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Map Satellite A number of ice caves are found in this area which lies within a Jeffrey pine, Pinus jeffreyi, forest.
Pleistocene volcanic basalts constitute the underlying, and often exposed, rocks. Lava flows in this area and to the north frequently have small caves which fill with snow and, as the volcanic rock provides good insulation if the summers are not too long or too hot, the snow accumulates from season to season. Some of the ice in these caves may be quite old and thus of value for coring and analysis. (See also Mayfield Ice Caves and Lava Beds Ice Caves.)
Integrity: The caves are in virtually pristine condition. One is open to the public.
Use: Research, educational.
December 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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