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Description: |
DISTRIBUTION: The CWHms1
occurs at higher elevations in drainages of the
upper Fraser River east and north of Chilliwack,
and in the eastern portion of the Coast Mountains
from upper Harrison Lake to the Homathko River.
Elevational limits range from approximately 650
to 1200 m in submaritime areas, and from 900 to
1350 m in subcontinental areas further to the east.
CLIMATE: The CWHms1 has a climate transitional
between the coast and interior, characterized by
moist, cool winters, and cool but relatively dry
summers. Historically, dry summers have resulted
in standreplacing wildfires, which have contributed
to the abundance of Fd in this variant. Snowfall
is relatively heavy, particularly in the upper elevational
ranges of the variant.
VEGETATION: Forests on zonal sites are dominated
by Hw, Fd, Cw, and Ba. Common understorey species
include Alaskan blueberry and a well-developed moss
layer featuring Hylocomium splendens, Rhytidopsis
robusta, and Pleurozium schreberi. Less commonly
occurring species include black huckleberry, oval-leaved
blueberry, falsebox, bunchberry, queen's cup, five-leaved
bramble, and one-sided wintergreen. Higher elevations
featuring greater snowfall and cooler temperatures
are dominated by Hw, Ba, and Cw, with Fd restricted
mainly to drier sites.
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