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The timbered slopes are underlain by sandstone belonging to the Raton and Upper Vermejo Formations. These slopes are marked by relatively steep eastward-facing escarpments. Elevations in the study area vary from 6300 feet along the eastern margin to 6425 feet in the west-central area. The normally undulating topography is interrupted by linear features formed by regional faulting and the intrusion of igneous dikes. Several east-west trending dikes form linear topographic ridges cutting across the general topo- graphy. The most prominent dike in the study area is the Maitland Dike. Normal faults cross the area, trending in anortheast-southwest direction. Surface water drainage across the permit area is to the east-northeast via the Gordon and Maitland Arroyos. These waters flow into the Cucharas River which feeds the Huerfano River. The entire study area is within the Arkansas drainage system. Surface runoff is derived largely from sudden thunderstorms in • the summer and fall. The streams in the study area are intermittent. From conversation with people living in the area, flow in the Maitland and Gordon Arroyos occurs infrequently, generally once or twice a year. Average annual runoff from Huerfano County is 0.3 inches, or about 3% of the average annual precipitation. The climate in the permit area is semi-arid. Average monthly temperature for the years 1961 to 1981 range from 34°F in January to 71.9°F in July and the mean annual temperature is 51.5oF. Winds of 10 to 30 miles per hour are common. Precipitation is mainly from sudden, short-duration thunderstorms during the months of July and August. A review of precipitation data for the years 1961 through 1981 shows the mean annual precipitation is 15.4 inches. Two dry periods exist in the records, 1962 and 1981. Evapotranspiration and infiltration account for approximately 97% of precipitation. • -2-