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<br />I, <br /> <br />I;' <br />I <br /> <br />{~ <br /> <br />:; <br /> <br />" <br />.' <br /> <br />1\ <br /> <br />'" <br /> <br />'~ <br />" <br /> <br />~:j <br /> <br />i .~ <br />1.)1 <br />~., <br /> <br />h <br />~ <br /> <br />I~ <br />~ <br />~ <br /> <br />, <br />t <br /> <br />3. <br /> <br />Geology and Soils <br /> <br />The WSA is located on the southern end of the <br />Mosquito Range which is an asymmetrical anticline, <br />gently sloping on the east and steeply faulted on <br />the west side. Paleozoic sedimentary rock layers <br />cover large portions of the higher parts of this <br />range. The Buffalo Peaks are two highly eroded <br />volcanic mountains which are extrusions of lava and <br />ash that have buried the Mosquito Range formation. <br />They are a maj or volcanic formation related to a <br />group of small volcanic cones near Antero Junction <br />in South Park. No geologic hazards have been <br />identified. Soil erosion and suspended sediment <br />production is within acceptable limits. <br /> <br />These geologic features are similar to others in the <br />Leadville area and include rock outcrops, talus <br />deposits, boggy areas, and steep slopes. Large talus <br />slopes occur around the summits of the Buffalo <br />Peaks. <br /> <br />Soils are generally moderate to low in fertility. <br />Mass movement potential reflects predominately <br />moderate to low ratings. Erosion hazard is only <br />moderate throughout the area, except for small areas <br />considered high. <br /> <br />4. <br /> <br />Minerals <br /> <br />Mining activity in the Buffalo Peak Wilderness Study <br />Area has occurred on the southeastern side with <br />limited exploratory operations but no production. <br />There has been recent staking on the north end of <br />the WSA in the Union Creek drainage and on the west <br />side in Low Pass Gulch. It is estimated that about <br />54 percent of the area has a high or moderate <br />potential for locatable minerals, while about 10 <br />percent has a high or moderate potential for <br />leasable minerals. The higher potential areas are, <br />located within the northeast side and along the west <br />side. East of Granite there is evidence of <br />prospecting activity adjoining the WSA from the <br />early 1900's which tends to indicate the occurrence <br />of minerals. The central portion of the area has <br />moderate mineral potential while areas with less <br />potential occur in the southern end. <br /> <br />24 <br /> <br />r.! rJQ'>Q <br />......,~ <br />