Killing frost can occur at any time in the higher elevations. Surface Water Characteristics. The area has abundant precipitation and many small lakes and streams. Well-drained soils are generally at or near saturation most of the year. Wetlands occupy over 35 percent of the area.
Wildfire is rare, but landslides and avalanches occur abundantly.
These disturbances keep vegetation in early seral stages along steeper valley walls. The outer islands are subject to intense winds from winter storms, causing much damage to forest stands. Human activity in the form of timber harvesting and road building is common on most of the islands, with the exception of Admiralty Island. This is the historic range of the Tlingit Indians. Compiled by Alaska Region.