Soil temperature regimes are mostly frigid, with some mesic in valleys. Soil moisture regimes are mostly xeric, but some are aridic and some in valleys are aquic. The predominant natural plant communities are Jeffrey pine series, Mixed conifer series, and White fir series. There are small areas of Red fir series at the highest elevations, plus Mountain hemlock series on Mt. Ingalls. Western juniper series occurs on some shallow soils.
Big sagebrush is common in valleys.
The most common streamside riparian communities are Black cottonwood at lower elevations and Mountain alder series at higher elevations. Aspen series occurs in some moist habitats. Sedge meadow communities occur in wet areas. The mean freeze-free period is about 50 to 100 days. Surface Water .