The ecoregion was heavily glaciated during the Pleistocene epoch, and extensive systems of valley glaciers still radiate from the higher mountains. Rock glaciers are common. Gelifluction features are well developed. Permafrost is discontinuous in this ecoregion, however, its full extent is unknown. Streams are swift and braided, and most are headwatered in glaciers.
Many large lakes occupy the glaciated valleys within the southern portion of the ecoregion.
Soils Much of the ecoregion consists of rocky slopes, icefields, and glaciers. Where soil development has occurred, principal soils are Lithic Cryorthents, Pergelic Cryaquepts, Pergelic Ruptic-Histic Cryaquepts, Typic Cryochrepts, Pergelic Cryumbrepts, and Typic Cryumbrepts. Most soils are stony and shallow over bedrock, or bouldery colluvial or glacial deposits. Soils on lower slopes and in valleys are typically poorly drained, with a shallow permafrost table. Soils on upper hillsides and ridgetops are often well drained, very gravelly, and shallow over bedrock.