Abstract
Snow avalanches are an important factor in the landscape of Cascade Canyon, influencing both the vegetation types and their distribution. The relationship between avalanches and vegetation is most apparent in the conifer woodlands. Large-conifer woodlands are found primarily outside of avalanche areas while essentially all of the Small-conifer woodlands are within avalanche areas. This suggests that Small-conifer woodlands are created and maintained by avalanches. Slope aspect is also important in the vegetation pattern of Cascade Canyon. Environmental conditions resulting from the aspect of the slope affect vegetation distributions and potentially reduce the importance of avalanches in structuring vegetation patterns, especially on the south-facing slope.