Jacob's Monument

1928

1999

Description:

JACOB'S MONUMENT This southwest view is in upper Copper Canyon on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Moenkopie soils are found at this site. These red gravelly to fine sandy loams are shallow with moderately high permeability and low water supplying capabilities. Average annual precipitation in upper Copper Canyon ranges from 6 to 8 inches. Few, if any, vegetation changes have occurred at this location in the 71 years between photographs. However, some sheet erosion seems to have taken place when comparing soil depths relative to some of the same rocks visible in both photographs. Low soil capabilities and low precipitation levels at this site combine to make a harsh medium for plant establishment and growth. The site seems to be in a stable state where few or very slow improvements could be expected. Plant species found here include blackbrush, shadscale, Mormon tea, snakeweed, cliffrose, wolfberry, curlygrass, blue grama, cheatgrass and red brome.

Photo Information:

Photograph Number: Baker No. 368 Original: Date: 1928 (- A) Photographer: A.A. Baker Source: U.S. Geological Survey Retake: Date: June 30, 1999 (- B) Photographer: Earl Hindley Source: San Juan County

Vegetative Community:

Salt Desert Shrub

Location:

San Juan: NW1/4SE1/4 Section 27 T.42S., R.13E.

January 2018