Ecology of an alpine–subalpine meadow complex in the Olympic Mountains, Washington

Abstract

Eleven sites representing the range of alpine and subalpine community types in Deer Park were chosen for an intensive study of high-elevational meadow habitats in the Olympic Mountains, Washington. The vegetation, soils, and important physical features of each site are described.The 11 sites were ordered by reciprocal averaging. The resulting first axis was interpreted as being a moisture–exposure gradient which separates the mesic subalpine meadows from the xeric alpine meadows. This gradient is determined by snowmelt patterns, aspect, and wind. Mesic subalpine sites are sheltered from the wind and direct insolation. Xeric alpine sites have shallow or no snowpacks and receive the full impact of the wind and sun. The second axis is a soil stability gradient that predominately affects the xeric sites. Stable soils are protected from wind erosion, frost heaving, and needle ice by windbreaks and long-lasting snowpacks.