on the terrace edges ca.40 m
southwest and ca.50 m northwest of locus B,and ca.75 m northeast of
locus A were shovel tested but could not be confirmed as being cultural.
A bear excavation,resembling a cache pit in proportion and placement,
is located on the north descending ridge ca.75 m north of locus A.
Faunal remains comprise the vast majority of cultural material from TLM
065.Over 1200 bone fragments and teeth were recovered from all three
loci.Caribou (Rangifer tarandus)is the only identified species,
represented by 165,mostly unburned specimens.These specimens include
all skeletal components,i.e.,skull,axial,forelimb,hindlimb,and
extremity elements.One bone tool fragment is a longitudinally split
metapodial shaft fragment bevelled at one end.The unidentified portion
of the assemblage is characterized primarily by small,calcined bone
fragments recovered from two shovel tests (N96/E96 and NI08/EIOO)and to
a lesser extent from test square N99/E105.
Stratigraphically,the bones were distributed almost entirely in the 02
horizon and its upper contact with the vegetation mat.At locus A
(Table 0.132),bones were widely distributed in grid shovel tests across
the terrace,in both test pits and in test squares N99/EI05 and
N99/EI03,which bisected feature 2.The faunal material from locus B
(Table 0.133)was limited to two fragments recovered from feature 3
0-530
-
.-
-
r
..-
during survey testing.Five shovel tests produced unburned bone and
teeth at locus C (Table D.134).
As a result of the large sample of identified caribou bone and teeth,an
estimate of the minimum number of individuals (MNI)could be made.
Discrimination between individual animals at loci A and C was made on
the presence,stage of development,and wear on teeth.At locus A,an
MNI of 5 was calculated.At least two of the individuals were young,
represented by deciduous teeth,and unerupted and virtually unworn
permanent teeth.The dentition of the two older individuals was
considerably more worn.The presence of four left maxillary premolars
(an individual has only three maxillary premolars per side)indicated
that these worn teeth belonged to two,rather than one individual
caribou.A fifth caribou was represented by extremely worn maxillary
and mandibular molars.On the basis of dentition.two individual
caribou were differentiated at locus C.All tooth specimens were
recovered from one shovel test,NB5.5jE39.One young individual was
represented by one deciduous and six permanent mandibular molars.The
stages of eruption and wear indicate that the individual was
approximately one year old at time of death,according to dental
eruption data presented by Spiess (1979:75.76).The dental remains of
an older individual consisted of two worn left maxillary premolars.The
two pelvic fragments recovered from feature 3 at locus B may represent
an individual previously accounted for at one of the other two loci,and
therefore no MNI value was assigned.Thus,a total caribou MNI of 8 has
been estimated for the entire site.
Lithic material was limited to seven thermally altered rocks,a
chalcedony flake,and a chert waste flake (Table 0.129).Most of this
material was associated with the culturally disturbed sandy loam
(unit 2).Nine tubular beads,one bead fragment,and 10 rolls of birch
bark attest to the relatively late occupation of TLM 065.The standard
color names (see Kronerup &Wanscher 1961)of the beads recovered at the
site are as follows:four opaque cornflower blue;two opaque baby blue;
one semi-translucent azure blue;one opaque grayish turquoise;and one
polychrome,opaque reddish brown ("Cornaline d 'Aleppo").The color
0-531
name of the bead fragment is opaque dark reddish brown.The presence of
these trade beads denotes either direct or indirect Native contact with
Euro-Americans (e.g.,de Laguna 1947:225,244;Ketz 1983;Osgood
1936:47).
0-532
~,
-
......
,.".,
...'
Evaluation:
This site documents early historic occupation of the area at a time when
Athapaskan culture was beginning to undergo rapid,dramatic,and
irrevocable cultural change.Few habitation sites have been recorded in
the project area which have yielded such a large sample of identifiable
faunal material.Locus A appears to consist of a ca.45 m diameter
scatter of bone surrounding feature 1 (Figure 0.85).Bone recovered
from this locality represents caribou processing and secondary
deposition of refuse below the terrace edge.An apparent cache pit is
recorded at locus B.Locus C represents a ca.20 m diameter area of
caribou bone processing.
The site probably dates to the late 1800's based on the rather clear
definition of the surface features at the site and the discovery of
trade beads and an iron fragment.This site may provide data important
to questions concerning Athapaskan culture during the contact with
European culture.TLM 065 provides an essential physical link which
will enable future research to apply the direct historical approach in
delineating cultural development through time.Observed site size for
Locus A based on the distribution of artifacts is 524 square meters.
Observed site size for Locus B based on the distribution of artifacts is
4 square meters.Observed site size for Locus C based on the
distribution of artifacts is 24 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-533
0 .J~!'ll'1','1'0 0 0 01.5 ___
0 ~~o 0 0 -,
~*o*o
0 1 0
•0 •0
/-**.I
0 0 •••0 0 0 .""?.~•0 0
0 0 0 •~0 0 •0
0 0 00
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ••0 0
0 0 §J 0 0 •0 0
0 0 ••0 ••0,••'.4 &.
0 o Nl02 E9B o T.P.1 0 0 -
0 0 0 •0 X 0'0 ••••0
0 ~cca.64m N99El0S
0 000
0 0 0 •0 0 •
a Q~•0 0
0 0
Feat.1 aT.P.2
0 0
0 ~~.•0 0 0 •~N93E~O.0 0 0~~O e@ Feat02@ ~0 •0 0 o.••0 0
N90 E 103
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 a 0 a a a 0 a a 0 0
@ 0 0 0 ~0 •0 0 0a Q
0
0 V·a 0
a 0 0
0 0 0
Systematic Test Square 0 0 8 16
Test Pit a
Grid Test:wi Artifacts •METERS
Grid Test:Sterile 0
Site Datum (t~:80 ::lCC)X Contour Interval:.5 mDepression0 ",.,
Birch Tree @
Spruce Tree *Dwarf Birch <:>
Figure 0.85.Site Map,TLM 065 Locus A
D-534
o
o
Locus B
ooo
0 0 ~~
+0 0
0
/':'iiiW!I1,
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 •0 0 0 ~a.64m
,~0 0 0 0 •a Locus C
00•0 0 0 0 0 0
....0 0 0 •0
0
0 •0 0
0
0 0 0
0
0
00 0 ~0 C@00
.~0 ®a
0
Shovel Test
Grid Test:wi Artifacts
Grid Test:Sterile
o
•
o
a 8
METERS
16
Depression
Birch Tree
Spruce Tree
Surface Artifact
a
@
*I-,-
Contour Interval:.5 m
Figure 0.86.Site Map,TLM 065 Loci Band C
F"'".D-535
DEPTH (em)
o
5
10
15
20
25
30
PROFILE SOIL UNIT
1
2
3
CULTURAL
4
6
Figure 0.87.Composite Profile,TLM 065
0-536
Table 0.128.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 065
-
Unit
1
2
3
4
5
Description
Organic mat.Mat of undivided organics,roots and
leaves.Lower boundary abrupt.
Sandy loam;very dark brown (10YR 2/1).Lies directly
below the organic mat;02 horizon.This is a culturally
disturbed unit with cultural material mixed with
disturbed soil horizon.
Sandy silt;black (N 2/).Occurs in a 1-4 cm thick unit
throughout entire site.
Coarse sand and gravel;gray (5Y 5/1).Pebbles,both
angular and rounded,range in size from 1-4 cm in
diameter.Contains lens of fine silt (unit 5)mixed
within this unit.
Fine silt;light yellow (2.5Y 7/2).Watana tephra.
Discontinuous.Considerable mixing of units 4 and 5 has
occurred and unit 5 occurs as lenses within unit 4.
-
-
6 Coarse sand
Continuous.
sharp.
and gravel;olive (5Y 5/4).Glacial drift.
Poorly sorted.Upper contact with unit 5 is
0-537
Table 0.129.
Artifact Summary,TLM 065 Locus A
Lithic Material
1
1
7
9
Faunal Material
1,209
Historic Remains
1
9
1
1
2
10
24
Chalcedony flake
Chert flake
Thermally altered rocks
Bones and bone fragments
Iron fragment (UA84-233-45)
Beads (UA81-222-1,2,3,4,6,7,8,15,77)
Bead fragment (UA81-222-63)
Shaped wood piece (UA81-222-76)
Wood chunks (UA81-222-82,83)
Birch bark fragments (UA81-222-81)
0-538
Table 0.130.,
Artifact Summary,TLM 065 Locus B
Fauna 1 Ma teri a1
2 Bone Fragments
Table 0.13l.
Artifact Summa~y,TLM 065 Locus C
Faunal Material
.-
43 Bone fragments
0-539
Table 0.132.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 065 Locus A
Unit
1/2
Contact between
vegetation mat
and 02 horizon
Description
1 Left metapodial shaft fragment,unburned,
modified (flesher ?),caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)(UA84-238-65)
1 Left maxillary second premolar,worn,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left maxillary third premolar,worn,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left maxillary fourth premolar,worn,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left maxillary third or fourth premolar,
worn,unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right mandibular first or second molar,
worn,unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left mandibular second molar,worn,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right mandibular fragment with third molar,
worn,unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right anterior mandibular fragment,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left mandibular fragment,unburned,gnaw
marks,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Possible mandibular fragment,unburned,
probably caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Cervical vertebral facet,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
0-540
~i
-
-
Table 0.132.(Continued)
Unit Description
1 Lumbar vertebra fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
4 Rib fragments,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarnadus)
1 Right humerus shaft fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Distal humerus fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right distal radius fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left proximal radius shaft fragment,
unburned,cari bou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left distal radius fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Possible left distal radius fragment,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Right radius/ulna shaft fragments,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left radius/ulna shaft fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left distal radius/ulna fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Distal radius/ulna fragments,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Left proximal ulna fragments,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right innominate (ischium)fragment,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
0-541
Table 0.132.(Continued)
Unit Description
,IIiP'l,
1 Left innominate (ilium)fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left innominate fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right femoral head fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right femur fragment,unburned~
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Probable right femure fragment,unburned,
gnaw marks,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left distal tibia fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Left tibia shaft fragments,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
4 Tibia shaft fragments,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right calcaneus,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right calcaneus fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left calcaneus fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Calcaneus fragments,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right astragalus,unburned,gnaw marks,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Left astragalus,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
0-542
Table 0.132.(Continued)
Unit Description
2 Left cuneiform,unburned,caribou,-,
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left proximal metapodial (forelimb)
fragment,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left proximal metapodial fragment,unburned,
caribou (Ranqier tarandus)
2 Proximal metapodial (forelimb)fragments,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Distal metapodial (forelimb)fragment,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Possible proximal metapodial (forelimb)
fragment,unburned,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
1 Possible right distal metapodial (hindlimb),
fragment,unburned,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
1 Probable left distal metapodial (hindlimb)
fragment ,unburned ,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
2 Left metapodial shaft (hindlimb)fragments,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Metapodial shaft (hindlimb)fragments,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
3 Metapodial shaft fragments,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Metapodial shaft fragment,unburned,
probable caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
0-543
Table 0.132.(Continued)
Unit Description
1/2,2
Contact between
vegetation mat
and 02 and
within 02
4 Proximal fragments proximal phalanx,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus).
2 Distal fragments proximal phalanx,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
3 Proximal fragments medial phalanx,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 .Crani~l fragments,unburned,medium-large
mammal
2 Immature vertebral fragments,unburned,
weathered,medium-large mammal
1 Rib fragment,unburned,medium-large
mammal
97 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
unburned,medium-large mammal
366 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
2 Deciduous mandibular molars,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
3 Premolar or molar fragments,unerupted,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Maxillary premolars,worn,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right maxillary second molar,worn,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Il1axillary molar,worn,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Maxillary molars,extremely worn,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
0-544 -
Table 0.132.(Continued)
Unit Description
1 Right mandible fragment with third molar,
unworn,unburned,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
5 Left mandible fragments with first
and second molars,extremely worn,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left mandibular first molar,worn,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Maxillary fragment,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
3 Left mandibular fragments,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
11 Cranial fragments,unburned,probable
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Thoracic vertebra,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
2 Right humerus shaft fragments,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left proximal radius fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Probable radius shaft fragment,unburned,
probable caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Femur shaft fragment,unburned,
probable caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Probable tibia shaft fragment,unburned,
probable caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right distal tibia fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
0-545
Table 0.132.(Continued)
Unit Description
1 Right fibula,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left astragalus,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left calcaneus fragment,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left proximal metapodial (forelimb)
fragment,unburned,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
1 Proximal fragment proximal phalanx,burned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Proximal fragment proximal phalanx,
calcined,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Distal fragment proximal phalanx,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Proximal fragment medial phalanx,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Vertebral fragment,unburned,medium-large
mammal
2 Rib fragments,unburned,small mammal
8 Long bone shaft fragments,unburned,medium-
large mammal
110 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
unburned,medium-large mammal
75 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
burned and calcined,medium-large mammal
15 Unidentifiable bone fragments,unburned,
mammal
0-546
-
~,
Table 0.132.(Continued)
Unit Description
2
02 horizon
1 Right mandible fragment with first,second,
and third molars,unworn,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right scapula fragment,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right humerus shaft fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right distal humerus fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Distal fragment possible left radius/ulna,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Navicula-cuboid fragment,calcined,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Possible navicula-cuboid fragment,calcined,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Proximal metapodial fragment (hindlimb),
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right metapodial shaft fragment,unburned
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Metapodial shaft fragment,unburned,
probably caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Proximal fragment proximal phalanx,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Distal fragment proximal phalanx,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
0-547
Table 0.132.(Continued)
Unit Description
-
1-4
Feature 2
1 Cranial fragment,burned,medium-large
mammal
3 Flat bone fragments,unburned,medium-large
mammal
8 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
unburned,medium-large mammal
364 Long bone and unidentifiable bone fragments,
burned and calcined,medium-large mammal
1 Atlas vertebra fragment,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
2 Right innominate (actetabulum)fragments,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left radius/ulna distal epiphysis,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Proximal fragment medial phalanx,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Long bone shaft fragment,unburned,medium-
large mammal
2 Unidentifiable bone fragments,unburned,
medium-large mammal
0-548
Table 0.132.(Continued)
Unit Description
Unknown 1 Left mandibular second molar,unworn;
~~unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right mandible fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Radius/ulna shaft fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
~
1 Right tibia shaft fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)-1 Possible sesamoid,unburned,probable
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Unidentifiable fragment,unburned,
medium-large mammal
Table 0.133
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 065 Locus B
Unit
Feature 3
Description
2 Right innominate fragments (acetabulum and
ischium),unburned,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
0-549
Table 0.134
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TlM 065 locus C
Unit
Surface
1/2
Contact between
vegetation mat
and 02 horizon
Fi 11/2
Contact between
cultural fill under
root mat and 02
horizon (shovel
test N85.5/E39)
Description
1 left calcaneus,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 left distal radius fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 long bone fragment,unburned,gnaw marks,
medium-large mammal
1 Deciduous right mandibular third molar,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right mandibular second molar,unworn,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
2 Mandibular third molars,right and left,
unerupted,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
2 Mandibular first molars,right and left,
unworn,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left mandibular second molar,unworn,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left maxillary third premolar,worn,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left maxillary fourth premolar,worn,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right mandible fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
0-550
-
Table 0.134.(Continued)
Unit Description
-
2
02 horizon
2 Scapula fra~ments,right and left,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Immature proximal tibia fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right proximal metapodial (hindlimb)
fragment,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Right distal metapodial (hindlimb)fragment,
possible cut marks,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Left metapodial shaft fragment,unburned,
caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
19 Flat bone fragments,unburned,medium-large
mammal
1 Unidentifiable bone fragment,unburned,
medium-large mammal
1 Left tibia shaft fragment,unburned,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
1 Possible proximal metapodial (hindlimb),
fragment,unburned,caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
1 Possible metapodial shaft fragment,
unburned,caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Long bone fragment,unburned,medium-large
mammal
0-551
Table 0.135.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 065 Locus A
Unit
2
Decayed organic
horizon mixed
with sand
4
Gray sandy
si It
Unknown
Description
1 Chalcedony flake
1 Chert flake
4 Thermally altered rocks
1 Iron fragment (UA8 4 -238-45)
5 Beads (UA81-222-6,7,8,15,77)
1 Bead fragment (UA81-222-63)
1 Shaped wood piece (UA81-222-76)
10 Birch bark fragments,(UA81-222-81)
4 Beads (UA81-222-1,2,3,4)
3 Thermally altered rocks
2 Wood chunks (UA81-222-82,83)
0-552
~I
..-
AHRS Number TLM 066;Accession Number UA81-212
Area:
Site Map:
Site Location Map:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northeast of Watana Creek Mouth
Fi gure 0.88
Fi gure E.53
Talkeetna Mts.0-3,Figure E.3
Appendix F
,~
The site is located east of Watana Creek at an elevation of ca.914 m
asl (3000 feet),on the east-southeast slope of a ridge extending from
the southwest base of a 1256 m asl (4120 feet)peak.Watana Creek
itself is not visible from the top of the ridge,although the creek
valley walls can be seen along with at least seven small (less than
5 ha)lakes on the plain to the east of the creek.There is a fairly
steep slope on the west side of the ridge down toward the plain and
Watana Creek.The site is situated on a gentle slope overlooking a
small unnamed creek with a northeast-southwest trending drainage which
lies in a shallow valley southeast of the site along the base of the
ridge.This valley continues toward the northeast providing a passage
to upper Watana Creek between the peak which is northeast of the site
and a range of mountains on the far side of the drainage and to the
east.
The site is located on a deflated surface composed of granitic rock and
some shale.The terrain consists of colluvium over bedrock and bedrock
exposures.Vegetation at the site includes dwarf birch,lowbush
cranberry,Labrador tea,and grasses.White spruce and stands of birch
are also found in the vicinity.
Testing:
Three bifacially chipped tools were recovered from an exposed blowout
surface (Table 0.136).Intensive surface survey of other exposed areas
along the ridge failed to reveal any additional cultural remains.The
0-553
tools included:a leaf-shaped point of gray chert found in two pieces
(UA81-212-1 articulates with 2;Figure 0.377h),a black chert lanceolate
point with a possibly reworked tip and a square base (UA81-212-5;Figure
0.377f)and an ovate preform of gray chert found in two pieces
(UA81-212-3 articulates with 4;Figure 0.377g).The ovate preform
pieces were found in the edge of a blowout at a depth of 4-7 cm below
the apparent ground surface.Test pit 1 and one shovel test placed at
this location failed to reveal any additional subsurface cultural
material.Estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts is
300 square meters (Table D.2).
Table 0.136.
Artifact Summary,TLM 066
-
Provenience
Lithic Material
Surface:
Subsurface:
Test pit 1
Description
2 Chert leaf-shaped point fragments
(UA81-212-1 articulates with 2)
1 Chert lanceolate point (UA81-212-5)
2 Chert preform fragment (UA81-212-3
articulates with 4)
0-554
,....
I
a
I
I
'/
/
/
/
,/.....
......--:;:""
-Cl"//Test 1',
./"/ 0 _,_\
X I \
I
e,....
-
Test Pit 0 0 10 20
I !I
Shovel Test 0 ;'IETERS
Site Datum x
Contour Interval:.5 m
Surface Artifact I-,-
-...Def lated Area '",,J'"--
Spruce Tree ~
Figure 0.88.Site Map,TLM 066
0-555
AHRS Number TLM 067;Accession Number UA81-213'
Area:
Site Map:
Site Location Map:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Big Bones Ridge
Figure 0.89
Figure E.54
Talkeetna Mts.B-1,Figure E.10
Appendix F
This site is situated on top of a ca.1094 m asl (3588 feet)knoll along
the east side of Big Bones Ridge,west of Sanona Creek.The knoll is a
prominent feature whose eastern slope drops continuously to the level of
Sanona Creek 180 m below.Higher ground in the immediate region occurs
on another knoll to the west across a broad,gentle sloping saddle.
Together the pair of knolls form an east-west trending ridge system
which characterizes this portion of Big Bones Ridge.Sanona Creek is a
clear water sti:am following a serpentine but northerly course.The
knoll top is relatively flat,differing less than 3 m across its 100
(north-south)x 75 m (east-west)extent.A 360-degree field of view is
obtainable from the perimeter of the knoll.The principal vantages from
the site are:(1)westward across a broad saddle to a higher knoll,
bordered on the south by a northwest-southeast trending ridge and in the
north by an east-west ridge;(2)northward onto the southern slopes and
tops of a series of three east-west running ridges and the 1 km wide
intervening valley with a minor stream at its base;and (3)eastward and
downslope onto Sanona Creek and the west-facing slopes on the opposite
side.The view is unobstructed by the less than 50 cm high clumps of
mosses,grasses,and lichens which constitute the cover on the vegetated
two-thirds of the knolltop.The surrounding terrain is covered with low
shrub,which reaches heights of 1.5 m j"the valley bottoms.Treeline
occurs 50 m below the top of the knoll with sporadic occurrences of
spruce to the east and along minor stream channels to the north and
south of the site.Some hardwoods of birch and aspen occur along Sanona
Creek.
0-556
-
Testing:
The site consists of two major surface lithic concentrations (cluster 1
and cluster 2)and three rock features (Figure 0.89).Although the bulk
of cultural material is exposed on the surface,one chert flake was
located in a subsurface test (Table 0.137).The known lithic concentra-
tions occur on the northwestern and northeastern edge of the knoll.
Cluster 1 consisted of eight artifacts recovered in a 1 (north-south)x
3 m (east-west)area,and are listed in Table 0.137.Cluster 2,a 3 m
diameter scatter in the eastern segment of the site,contained 30 black
basalt flakes,five of which were collected.Additional isolated
surface finds that were collected from the perimeter of the northern
half of the knoll are listed in Table 0.137.
Two test pit?were excavated at the site.Test pit 1,located adjacent
to cluster 1,produced one chert flake.Test pit 2,located adjacent to
a rock "windbreak"in the northeast portion of the knoll,did not
produce any cultural remains.In the northeast corner of the site are
two linear rock features which may have functioned as windbreaks.
Feature 1 (Figure 0.89)is a 3.3 x 1 m linear rockpile oriented
north-northwest by south-southeast showing definite stacking and
placement of local bedrock boulders.The height of the finished wall
would approach 50 cm.Feature 2 (Figure 0.89),a smaller "windbreak ll
measuring 50 x 50 x 50cm,is located 2.8 m southeast of feature 1.A
3 x 12 cm "window"formed by the two uprights and cap stone affords a
view to the east.A third feature (Figure 0.89),located 10 m
south-southeast of cluster 1 is a small,naturally formed rock ring
(ca.30 cm in diameter)encircling a smooth pebble (UA81-213-18;Figure
0.3771).The 4 x 4 cm triangular pebble is composed of black banded
green material exotic to the site.
Estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts is 2,625
square meters (Table 0.2).
0-557
Table 0.137.
Artifact Summary,TLM-067
~
-N-
O-~'''U'~'
_------_4t..~--"-.-.4~..T.at 1 'p Cb-F.ature 2
/f }0 T.at 2,),/..
;/Clu;ter 1 /!
/0__/,....
/--Feature 3,........./{.••..:=
~......///Cluater 2
//
I //
I /
;;/
//
//
{//
I X /
\I
\.../
.........._--.//
Test Pit 0
Site Datum X
Artifact Cluster ..........
......
Def lated Mea ,J'--;
0 20 40
I 1 I
METERS
Contour Interval:5 m
Figure 0.89.Site Map,TLM 067
0-559
._---_._-----------''------------------
AHRS Number TLM 068;Accession Number UA8l-2l4
Area:
Si te I~ap:
Site Location Map:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
East of Stephan Lake
Figure 0.90
Figure E.55
Talkeetna Mts.C-4,Figure E.5
Appendix F
Setting:
The site is located at the northern terminus of a north-south oriented
2 km wide glacial valley east of Stephan Lake.The site is situated at
an elevation of approximately 838 m asl (2750 feet)on the southeastern
slope of a low knoll located on the crest 9f a discontinuous end
moraine,on the eastern flank of this broad,"U"-shaped valley.This
elongated knoll trends northeast-southwest and forms a discrete feature
on the crest of this moraine which is one of a series of moraine ridges
occurring at the northern end of the valley.These ridges and the
intervening lower poorly drained terrain and associated small kettle
lakes are characteristic of the ice-stagnation terrain in the site
vi ci nity.
The site is located ca.2 m below the highest elevation on the knoll,in
an area on the southwest slope which has been extensively deflated.The
view from the top of the knoll is panoramic but is best to the northwest
across undulating terrain with low knolls and ridges.Three small
kettle lakes lie immediately west of the site within 100 m.These lakes
are visible from the top of the knoll at the site location.
Vegetation at the site is limited to bearberry and other low herbaceous
plants which,in addition to lichen,occur in patches within the
deflated area where the site is located.Dwarf birch,shrub birch,and
willow are present on the slopes of the moraine and in the depressions
between knolls along the moraine crest.The margins of the kettle lakes
west of the site are wet and marshy.General vegetation in the site
0-560
-
-~
area is alpine tundra with tree line located ca.1 km to the north where
spruce are visible from the site.
Testing;
The site consists of a surface lithic scatter exposed on the deflated
southeast slope of the moraine and isolated surface 1ithics located
along the moraine crest to the north of the main lithic concentration
(Figure 0.90).A total of seven artifacts were surface collected from
the site (Table 0.138).The medial section of a black chert leaf-shaped
point fragment (UA81-214-1;Figure 0.377m),diamond-shaped in cross
section and complete except for a missing tip at the distal end and a
broken base.was surface collected from the main lithic scatter.Also
collected were 2 argillite modified flakes (UA81-212-2,5),1 basalt
modified flake (UA81-212-4),and 1 black basalt waste flake.Isolated
finds surface collected along the moraine crest north of the main lithic
concentration include a dark gray basalt scraper (UA81-214-7;Figure
0.377n)and a grayish white argillite flake.Two waste flakes were left
uncollected at the main scatter along with several medium-large mammal
bones which were observed on the surface but do not appear to be
cultural.Minimal subsurface testing was done because of the large
deflated area (ca.80%of the ground surface)and minimal soil
deposition in the undeflated areas.Test pit 1,the only subsurface
test (40 x 40 cm),did not reveal any cultural material.
The fact that the main concentration of artifacts was located ca.2 m
lower than the highest elevation (which afforded the best view)may
indicate wind shelter in high,open,exposed areas was an important
factor in the relationship between site location and landform.
Estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts is 1,350
square meters (Table 0.2).
0-561
Table D.138.
Artifact Summary.TLM 068
Provenience
Lithic Material
Surface:
Description
1 Argillite flake
1 Basalt flake
Z Argillite modified flakes (UA81-214-2,5)
1 Basalt modified flake (UA81-214-4)
1 Basalt scraper (UA81-214-7)
1 Chert leaf-shaped point fragment
(UA81-214-1)
2 Flakes (uncollected)
D-562
I-,-
.,...,0
Test Pit 0 a 8 16
Site Datum X METERS
~~Surface Artifact ,-,-
Dwarf Birch 0 Contour Interval:1 m
~Boulder @
Deflated Area ,-~...,
'___.,1
/,$40;Figure D.90.Site Mapt TLM 068
D-563
AHRS Number TLM 069;Accession Numbers UA81-215,UA83-131
The site is located east of Jay Creek and north of the Susitna River at
an elevation of ca.792 masl (2600 feet).The site is situated at the
top of an elongated knoll in an area of glacially scoured bedrock.The
.knoll descends for a distance of 80 m from the site to the
east-southeast at a 25-degree slope.To the west-northwest the knoll
descends at a gentler slope for about 100 m.The site itself is on a
discrete,flat-topped bedrock exposure measuring 20 x 30 m.Looking
north from the site the view encompasses an unnamed creek drainage 700 m
distant.To the east are three knolls ranging 150-200 m distant and
15-25 m higher in elevation than the site knoll.A drainage flows
between them into a low,poorly drained area containing a small marshy
pond which lies 50 m east-northeast of the site.Beyond these landforms
to the east,the land rises sharply.To the south are three knolls
ranging 100-750 m distant.The closest knoll is equal in elevation to
the site knoll and the furthest southern knoll is the highest one in
view at ca.823 m asl (2700 feet).To the west the land descends
towards the Susitna River in a series of knolls and drainages.The site
knoll is unique in comparison to the other knolls described due to its
low relief and its close proximity to three water sources:the Susitna
River ca.274 m below and to the southwest,the unnamed creek drainage
to the north,and the pond to the east-northeast.Vegetation surround-
ing the bedrock exposure consists of dwarf birch,lowbush cranberry,and
Labrador tea upon a lichen mat.A small stand of paper birch lies in a
flat area at the base of the southwest side of the knoll.Spruce trees
occur along nearby drainages.There are numerous grass species sur-
rounding the pond area.
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 91:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Northeast of Jay Creek Mouth
Fi gure 0.91
Fi gure £.164
Talkeetna Mts.0-2,Figure £.4
Appendix F
0-564
Testing:
Site TLM 069 was located during survey testing.Several flakes and
burned bone fragments were noted in one shovel test,and one black chert
flake was noted in the other.Three flakes,lying in a discrete surface
exposure,were also recorded,but left uncollected.Three test pits
(40 x 40 cm)were excavated (Figure D.91).Test pit 1 proved to be the
most productive,although each of the test pits yielded both lithic and
faunal material.
Three 1 x 1 m test squares and three 50 x 50 cm test squares were
initially excavated at TLM 069 during systematic testing (Figure 0.91).
Test square N99/EIOI was excavated near test pit 3 at the highest point
of the knoll on which the site is located.Test square N99/EI12 was
placed at the eastern end of the knoll to test the extent of subsurface
cultural material east of test pit 1.Test square NIOO/EIOB was
excavated near test pit 1 at the north edge of the knoll.The three
smaller 50 x 50 em test squares (N99/EI23,N99/E125,and N99/E136)were
excavated on the eastern flank of the knoll to define the limit of
subsurface cultural material.
Further testing at this site was undertaken to clarify the site
stratigraphy and the extent of disturbances due to cryoturbation and
slope processes.Three surface lithics were collected,two of which
were of known provenience,as indicated on the site map.An additional
three 1 xl m test squares were excavated.Placement of the test
squares was intended to:1)maximize the recovery of diagnostic
cultural material in clear stratigraphic context (N99/EI09),2)to
assess both downslope reworking of sediment units with associated
cultural material,and 3)to further assess extent of the site (N99/EB7
and NI09/E120).
0-565
Discussion:
Cultural material from TLM 069 was found almost entirely in the test
pits and in the 1 x 1 m test squares placed on the knoll top (N99/E101,
N99/E109,N99/El12.and N100/E108).Test square N99/E87,placed several
meters to the west of the artifact concentra-
tion.produced a single flake,and N109/E120.to the northeast,
"proved to be culturally sterile.Of the 50 x 50 cm test squares,
N94/E123 was the only one to yield artifacts.consisting of lithics and
bone.
Basalt is by far the best represented of the lithic materials occurring
at the site.and accounts for 61%of the 1,988 lithic specimens of known
raw materials that were collected.Chert is represented by 23%of the
lithics.while argillite and rhyolite account for 7%and 6~,
respectively.The remaining 3%of the assemblage is comprised of
chalcedony,obsidian.and quartzite flakes,plus rock fragments and a
cobble.Twenty-five of the lithics have been classified as tools.
primarily modified flakes and bifaces.Two scrapers.1 blade.3
preforms.and 1 flake core fragment are also included in the lithic
assemblage.The faunal assemblage is made up of over 3500 bone
fragments,the majority of which are long bone or unidentifiable
specimens.
The soil/sediment stratigraphy at the site can be categorized on the
basis of topographic situation and depositional mechanisms (Figure 0.92;
Table 0.139).The soil/sediment units on the relatively flat top of the
site knoll are primarily glacial and eolian in origin and are sharply
defined stratigraphically except where modified by frozen ground
processes and bioturbation.Eolian deposition above an unknown thick-
ness of glacial drift consists of approximately 10-15 cm of silts and
sandy silts identified as tephras.The lowermost silt (unit 5)occurs
as discontinuous lenses in only two test squares (N100/E108 and
N99/E109),and is identified as the Oshetna tephra.The Oshetna tephra
may be mixed with other units.Watana tephra (unit 4)overlies the
Oshetna tephra,or where the Oshetna tephra is absent,it overlies
0-566
;~
glacial drift.Watana tephra was present in all tests excavated on the
knoll top.Al~o present in all the knoll top tests was the Devil tephra
(unit 3).
Capping the silts are two soil units.The first consists of finely
divided organic matter mixed with silt (unit 2,an 02 horizon).The
second is the modern surface organic accumulation (unit 1,an 01
horizon).These are thin units with a combined average thickness of ca.
S em,and occurred in all the knoll top tests.In test square N99/EI09 a
black silt lens with finely divided organic material and associated
cultural debris separated the Devil tephra (unit 3)from the 02 horizon
(unit 2).The cultural material in this lens included charcoal
granules,lithic debitage,and bone fragments (Table 0.141).
On the relatively steep (ca.18-20 degree)slopes bordering the knoll
top to the north and west,silt units reworked as colluvium overlie
glacial drift in thicknesses ranging from approximately 5 to 10 em.The
gray silt identified as Oshetna tephra was absent from the test squares
N99/E87 and NI09/E120 on the knoll slopes.The silts identified as the
Watana and Devil tephras appeared as stringers in colluvium in both
tests.Overlying the tephra units were units 2 and 1,respectively;
both horizons of variable thickness.The combined maximum thickness of
these organic units on the knoll slopes exceeded that found on the knoll
top,reaching 24 em in N109/E102.
Systematic testing produced cultural material from all stratigraphic
units from the organic mat through the glacial drift (units 1-6).
Several factors complicate the organization of this material into
cultural components.There are no sterile units separating components,
and all stratigraphic units have been subjected to postdepositional
disturbance.Bioturbation through root action under tussocks has
created significant disturbance in units 2-4a.Frozen ground processes
are evident in all stratigraphic units except the organic horizons
(units 1 and 2).Erosion of the Oshetna tephra has obscured
stratigraphic relationships in the lower half of the section.Together
these processes have locally erased stratigraphy and displaced many
0-567
artifacts and bone fragments.The inventory of artifacts is summarized
in Table D.140,and the distribution by stratigraphic unit is summarized
in Table 0.142.
Interpretation of the cultural horizons has been made possible only by
discovery of what appear to be undisturbed zones within the site.The
upper component was isolated through the discovery of a dark organic
lens at the contact between the 02 horizon (unit 2)and the Devil tephra
(unit 3).Cultural material found in this lens included lithic debris,
bone fragments,and charcoal.The lens was restricted to the east
one-half of test square N99jE109.
A middle component is inferred from a small concentration of waste
flakes and bone fragments found sandwiched between the Watana (unit 4b)
and the Oshetna (unit 5)tephras.Material in this stratigraphic
position was found in all quadrants of N100jEI08.In addition to waste
flakes,NIOOjEI08 produced a large (length =122 mm)preform
(UA81-215-290;Figure D.378h)and the base of a smaller biface
(UA81-215-246;Figure 0.3789)from this contact.
The lowermost component was identified when a gray basalt,discoidal
preform (UA83-131-42;Figure D.378b)was discovered at the contact
between a small pod of undisturbed Oshetna tephra (unit 5)and the
oxidized surface of the glacial drift (unit 6).This piece is biconvex
in transverse section and longitudinal in profile.The lateral edges of
the biface are excurvate and contract toward the base.Accompanying the
biface were a few small waste flakes and bone fragments.These were
collected as part of a sediment sample,and do not appear in
Table D.140.
Most of the artifacts and bone fragment~cannot be correlated to a
cultural component.These artifacts include S modified flakes,1 chert
scraper (UA81-21S-488;Figure D.378f),1 obsidian scraper (UA81-21S-47;
Figure D.378e),1 basalt blade (UA83-131-S1;Figure D.378d),1 basalt
biface fragment (UA81-21S-S0;Figure D.378c),and 1 rhyolite preform
(UA81-21S-49;Figure 0.378a).
0-568
"""
-
The faunal assemblage at TLM 069 consists of over 3,430 bone fragments
stratigraphically situated from the 02 horizon through glacial drift
(Table D.141).Many of the bones have a brownish mottled appearance as
the result of weathering.In general,the fragments are small,ranging
in size from less than 5-34 mm,calcined,and attributable to
medium-large mammals.Three fragments were positively and three
tentatively identified as caribou (Rangifer tarandus).The identified
fragments consisted of vertebral elements and extremities.Two tooth
enamel fragments recovered during survey testing may also be
attributable to caribou.In addition,three fragments were attributable
to a bird or small mammal.
Despite the apparent bone density in the lower stratigraphic units,the
small percentage of identifiable bone at the site,makes it difficult to
assess the skeletal completeness of the animals being killed,and thus
the proximity of the kill site.The fact that most of the major
skeletal components,long bones,axial skeleton (rib and vertebra),and
extremities (phalanx and metapodial),are represented suggests that the
animal(s)may have been butchered at the site.
Evaluation:
Three cultural components were identified at TLM 069.The uppermost
component,consists of a restricted concentration of debitage,charcoal,
and bone fragments in an organic-stained matrix.No typologically
diagnostic artifacts were recovered from this component.The two lower
components at the site,situated at the Watana/Oshetna contact and at
the contact of the Oshetna tephra and the drift,are difficult to
interpret due to natural site disturbance.Artifacts associated with
these components are non-diagnositc,and therefore connot be ascribed to
a cultural tradition.
Systematic testing demonstrated that the major locus is confined to the
flat top of the site knoll.The extent of mass wasting activity was
made evident in excavating test squares on'the flanks of the site knoll.
Mass wasting at the site has moved significant quantities of the Devil
0-569
and Watana tephras (units 3 and 4)downslope,and has probably displaced
a small amount of cultural material as well.A single waste flake was
found in colluvium in test square N99/E87.Testing on the knoll slopes
also indicates that the Oshetna tephra (unit 5)was stripped from the
site by deflation.This interpretation reinforces the conclusion that
cultural material from the Watana/Oshetna contact (unit 4/5 contact)was
lowered to the drift surface as a lag deposit.
TLM 069 probably functioned primarily as a big game hunting station,and
secondarily as a temporary habitation site and manufacturing area.The
site knoll is a dry area elevated over much of the surrounding wet
terrain.The knoll provides an unobstructed view of the highlands to
the north and east,and the benchland to the west.The Jay Creek
minera·l lick,which is heavily used by Dal1 sheep,is also visible
3.2 km to the northeast.
Modern big game use of the site area is heavy,and is concentrated in
the early summer.Skoog (1968:451)reports that this highland area is
important as escape terrain for elements of the Nelchina caribou herd at
the peak of the fly season in June~Use of mineral licks in the Alaska
Range by Dall sheep (Heimer 1973:38-39)and moose (Tankersley
1981:22-26)also peaks in June.If game in the site area followed a
similar pattern in the past,prehistoric occupations at TLM 069 may have
been timed to coincide with early summer prey concentrations.
Recovery of bone from the site reinforces the interpretation that TLM
069 site functioned as a hunting station.The abundant debitage at the
site indicates that manufacture or maintenance of stone tools was an
important activity during all three occupations.Examination of the
tools found at the site suggests that maintenance or construction of
nonlithic artifacts al~o occurred during at least one occupation.
Macroscopic wear patterns are visible on several of these tools.Four
tools have areas of edge polish indicating use on some yielding
material.Edge crushing is visible on four tools,pointing toward use
on a resistant material.One tool,a large preform (UA81-215-290),
shows both types of edge wear.These tools and their wear patterns
0-570
~>-
"""
-
II~-
suggest that wood or bone working,and hide processing may have been
important activities at the site.Estimated site size based on the
distribution of artifacts is 225 square meters (Table D.2).
D-571
N99E136
-
Q
N99 E 125
)
0;]
a
N94E123
04 _
-5
------_.-.::"1_,-I
l I I
'-,
o
T.P'2
'-
o e
o
T.P.1
T.P.3 N100~CWo E108;;-o 0
N 99 E 101 ~~g9 N 99 E 112
.\
.'1
.;]
-6 _
.'"
• 7
.4
Systematic Test Square 0 0 10 20
Test Pit a METERS
Site Datum X
Surface Artifact _,-Contour Interval:1 m
1
-,Surface Exposure ','--;
Spruce Tree '*'
""'"
Figure 0.91.Site Map,TlM 069
D-572
l:~
DEPTH (em)
o
S
10
15
20
2S
30
35
PROFILE UNIT
1
2
3
48
4b
S
6
CULTURAL
Figure 0.92.Composite Profile,TLM 069
Table 0.139.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 069
Unit
1
2
3
Description
Surface organic accumulation:roots and plant material
from dwarf birch,cranberry,crowberry,lichen,and moss.
Varies in thickness from 2-15 cm,modal thickness
2-3 cm.Lower boundary is abrupt.An 01 horizon.
Generally continuous.Frequently truncated under
tussocks by bioturbated sediments.Peatlike on wet
slopes.
Silt with finely divided organics;black (7.5YR 2/0).
1-6 cm in thickness.Gradational contacts with under-
lying units.An 02 horizon.A thin horizon conforming
to the present surface.Frequently truncated under
tussocks by bioturbated sediments.Thicker and peatlike
on slopes.
Silt;light brown to gray (lOYR 6/2),pink-tinged in
fresh exposures.1-3 cm in thickness.Abrupt upper and
lower contacts.Devil tephra.Thin and discontinuous on
the site kame,and occurs as pockets and stringers in
colluvium on slopes.Frequently truncated under tussocks
by bioturbated sediments.Some staining by illuvial
6rgani r s.
0-574
-
-
-
-,Table 0.139.(Continued)
Unit
4a
4b
5
6
Description
Sandy silt;dark red orange to red brown (5YR 3/3).
2-4 cm in thickness.Lower contact gradational.Oxidized
Watana tephra.Absent on slopes,variably expressed on
the kame top.
Compact silty sand to silt;yellow brown (10YR 6/4).
2-8 cm in thickness.Generally abrupt contact with
underlying units,some mixing evident.Unoxidized Watana
tephra.Generally continuous but absent or mixed by
colluviation on slopes.Some pebbles or cobbles in the
lower one-third of the unit.
Silty sand;gray (5Y 7/1).1-3 cm in thickness.Abrupt
upper and lower contacts where unmixed.Oshetna tephra.
Discontinuous,occurring as lenses and pockets.May be
mixed with units 4b and 6 by cryoturbation processes.
Absent on slopes.
Coarse silty sand with pebbles,cobbles and boulders;
grading from reddish brown to olive at depth (2.5YR 4/4
to 5Y 5/3).Unit not totally exposed.Contact with
overlying unit 4b gradational to abrupt,with localized
mixing.Glacial drift.Clasts are subrounded to
angular.May be mixed with overlying units by col-
luviation on slopes.
0-575
Table 0.140.
Artifact Summary~TLM 069
Tool s
-
10
2
1
8
Modified flakes
5 Basalt (UA81-215-42~51~64~101;UA83-131-15)
1 Chert (UA81-215-128)
2 Obsidian (UA81-215-4,5)
2 Rhyolite (UA81-215-245~489)
Scrapers
1 Chert (UA81-215-488)
1 Obsidian (UA81-215-47)
Blade
1 Basalt (UA83-131-51)
Bifaces and fragments
2 Argillite (UA81-215-6~144)
2 Basalt (UA81-215-50~127)
2 Chert (UA81-215-203~502)
1 Obsidian (UA81-215-48)
1 Rhyolite (UA81-215-246)
0-576
.....
-,
,-
Table 0.140.(Continued)
3
1
25
Lithic Material
146
1,195
7
451
36
15
122
1
13
6
1,992
Faunal Material
ca.3,431
Preforms
1 Basalt (UA83-131-42)
1 Chert (UA81-215-290)
1 Rhyolite (UA81-215-49)
Flake core fragment
1 Chert (UA83-131-14)
Argi 11 ite fl akes
Basa 1t fl akes
Chalcedony flakes
Chert flakes
Obsidian flakes
Quartzite flakes
Rhyo 1ite fl akes
Cobble
Rock fragments
Flakes (uncollected)
Calcined bone fragments
D-577
Table 0.141.
Faunal Material by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 069
Unit
2
02 horizon
2/3
Contact between
02 horizon and
Devil tephra
2/3-4a
Disturbed context
3
Devil tephra
3/4,3/4a
between
Devil and Watana
tephras
4
Watana tephra
Description
1 Long bone fragment,calcined,medium-large
mammal
1 Long bone fragment,calcined,medium-large
mammal
5 Unidentifiable fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
6 Unidentifiable fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
5 Long bone and unidentifiable fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
1 Unidentifiable fragment,calcined,Contact
bird or small mammal
9 Long bone and unidentifiable fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
58 Long bone and unidentifiable fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
11 Unidentifiable fragment,calcined,mammal
0-578
-
--
Table 0.141.{Continued)
Description
Vertebral facet,calcined,medium-large
mammal
Probable rib,calcined,medium-large mammal
Long bone fragments,calcined,medium-large
mammal
106 Unidentifiable fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
-.
Unit
/\:WJI';'.'_
4a 1
Oxidized Watana
tephra 1
~'e>.,3
J
-
4b
Unoxidized Watana
tephra
1 Probable phalanx fragment,calcined,
possible caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
4 Long bone fragments,calcined,medium-large
mammal
79 Unidentifiable fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
1 Unidentifiable fragment,calcined,
small-medium mammal
4/5
Contact between
Watana and Oshetna
tephras
328 Long bone and unidentifiable fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
4/6,4b/6
Contact between
Watana tephra
drift
1 Vertebral centrum fragment,calcined,
medium-large mammal
1 Possible rib fragment,calcined,glacial
medium-large mammal
702 Long bones,flat bones,and unidentifiable
fragments,calcined,medium-large mammal
0-579
Table 0.141.(Continued)
Unit
5/6
Contact between
Oshetna tephra and
glacial drift
6
Glacial drift
Description
9 Unidentifiable fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
1 Facet of cervical vertebra,calcined,
cqribou (Rangifer tarandus)
1 Facet of lumbar vetebra,calcined,caribou
(Rangifer tarandus)
2 Probable centra of cervical vertebrae,
calcined,possibly caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
1 Spinous process of thoracic vertebra,
calcined,possibly caribou (Rangifer
tarandus)
1 Metapodial shaft fragment,calcined,
possibly caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
3 Possible rib fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
12 Long bone fragments,calcined,medium-large
mammal
1 Unidentifiable fragment,calcined,cut
marks,medium-large mammal
521 Unidentifiable fragments,calcined,
medium-large mammal
0-580
-
Table 0.141.(Continued)
Unit Description
~_l
-,
Unknown
(survey
testing)
2
ca.150
2
ca.1,400
Tooth enamel fragments,calcined,
artiodactyl
Long bone and unidentifiable fragments,
calcined,medium-large mammal
Rib fragments,calcined,small mammal
Long bone and unidentifiable fragments,
calcined,mammal
0-581
Table 0.142.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 069
-
-
Unit
Surface
1
Organic mat
2
02 horizon
2/3
Contact between
02 horizon and
Dev i1 tep hra
2 and 3
02 horizon and
Devil tephra
3
Devil tephra
Description
6 Flakes (uncollected)
2 Basalt flakes
1 Chert flake
3 Argillite flakes
11 Basalt flakes
1 Chalcedony flake
3 Chert flakes
5 Basalt flakes
1 Obsidian flake
3 Rhyolite flakes
3 Argillite flakes
5 Basalt flakes
1 Chalcedony flake
1 Rhyolite flake
3 Argillite flakes
14 Basalt flakes
5 Chert flakes
1 Obsidian flake
0-582
-
Table 0.142.(Continued)
Unit Description
-
3 and 4 3 Argi 11 ite fl a kes,-Devil and 6 Basa lt fl a'kes
Watana tephras 6 Chert flakes
2 Rhyolite flakes
"..""
1 Chert scraper (UA81-215-488)
4a 6 Argi 11 ite fl akes
Oxidized 28 Basa lt fl akes
f"'"Watana tephra 4 Chert flakes
1 Rhyo 1ite fl a ke-2-4a;2/3-4a;10 Basalt flakes
3-4a 1 Chert flake.,,""
Disturbed 5 Rhyol ite fl akes
Context
4b 38 Basalt flakes
.-Unoxidized Watana 1 Chalcedony flake
tephra 13 Chert flakes
-1 Quartzite fl akes
3 Rhyolite flakes
1 Rock fragment
-0-583
Table D.142.(Continued)
Unit Description
4a and 4b 17 Argi 11 ite fl akes
Watana tephra 82 Basalt flakes
26 Chert flakes
1 Obsidian flake -,
6 Rhyo 1He fl akes
2 Rhyolite modified flakes (UA81-215-245,489)
4/5 14 Argillite flakes
Contact between 54 Basalt flakes
Watana and 1 Chalcedony flake
Oshetna tephras 26 Chert flakes -,
1 Quartzite flake
24 Rhyolite flakes ~,
1 Rhyolite biface fragment (UA81-215-246)
1 Chert preform (UA81-215-290)
5 7 Basalt flakes
Oshetna tephra 2 Chert flakes
4/6;4b/6 44 Arg ill He fl akes
Contact between 316 Basa 1t fl akes
Watana tephra 154 Chert flakes
and glacial 23 Obsidian flakes
drift 4 Quartzite fla~'~s
22 Rhyolite flakes
4 Basalt modified flakes (UA81-215-51,64,
101;UA83-131-15)-
0-584
Tab 1eO.142.(Cant;nued)
0-585
--------------
Table 0.142.(Continued)
Unit Description
-
-
Unknown
(primarily from
Survey
testing)
34 Argillite flakes
492 Basalt flakes
3 Chalcedony flakes
170 Chert flakes
5 Quartzite flakes
26 Rhyolite flakes
1 Basalt modified flake (UA81-215-42)
2 Obsidian modified flakes (UA81-215-4,5)
1 Argillite biface fragment (UA81-215-6)
1 Chert biface fragment (UA81-215-502)
5 Rock fragments
0-586
~I
-,
-,
AHRS Number TLM 070;Accession Number UA81-216
Area:
Site Map:
Site Location Map:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
East of Stephan Lake
Figure 0.93
Fi gure E.55
Talkeetna Mts.C-4,Figure E.5
Appendix F
-
,-
The site is located at an elevation of ca.914 m asl (3000 feet),east
of Stephan Lake and at the northern end of a 2 km wide glacial valley
oriented north-south.It is situated on the deflated summit of a low
knoll on the crest of a north-south oriented,discontinuous lateral
moraine located on the eastern side of this broad,llUll-shaped valley.
This moraine is one of a series of parallel lateral moraines occurring
between ca.853 m and ca.1036 m asl (2800-3400 feet).These ridges and
the intervening lower,poorly drained undulating terrain characterize
the ice-stagnation topography in the vicinity of the site.Several
creeks originating in cirques located along the east side of the valley
flow northwest,dissecting the lateral moraines so that they form a
series of discontinuous ridges.The site is located at the highest,
southwest end of a knoll where the moraine immediately south of the site
has been notched by seasonal stream runoff,forming a
northwest-southeast trending 8 m deep gully.This gully separates the
site knoll from a slightly higher knoll ca.60 m to the southwest on the
same moraine.From the site location the knoll descends steeply to the
northwest and north ca.40 m to poorly drained,undulating ground
moraine topography.Northeast of the site the knoll slopes more
gradually along the crest of the moraine,descending 10 m in elevation
to a small northwest-southeast trending creek 70 m northeast of the
site.This creek has dissected the moraine forming a 5 m deep,grassy
gully 70-80 m northeast of the site.
The site elevation is 10-50 m higher than the surrounding terrain with
the greatest difference in elevation to the north where visibility is
0-587
__.~.,__•••••••"."._••"••••_._..~•.""__.,,o ~.~~~,
excellent for several kilometers and portions of three small (less than
1 ha)kettle lakes located to the north and northeast,can be seen.The
view from the site is panoramic,encompassing lower terrain in all
directions except to the immediate southwest where higher ground on the
same moraine obstructs the view,and to the west where another higher
moraine ridge limits the view.
Approximately 80%of the ground surface at the site location is deflated
gravel with numerous cobbles and boulders present.Soil deposition at
the site is 12 cm of silt over glacial drift and vegetation is limited
to only a few patches of bearberry and other herbaceous vegetation less
than 5 cm in height.Vegetation includes willow and shrub birch present
on the slopes of the moraine and concentrated in the creek drainages to
the north and south of the site.Vegetation in the site vicinity is
alpine tundra with the present tree line located northeast of the site.
Testing:
The site consists of a 4 x 4 m surface lithic scatter exposed at the
summit of a def1 ated kno 11 (Table D.143).A complete gray basa 1t
endscraper (UA81-216-1;Figure 0.378i),two light gray argillite flakes,
and a black basalt flake were surface collected from a blowout at the
summit of the knoll.Two gray argillite flakes were left uncollected on
the surface.One 40 x 40 cm test (test pit 1)placed adjacent to the
flake concentration did not reveal any subsurface cultural material.
Intensive surface survey along the moraine crest for ca.200 m north and
south of the site location did not reveal any additional cultural
material.The site appears to be limited to surface 1ithics at the top
of a single knoll.Estimated site size based on the distribution of
artifacts is 16 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-588
-
-
-
Table 0.143.
Artifact Summary,TLM 070
.-
I~
Provenience
Lithic Material
Surface:
Description
2 Argillite flakes
1 Basalt flake
1 Basalt scraper (UA81-216-1)
2 Argillite flakes (uncollected)
0-589
...,
•
-
-
Test Pit
Site Datum
Surface Artifact
o
x
0 4 8
I I I
METERS
Contour Interval:1 m
Figure D.93.Site Map,TLM 070
0-590
""""
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 128:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
AHRS Number TLM 071
Southeast of the Confluence of Gilbert Creek
with Kosina Creek
Figure 0.94
Figure £.206
Talkeetna Mts.C-2 t Figure E.7
Appendix F
-
-
-
The site is the trapping headquarters of Elmer Simco built in the early
1930 l s t located east of Gilbert Creek t a small tributary of Kosina
Creek.The confluence of Gilbert Creek with Kosina Creek is
approximately 100 m to the north.The cabin is situated on a low t
gently sloping terrace less than 5 m above the creek at an elevation of
ca.724 m asl (2375 feet).The front of the cabin faces the creek t
which is clean and fast moving with many boulders.Vegetation in the
area surrounding the"cabin consists of grasses t moss,low shrubs,dwarf
birch,spruce,and aspen.
Documentation:
Documentation involved the examination of the headquarters cabin,
associated outbuildings t and historic debris scattered at the site.An
inventory was conducted of the items found in the cabin,which included
many of the original furnishings and supplies.
The cabin structure consists of a one room t dirt floored,12 x 15 ft.
(internal dimensions)log cabin.The walls are constructed of
horizontal,stripped spruce logs with the average diameter being 11 in.
The corner joints are square-notched with the logs extending past their
po"int of intersection.The cracks between the logs are chinked with
moss and dirt.Portions of the interior walls are covered with brown
paper and canvas for additional weatherizing.Wall openings consist of
a small 14 x 26 in.glazed window in the south wall t a 2
1 7"x 5
1 5"door
0-591
---------------~._-~_._--,..------
with a 17 x 13 in~glazed window (window has been removed and is lying
on the work table)in the west wall and a small 12 x 10 in.screened
opening in the gable above the door.The roof is peaked and is con-
structed of sawn boards supported by seven horizontal log beams (two
being the top wall logs on either side)running the length of the stru~
ture and extendi ng 2'8 11 past the front wall to form an overhang provi d-
ing a dry area for firewood and other storage.The roof boards are
covered with canvas,flattened cans,and sheet metal.A large (1 x 2 m)
section of the southwest corner of the roof is missing along with a
small (0.25 x 1 m)section midway along the north wall.The sheet metal
roof has blown off in other areas,exposing the fragile,rapidly
deteriorating canvas underlayer.Many of the cabinls wall logs exhibit
advanced stages of dry rot.General condition of the cabin structure is
fair to poor.
The cabin still contains many of the original furnishings and supplies
present when used as a trapping headquarters cabin in the 1930-1950's.
Inside the cabin is a wooden plaque stating 1I0 c t 1930,This is the Head-
quarters Cabin of Elmer Simco and all property.To whom it may concern.
Make yourself at home while here.1 1 m here nearly every 2 days.Elmer
Simco."This plaque also lists his seven other trapping camps and has a
tally of dates when he was at the cabin.Other dates and names are
written on the cabin walls.Interior cabin furnishings include a loft
at either end (east and west),shelves and a work table along the north
half of the west wall,and additional shelves and a bunk complete with
springs on the north wall.The east wall has a radio cabinet minus the
chassis and a screened storage cabinet containing flour and wool cloth-
ing.A sheet metal wood stove and oven is in the southwest section of
the cabin.Clothing items are hanging along the south wall and scat-
tered about the cabin along with numerous magazines including:Redbook,
Saturday Evening Post,and Master Detective.The shelves contain a wide
variety of foodstuffs,medical supplies,and cooking utensils.Piled on
the bunk are straw ticks,blankets,and a wooden handmade chair with a
caribou skin covering.A wooden dogsled hangs from the ceiling and a
harness from the west wall.Leakage from the roof is causing destruc-
tion of many of the interior items.
0-592
_.
-
-
-
....
-.
.-
Stablization of the cabin was authorized by APA and conducted by
Harza-Ebasco in September 1984.This consisted of roof repairs which
included the supporting of interior roof beams and attaching plywood
sheets to the roof exterior.Plastic sheets were then overlain on top
of the plywood and attached with wooden slats.The door was also
adjusted so it could be closed and the door's window opening was boarded
over.
Outbuilding number 1 consists of a small 6 x 5 ft.(internal dimensions)
shed with attached 4'4"x 5'(internal dimensions)outhouse.The shed
is constructed of a pole frame with vertically affixed sawri scrap board
sides and a split board covered peaked roof having a slight amount of
sod covering still present.A 2 ft.wide door is in the east wall.
Hanging on the inside walls are pieces of dog harness and a pick.The
rear west wall of the shed is the east wall of the adjoining outhouse .
This structure is also of pole frame construction with affixed vertical
boards.The roof originally was sloped toward the north but is
currently collapsed.It was apparently sod covered also.The inside of
the walls was originally canvas lined.
Outbuilding number 2 consists of a low~2 ft.high~three bay~5'x 9
1 6"
(outside dimensions)dog kennel constructed of horizontal stripped
spruce logs.Each bay has an 11 in.square opening cut into the logs
with an adjacent metal staple.One opening has a dog chain leading into
it.The roof is collapsed but appears to have been sloped toward the
rear of the structure and sod covered.
Outbuilding number 3 is a grass covered and badly decomposed low struc-
ture approximately 13 x 6 ft.(outside dimensions)with 3 bays.One
opening was noted on the south side.Although larger~its construction
appears to be similar to outbuilding number 2 kennel.
Other associated features at the site include an apparent garbage dump
north of the cabin containing enamalware pots and a general scatter of
historic debris around the complex~indicating other possible refuse
piles.A dogsled is parked adjacent to the northwest corner of the
D-593
cabin.Wood lying in front of the cabin may represent the remains of an
additional feature in this area.
~o cultural material was collected at this site.Estimated site size
based on the distribution of artifacts is 960 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-594
'"""
-
/
l-M-
I
*/
o
/
/)botUe
dump /
-'++1-**~O::::t)J "'PoPO.~f)oJo,
.:::lb'PIII .OOd~b o .•.•~\':;;f~;rIOd bUild'••
I!
.heet met..~M-found.Uon
0.8.2 ~'.hed~kennel Q "'--
-...---.--~(".8.1
r(~out hou.e
/-
-
""'"
Standing Structure
Fallen Structure o
I
8
!
16
I
~1etal Debris
Spruce
Edge of Clearing
Drainage Ditch
-1-
.....,.....
METERS
Contour Interval:1 m
,.....
Figure D.94.Site Map,TLM 071
D-595
_...__..._--_.._~._.._._------------_._~-_.._----
AHRS Number TLM 072;Accession Number UA81-233
-
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 88:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
East of Jay Creek Mouth
Figure 0.95
Map of Feature 1,Figure E.96
Figure E.162
Talkeetna Mts.0-2,Figure E.4
Appendix F
-
-
The site,a large circular depression,is located along the wall of the
Susitna River canyon,northeast of the mouth of Jay Creek at an
elevation of 558 m asl (altimeter:1830 feet);The site is situated on
the southwest-facing 15-20 degree slope,at the southwestern end of an
isolated ridge.This ridge extends from the canyon wall for 45 m
downslope before leveling out into a ca.6 x 9 m area which terminates
abruptly in a 3D-degree slope to the west,south,and east.A ca.90 cm
deep cultural depression is excavated into the southern end of the level
area.This ridge line is ca.4.5 m higher than the adjacent slope at
its northeastern juncture with the canyon wall,but gains in relief at
its terminus where it is ca.10 m higher,forming a rounded lobe on an
otherwise undifferentiated slope.The site is located north of the
Susitna River margin and ca.50 m above a 400 x 100 m grassy alluvial
terrace and a former river channel both of which lie between the base of
the canyon wall and the river.To the north the canyon wall continues
to rise 20-30 degrees for approximately 300 m before leveling out at
ca.470 m asl (2200 feet).The principal view from the site is to the
south but is restricted by dense forest cover to less than 50 m except
for a few openings through which portions of the lower river terrace and
the Susitna River are visible.Without the present dense vegetation,
visibility from the site would be excellent,encompassing much of the
lower terrace and former river channel.Soils on the slope are unstable
and subject to creep,as evidenced by the many recurved spruce observed
in the survey area.In places the ground cover has broken due to
0-596
.....
-
-
-
-
-
,~
-
-
slummpage of the soil below and formed erosional scars.These scars are·
usually moist.
Vegetation at the site consists of dense mixed spruce and birch.On the
berm of the depression and within the pit are a number of very small
white spruce.These young spruce are unique in the immediate vicinity
of the site and may indicate a relatively young age for the depression.
Grass is also present in and adjacent to the depression but does not
occur elsewhere in the site vicinity.A single birch 18 cm in diameter,
is present adjacent to the depression on the southwestern perimeter of
the berm.Ground cover on the slope around the site and in gently
sloping swales to the east and west of the depression includes willow,
Labrador tea,lowbush cranberry,wi 1d rose,and horsetail.At the base
of the slope below and to the south of the site,the flat poorly drained
terrain is characterized by wet muskeg and sphagnum moss with scattered
black spruce.
Testing:
A ca.90 cm deep circular depression (feature 1)was observed at the
southern end of a low ridge running generally parallel with a
southwestern slope.What appears to be a berm occurs around the edges
of the depression but is most evident on the west,south,and east
sides.The north side is flat and relatively level.The diameter of
the depression,measured from the inside of the berm,is 4.2
(north-south)x 4.5 m (east-west).Within this circular depression is
an apparently subrectangu1ar pit measuring 2.2 (east-west)x 2 m
(north-south).The straight vertical walls of this pit are most evident
on the west and south sides,where a 30-40 cm wide shelf or Ilbench u of
soil is present ca.50 cm above the deepest part of the depression.
Intensive survey failed to reveal other features of similar nature in
the vicinity of feature 1.Seven shovel tests were dug around the
outside of the pit.None of these revealed cultural material although
one of them (shovel test 3)produced large pieces of burned wood and
charcoal in the horizon just below the humus mat.This shovel test was
subsequently enlarged into a 40 x 40 cm test (test pit 3).No faunal or
0-597
lithic material was revealed in this test,however additional charcoal
was encountered in two soil units.A buried paleosol occurs 10-16 cmbs
in test pit 3 between a yellow-brown silty sand and an oxidized light
gray clayey silt.
Excavation of test pit 1 was started near the center of the depression
and a complete unburned moose (A1ces a1ces)metapodia1 was exposed
embedded in the vegetative mat at the bottom of the pit.This
metapodia1 was left in place and the test pit was discontinued so as not
to disturb the feature.Because the excavation of test pit 1 was
discontinued it is not represented on the site map.
Test pit 2,a 60 x 40 em test pit,was excavated in the northern portion
of the western wall in order to"investigate the wall stratigraphy.The
test pit was placed so that half (30 em)of the test pit was placed on
the wall and half was placed in the depression.Cultural remains were
encountered along the western wall of the depression (Table 0.144).
These remains included scattered fragments of birch bark,a birch bark
roll,which was left in situ,organic matter with seeds,and a possible
conical birch bark container measuring 30 x 15 em.
A grid shovel testing program was implemented to locate subsurface
cultural remains outside the feature and assist in determining the site
size.Thirteen grid shovel tests were excavated.All grid shovel tests
produced similar stratigraphic profiles of mixed glacial sands and
tephra covered with a thick root mat.A recognizable glacial substratum
was not reached in any of these tests,indicating that an appreciable
amount of colluvium has been deposited on the site area.Grid shovel
test N98/E96 contained an alignment of wood charred on the lower side in
the root mat.A buried soil level was noted in three grid shovel tests
on the south side of the uepression.No faunal or lithic material were
encountered in these grid shovel tests.Observed site size based on the
distribution of artifacts is 28 square meters (Table D.2).
D-598
M!.\
~,
"""
-
-
-
Table 0.144.
Artifact Summary,TLM 072
-
-
-
--
.-
-
Provenience
Lithic Material
Subsurface:
Test pit 2
Faunal Material
Subsurface:
Test pit 1
Description
12 Birch bark fragments
2'Birch bark rolls (uncollected)
Birch bark fragments (uncollected)
Organic matter with seeds (uncollected)
1 Metapodial,unburned,moose (Alces alces)
(uncollected)
0-599
-_._----------_._---_._-~-----------'---.
....,
-
Site Datum
Intermediate Contour
Test pit
x
o
a 4
Contour Interval:.5 m
8
!
Shovel Test 0
Gr~~Test:w/Artifacts •
Grid Test:Sterile 0
Depression o
Figure 0.95.Site Map,TLM 072
0-600
Contour Interval:
Test Pit
Shovel Test
Grid Test:Sterile
Depression
o
o
o
o
o
I
1
I
METERS
.25 m
2
Figure 0.96.Map of Feature 1,TLM 072
0-601
AHRS Number TLM 073;Accession Numbers UA81-227,UA84-136,
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 103:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Southeast of Oshetna River Mouth
Figure 0.97
Figure E.174
Talkeetna Mts.C-1,Figure E.8
Appendix F
-
The site is located at an elevation of 688 m asl (altimeter:2257 feet)
east of the Oshetna River and south of the Susitna River.The landform
associated with the site appears to be a series of river terraces
presenting steep slopes to the west and north.TLM 073 is situated on
the highest of these former river terraces,which is broad and flat,
measuring approximately 800 (north-south)x 400 m (east-west)with
little local relief.The eastern portion of the terrace slopes downward
to an area of low relief containing two lakes.Numerous boulders are
visible through surface vegetation,particularly the eastern portion
where they are found in high concentration with little or no covering
vegetation.The view from the western perimeter of the terrace is
panoramic.The lack of forest vegetation around the site and its
relatively high position provides for an excellent view of the Oshetna
River valley (and its confluence with the Susitna River)to the north,
west,and southwest,as well as to higher terrain to the east,
northeast,and south.
Landforms associated with TLM 026,TLM 042,TLM 206 to the northwest,
and TLM 049 to the northeast,are visible.Access to the Susitna and
Oshetna rivers is good.The Oshetna River's course is somewhat bending,
with at least 100 m of comparatively flat flood plain on either side,
intermittently forested.The Susitna River's course is serpentine,with
a cutbank north of the Oshetna River mouth.Intervening ~cattered
spruce trees prevent good views of most of the terrace and TLM 207,
located 150 m south along the edge of the same terrace.The two lakes
to the east are not visible from the site,but are within a distance of
0-602
""'"
-
-
_.
-
,~-
-
500 m.The nearer lake,crescent shaped and approximately 6 ha in size,
is at a distance of approximately 400 m,and drains southwest into the
Oshetna River.The smaller lake,approximately 3 ha in size,is at a
distance of approximately 500 m,and drains northwest into the Susitna
River.Both lakes appear to be eutrophic,and are being reclaimed as
marsh and bog.Site vegetation consists of small scattered white
spruce,Labrador tea,shrub birch,willow,blueberry,lowbush cranberry,
~
and lichens.Lower elevations and terrace slopes contain denser stands
of shrub willow and white spruce;as well as poorly drained soil and
muskeg in the vicinity of the Oshetna River.
Testing:
No surface artifacts were o~served at the site.During the initial
survey testing two test pits and one shovel test were placed at the site
location,only test pit 1 produced cultural material.
A grid shovel testing program was implemented around test pit 1 to
assist in determining site size and the distribution of the cultural
remains.Sixteen shovel tests were excavated during this program,but
all were sterile.Nine additional survey shovel tests,which were
placed along the bluff edge,also proved to be sterile.One 1 x 1 m
systematic test square N99/E97 adjacent to test pit 1 was excavated to
better determine the stratigraphic location(s)of cultural materials.
Oiscussion~
Testing at TLM 073 included the excavation of 10 shovel tests,2 test
pits,16 grid shovel tests,and 1 test square.A number of natural
depressions were noted in the site area,the largest of which was
mapped.These pits are apparently not associated with the occupation of
the site.The cultural remains recovered at this site consist of 1
biface tip fragment and 49 flakes of rhyolite,basalt,quartzite,
argi 11 ite,and chert,ordered accordi ng to frequency.The inventory of
artifacts is summarized on Table 0.146,and the distribution by
stratigraphic unit is summarized on Table 0.147.
0-603
The artifactual material recovered from the initial survey testing
included six flakes located in the first shovel tests and 12 other
flakes recovered from 5-23 cmbs while excavating test pit 1.
A single rhyolite biface tip fragment (UA84-136-1;Figure D.378j)was
located on the surface of test square N99/E97 in a layer of backfill
from test pit 1,and is most likely derived from test pit 1.A total of
29 flakes were recovered from test square N99/E97,and an additional two
flakes obtained from the narrow block between test pit 1 and test square
N99/E97.
Seven soil/sediment units have been distinguished based on exposures in
test pit 1 and test square N99/E97.Because the terrace was once an
exposed boulder field,overlying sediments drape around the boulders,
filling interstices and creating stratigraphic inversions.Substantial
cryoturbation at the site is demonstrated by the occurrence of drift
pebbles displaced via frost jacking and scattered throughout the
stratigraphic column,by the mixture of strata vertically,and by the
vertical position of many of the flakes found.Artifacts are
consequently vertically mixed in the stratigraphic column as well.The
soil/sediment units are shown in Figure 0.98 and described in Table
0.145.The surface organic mat (unit 1)overlies a silt layer (unit 2)
containing abundant finely divided organics,eolian silt,and tephra.
Mixed with and underlying unit 2 is a thin layer of Devil tephra (unit
3),modified through contact with unit 2 above and Watana tephra (units
4a and 4b)below.The Watana tephra is mottled with heavily oxidized
parts (unit 4a)mixed with unoxidized areas (unit 4b).It usually
occurs above,but may occur below,the mixed Oshetna tephra and paleosol
unit (unit 5).The surface of this unit contains a small amount of
finely divided charcoal.The paleosol and tephra components are
indistinguishable stratigraphically,and are often mixed with glacial
drift (unit 6),which marks the extent of excavation at the site.
Artifacts occur at the unit 3/4a and 4/5 contacts and in units 4a,4b,
and 5.
0-604
-
~I
-
.-
-
-
"...
I
-
The extensive cryoturbation of sediments and vertical mlxlng of
artifacts at TLM 073 makes determination of the numbers of separate
occupational components problematic.However,the small size of the
site and similarity of raw materials represented in different strata
suggest that a single component is present,despite the range of
stratigraphic units in which artifacts occur.The greatest density of
artifacts appears to be in the Oshetna layer (unit 5),and it is likely
that the original stratigraphic position of the component was the
Watana/Oshetna contact (unit 4/5 contact).The component consists
almost entirely of lithic debris composed of five raw material types:
rhyolite,basalt,quartzite,argillite,and chert,in descending order
of abundance.The only tool recovered is the rhyolite biface tip
fragment (UA84-136-1),this fragment lacks formal features diagnostic of
any cultural period in Interior Alaskan prehistory.
Evaluation:
TLM 073 is a small,spatially discrete site dominated by unmodified
flakes although one broken biface tip (UA84-136-1)was recovered.A
wide variety of lithic raw material types are represented in the
assemblage.Substantial vertical displacement of strata and artifacts
is evident at the site,making determination of the number and
stratigraphic position(s}of separate components problematic,but a
single component attributable to the contact of the Watana and Oshetna
tephras (unit 4/5 contact)is the most probable interpretation of the
distribution of materials.This component represents a spatially
limited transient occupation probably limited to stoneworking
activities.Estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts
is 9 square meters (Table 0.2).
0-605
-
o
'"'"
o
o
o
o
o
o
or.p.2
o
o
o
o X 0
o
o
\
o
,...
o
Site Datum X
Systematic Test Square c=J
Test Pit 0
Shovel Test 0
Grid Test:Sterile 0
o
I
4
I
METERS
Contour Interval:.5 m
8
!
Depression o
Figure 0.97.Site Map,TLM 073
D-606
DEPTH (em)PROFILE UNIT
0
1-5
2
10 3
4a
15
4b
CULTURAL
20
5
25
6
30
.!Jfi1Jlll'l
Figure 0.98.Composite Profile,TLM 073
0-607
Table 0.145.
Soil/Sediment Description for Composite Profile,TLM 073
Unit
1
2
3
Description
Surface organic mat.Dense mat of roots from lowbush
cranberry,Labrador tea,and other small shrubs,decaying
organic debris,scattered small pebbles and small
component of dark reddish brown (5YR 3/2)silt.
continuous.Varying in thickness from 10 cm in S.E.quad
to 2-5 cm throughout rest of square.Contact with unit 2
is gradual and wavy,marked by an increase in silt and
decrease in denseness of roots.
Fine silt with abundant finely divided organics,
including roots;very dark brown (10YR 3/2).Unit
contains scattered pebbles upwelled from unit 6 (Drift).
Silt is often mixed with Devil tephra where it appears to
be a highly charcoal and organic stained Devil tephra.
Contact with unit 3 is gradual and wavy.
Very fine,well-sorted,platy silts with upper component
stained by organics and lower component stained by red
oxides.Color varies from brown (lOYR 4/3)to dark gray
(10YR 4/1)to pale brown (10YR 6/3).Devil tephra.Unit
is nearly continuous across square varying in thickness
from less than 1-10 cm around crevices in frost heaved
drift boulders.Unit is generally 2-4 cm thick.Contact
with unit 4 below is wavy and diffuse.A few small
gravels,probably displaced from unit 6 are present.
Artifacts at the contact with unit 4.
0-608
-
-
Table 0.145.(Continued)
-
,~
Unit
4a
4b
5
6
Description
Well-sorted,very fine silt;very dark reddish brown
(5YR 3/3).Oxidized Watana.Discontinuous,occurs as a
patchy unit primarily above unit 4b wi th occas i ona 1
streaking within 4b.Unit is highly mottled and grades
into unit 4b below.Thickness varies from less than 1-8
em,with a mode of 5.Cultural.
Extremely fine,well-sorted silt with a few small
scattered gravels.Color varies from yellowish brown
(10YR 5/6)to dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6).
Unoxidized Watana.Continuous.Thickness varies from
1-10 em,usually 5-7 em.Greatest depth around drift
rocks.Lower contact irregular and abrupt.Occasional
patches of this unit underlie unit 5.Cultural.
Poorly sorted sandy silt with pebbles;very dark grayish
brown (10YR 3/2).Oshetna paleosol and tephra.Paleosol
is charcoal stained with some charcoal pieces.Surface
cryoturbated and mottled in color due to mixture with
unit 6 below.Discontinuous.Absent in parts of new
quad.Thickness generally 3-4 em,but varies from 0-8 em
or more around pockets in rocks.Cultural.
Sand silt with few pebbles and large round boulders (2-3
feet maximum diameter),grading downward to coarse
gravelly sand.Color varies from dark yellowish brown
(lOYR 3/6)to dark brown (7.5YR 3/4).Unit marks bottom
of excavation and is sterile.
0-609
Table 0.146.
Artifact Summary,TLM 073
Tools
1
Lithic Material
3
12
3
10
21
49
Biface fragment
1 Rhyolite (UA84-136-1)
Argillite flakes
Basalt flakes
Chert flakes
Quartzite flakes
Rhyolite flakes
D-610
-
""'"
-
Table 0.147.
Artifact Summary by Stratigraphic Unit,TLM 073
Unit Descriiltion
3/4 1 Quartzite flake
Contact between....
the Oevi 1 and
Watana tephras
,~
4b 2 Chert flakes
Watana 1 Quartzite flake·
tephra 5 Rhyo 1ite fl a kes'
4a 4 Rhyolite fl akes
Oxidized Watana
tephra
4/5 1 Rhyolite fl a ke
Contact between
Watana and
Oshetna tephras
5 1 Chert flake
Oshetna paleosol 5 Quartzite flakes
~
and Oshetna tephra 11 Rhyolite flakes
Unknown 3 Argi 11 ite fl akes
(Su rvey 12 Basalt flakes
~testing)3 Quartzite fl akes
1 Rhyolite biface fragment (UA84-136-1)
~,'
0-611
--~----------------'~~~--------------------
AHRS Number TLM 074;Accession Number UA8I-228
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 107:
USGS Map:
Site Locati on:
Setting:
Northeast of Oshetna River Mouth
Figure 0.99
Figure LI77
Talkeetna Mts.C-I,Figure E.8
Appendix F
The site is located on the edge of the southern upland terrace
overlooking the Susitna River on a bend in the river northeast of the
mouth of the Oshetna River.The gently sloping terrace edge,dissected
into a string of shallow lobes,is ca.700 m asl in elevation (2300
feet).Directly and steeply downslope 50 m to the north lies the
Susitna River,at 152 m asl (2180 feet)elevation.South of the site is
an undulating plain consisting of small hills,ridges,and depressions.
One such depression (300 m to the southwest)contains a shallow pond.
The small hills and ridges rise about 2-15 m above the depressions.A
low ridge running parallel to the Susitna River south of the site is 2 m
higher than the site,cutting off the view of the southern plain.From
this ridge site TLM 076 is visible to the southwest.The site location
affords a broad panorama of the Susitna River to the north,east,and
west.The site is vegetated by a sparse shrub layer surrounding
extensive,nonvegetated,natural exposures,and a few scattered spruce
on the rise south of the site.
Testing:
The site produced one large chalcedony cortex-backed flake,found at
10-18 cmbs in a brown tephra unit in test pit I,and a concentration of
charcoal,which may represent a firepit,in test pit 2.The charcoal is
concentrated in the western half of this test from 8-23 cmbs in depth.
The flake in test pit 1 was associated with a brown tephra (Watana),
which occurs stratigraphically below a light gray tephra (Devil)and
above a brown sand (Table 0.148).Six shovel tests were placed in the
0-612
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-
--
,ffllIIllI'IlI,
area!with negative results.No surface artifacts were found.
Estimated site size based on the distribution of artifacts is 10 square
meters (Table 0.2).
Table 0.148.
Artifact Summary!TLM 074
Provenience
Lithic Material
Subsurface:
Test Pit 1
Description
1 Chalcedony flake
0-613
o o
o
o
T ••t 1
xO
a
~
Test Pit 0 0 10 20
I !
Shovel Test 0 METERS -
Site Datum X Contour Interval:2 m
Surface Artifact _I-
I
Spruce Tree ~
Figure 0.99.Site Map,TLM 074
0-614
AHRS Number TLM 075;Accession Number UA81-231
Area:
Site Map:
Survey Locale 89:
USGS Map:
Site Location:
Setting:
Southeast of Jay Creek Mouth
Figure 0.100
Figure £.163
Talkeetna Mts.0-2,Figure E.4
Appendix F
The site,consisting of two loci (A and B),is located on the south side
of the Susitna River southeast of the mouth of Jay Creek.It is
situated at 596 m asl (altimeter:1956 feet)on a discrete ridge and
knoll system.There are three such ridge and knoll systems that trend
east-west for a distance of 500 m along the north facing slope of the
valley wall.These ridge systems are separated from one another by
drainages on the eastern and western sides which flow north 200 m down a
IS-degree slope to a flat alluvial terrace ca.300 m below.The site
ridge rises ca.20 m above adjacent terrain and has a crescent shape.
This crescent ridge slopes from the northwest in a clockwise direction
to its terminus 8 m lower and to the southwest.The open end of the
crescent faces west and drops down immediately into a drainage.
The site occupies both the higher narrow ridge in the northwest,locus
B,and the lower rounded knoll,locus A,which is 36 m to the southwest
and 8 m lower in elevation.The site datum is at locus A.Views from
the two loci differ,with the higher ridge affording the more
encompassing view.The view from this ridge includes the slope below,
the lower alluvial terrace,and the Susitna River.To the west,an
adjacent drainage is visible.Less dense tree cover would allow views
of the nearby knolls and expanded views of nearby drainages.The lower
knoll,locus A,overlooks the drainage to the west and affords a
restricted view of the Susitna River to the northwest.The
south-trending portion of the higher ridge line to the north,locus S,
curves around the knoll on its eastern side sheltering it from wind.
D-61S
Vegetation at locus A consists of dry white lichen mat interspersed with
patches of dwarf birch,Labrador tea,and lowbush cranberry.White
spruce occur along the perimeter of the knoll.The drainage to the west
is more intensely vegetated and includes willow,aspen,mosses and other
herbaceous plants.Locus B has a dry white lichen mat as well,with
deflated soils and gravel at the surface.The slope leading north down
to the Susitna River is covered in dwarf birch,low woody plants,with
white spruce and a few aspen trees present.The entire ridge and knoll
system around the site i~lightly covered with white spruce and woody
shrubs with clearing areas where the white lichen mats prevail.
Testing:
The site is comprised of.two loci of subsurface lithic artifacts,no
surface indication of the site was observed.Two 40 x 40 cm test pits
were excavated:test pit 1 on the lower knoll,locus A,and test pit 2
on the higher ridge,locus B.Test pit 1 produced artifacts only in the
original shovel test,a black chert rejuvenation flake (UA81-231-1;
Figure 0.378k),and a small black basalt flake (Table D.149).The
provenience of these artifacts appears to be 5-7 cmbs under the humic
mat lying in association with charred wood above a white tephra layer
(Devil).Test pit 2 produced one very pale brown argillite flake
0-7 cmbs.Another very pale brown argillite waste flake was excavated
from test pit 2 at 4 cmbs in a yellow brown tephra unit (Watana)(Table
0.149).Seven sterile shovel tests were excavated in the vicinity of
locus B and on the slope south and east of test pit 2.A grid shovel
testing program was undertaken to assist in the determination of site
size and the distribution of cultural remains.Fifteen grid shovel
tests were excavated around test pit 1,locus A,and seventeen grid
shovel tests were excavated around test pit 2,locus B.All were
sterile.Observed site size based on the distribution of artifacts is 8
square meters (Table 0.2).
D-616
Table 0.149.
Artifact Summary,TlM 075
Provenience
Lithi c Materi a 1
Subsurface:
Locus A
Description
Test pit 1
Locus B
Test pit 2
1 Basa 1t f1 ake
1 Chert rejuvenation flake (UA81-231-1)
2 Argillite flakes
0-617
Contour Interval:1 m
o 0
0 0
pTest 100o0
0 0 0 LOCUS A
0 0 0
Test Pit
Shovel Test
Grid Test:Sterile
Site Datum
Spruce Tree
o
o
a
x
*"
LOCUS B
o
o
o 8
METERS
16
I
Figure 0.100.Site Map,TLM 075
0-618