Subsection M261Ao
Windy Peak

Lithology and Stratigraphy.  This subsection contains a variety of Paleozoic to Jurassic metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks, including components of ophiolitic sequences, of the Rattlesnake Creek and Applegate (Applegate terrane may be correlative with Sawyers Bar terrane) terranes.  These older rocks were intruded by Mesozoic granitic rocks, generally quartz diorite to slightly more silicic rocks.  The Condrey Mountain Schist, some of which is in this subsection, is a greenschist - blueschist facies volcanic sequence and subduction complex.  There is some Quaternary alluvium along streams.

Geomorphology.  This is a subsection of mountains with rounded ridges, steep sides,  and narrow canyons.  Both large and small landslides are common.  Slopes on Condrey Mountain Schist are generally moderately steep, rather than steep, reflecting its susceptibility to mass wasting.  There are narrow floodplains and terraces along the Applegate River and its tributaries.  The elevation range is from about 1200 to 5200 feet. Mass wasting and fluvial erosion are the main geomorphic processes.

Soils.  The soils are mostly Dystric and Lithic Xerochrepts and Mollic and Ultic Haploxeralfs.  The soils are well drained.  Soil temperature regimes are mesic.  Soil moisture regimes are xeric.

Vegetation.   The predominant natural plant communities are Mixed conifer series and Douglas fir - ponderosa pine series.  Jeffrey pine series occurs on ultramafic rocks.

Characteristic series by lifeform include:
Grasslands: Montane meadow habitat.
Shrublands: Bush chinquapin series, Greenleaf manzanita series, Huckleberry oak series, Montane wetland shrub habitat, Montane wetland shrub habitat, Mountain alder series, Sadler oak series, Tobacco brush series, Wedgeleaf ceanothus series.
Forests and woodlands: Douglas-fir series,  Douglas-fir - ponderosa pine series, Incense-cedar series, Jeffrey pine series, Ponderosa pine series, White fir series.

Surface Water.  Runoff is rapid.  It drains to the Applegate River.  Many of the smaller streams are dry by the end of summer.  There are no natural lakes in the subsection.