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4 <br />• During the analysis phase, an extensive literature search was per- <br />formed to locate information concerning comparable sites and artifactual <br />materials. This literature aided in the organization and understanding <br />of the materials recovered during the fieldwork phase. A complete list- <br />ing of sources that are cited in the text is provided in the "References <br />Cited" section of this report. <br />Environment <br />The physical environment of the Williams Fork Mountains includes a <br />variety of terrain features with marked contrasts in elevation. Vegeta- <br />tion and available water also vary considerably across the region. <br />The Williams Fork Mountains extend roughly east-west, paralleling <br />both the Yampa River to the north, and Williams Fork River to the south. <br />~~ Generally, the southern slopes of the mountain mass are quite steep, while <br />the northern slopes draining into the Yampa River are much more moderate. <br />Numerous drainages cut through the mountains, flowing northeast into <br />the Yampa River valley or southwest into the Williams Fork River. These <br />drainages generally form steep-walled canyons rather than broad open <br />valleys. <br />Precipitation for the region ranges from 12 in. annually at Craig <br />to 24.5 at Steamboat Springs (U.S. Weather Bureau 1964). Much of the <br />precipitation occurs as snowfall, and the rest is distributed fairly <br />evenly throughout the rest of the year as rainshowers. Annual tempera- <br />tures range from highs averaging 92°F., to lows averaging -25°F. (zbial. <br />Vegetation varies according to altitude, moisture, and aspect, as <br />• well as other environmental conditions. <br />~ The main vegetation units present in the area under study are the <br />