The soil at one profile pit was described and sampled (see profile no. 89 in the HJA Soils Data Base). Soil depth was about 1 m and soil textures were uniformly gravelly loam. Gravel content was about 25% in the surface, and in the subsoil gravel and cobbles made up about 30 to 45%. This well drained soil has a low bulk density, averaging about 0.6-0.8 g/cc. Organic matter content was 5.5% in the A1 horizon and 1.9% in the B2.
RS 11 represents an upper elevation example of the PSME/ACCI-BENE community of Dyrness et al. (1974), but contains abundant cover of Abies amabilis in both mature and immature strata. The shrub layer has more than the usual cover of Gaultheria shallon for the habitat type, but Acer circinatum and Berberis nervosa are dominant. Rhododendron macrophyllum is lacking. Though RS 11 is probably near modal for high elevations, it is not representative of the PSME/ACCI-BENE community in general because elevation influences the vegetation composition.
The overstory is dominated by middle-size classes of Pseudotsuga menziesii, with occasional remnant old-growth. Tsuga heterophylla is subemergent. Immature conifers are dominated by Tsuga heterophylla but include Abies amabilis and Abies concolor.
The tall shrub layer is dominated by scattered patches of Acer circinatum and occasional Vaccinium parvifolium and V. membranaceum. The low shrub layer is well developed and dominated by Berberis nervosa. Gaultheria shallon and Rubus ursinus are also common.
The herbaceous stratum is diverse but sparse. The most abundant herb (4.5% cover) is Viola sempervirens. The other species cover 1% or less and are found in most other reference stands as well. Therefore, this habitat type has no diagnostic herb. The moss layer is poorly represented, which is typical of upper elevation stands.
Ecosystem and Population Dynamics: no data available