In Utah this soil has a mean annual precipitation of 6 to 8 inches, mean annual temperature of 48 to 50 degrees, and a frost-free season of 115 to 140 days at an elevation of 5,300 to 6,200 feet. These are the Chipeta and Menoken soils. Chipeta soils have more than 35 percent clay in the series control section. Menoken soils lack bedrock above a depth of 20 inches and have cambic horizons. These soils are used almost exclusively for native pastureland.
Native vegetation is salt sage, greasewood, shadscale, and scattered grasses.
The series is of large extent. Western Colorado Reconnaissance, W95, 1939. Moisture regime is Typic Aridic.