Archaeological Investigations at Sites 45-OK-250 and 45-OK-4, Chief Joseph Dam Project, Washington.
Abstract
Site 45-OK-250 and 45-OK-4 are located on a narrow terrace at the foot of a steep slope on the right bank of Columbia River 70 to 350 m upstream from River Mile 578. The site lies in an Upper Sonoran life zone. In 1979 and 1980 the University of Washington excavated 347 cu m of matrix volume for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Seattle District, as part of a mitigation program associated with adding 10 ft to the operating pool level behind Chief Joseph Dam. Systematic random sampling using 1 x 1 x 0.1-m collection units in 1 x 1, 1 x 2, or 2 x 2 m cells disclosed three prehistoric occupations in overbank, colluvial and aeolian deposits. The first occupation is represented by diffuse cultural material and a few structured features found in overbank sand and silt deposits and in association with basal river gravel and alluvial fan deposits. The zone is dated by a single radiocarbon date, the age of the overlying zone and a small number of projectile points to pre-3500 B.P. It represents a mix of Hudnut and Kartar Phase elements. The second zone, dated from 3500 to 2000 B.P., by 17 radiocarbon dates, is contained in slope wash sediments with increasing aeolian modification toward the surface and locally variable colluvial contributions. It contains seven structures, six of them housepits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA163133
Entities
People
- Christian J. Miss
- Dorothy Sammons-lohse
- Nancy A. Stenholm
- S. N. Crozier
- Stephanie Livingston
Organizations
- University of Washington