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. These soils usually do not retain sufficient moisture for ice-rich permafrost. Vegetation Much of the ecoregion is barren of vegetation. Dwarf scrub communities are most common where vegetation does occur, growing on well drained, windswept sites.