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Alpine Zone

Ecoregion in Rocky Mountains in UT, CO, NM, WY

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The Alpine Zone occurs on mountain tops above treeline, beginning at about 10500 to 11000 feet. It includes alpine meadows as well as steep, exposed rock and glaciated peaks. Annual precipitation ranges from about 35 to greater than 70 inches, falling mostly as snow. Vegetation includes low shrubs, cushion plants, and wildflowers and sedges in wet meadows. The forest-tundra interface is sparsely colonized by stunted, deformed Englemann spruce, subalpine fir, and limber pine (krummholz vegetation). Rocky Mountain bristlecone pines are also found here, some of the oldest recorded trees in North America. Land use, limited by difficult access, is mostly wildlife habitat and recreation. Ecoregion 21a is snow-free only 8 to 10 weeks annually. Snow cover is a major source of water for lower, more arid ecoregions.

— EPA

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