• Site: Delta River Overlook

Overview

UAF and the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML, CSU) conducted excavations at the Delta River Overlook site (XMH-297) in the mid-Tanana basin in August 2015. Project leaders are Ben Potter, Julie Esdale, Josh Reuther, and Chuck Holmes.

Delta River Overlook is located near Donnelly Dome on a high bluff overlooking the Delta River to the west. Work by Holmes and Bacon in 1978-1979 revealed 6 components in well-stratified aeolian sediments, the oldest (so far) dating to >9500 cal BP. Faunal remains were found at multiple components, including a late Holocene bison in secure context. Our 2015 excavation  focused on understanding site occupations, site formation and disturbance, and local adaptive strategies. We have identified at least 10 occupations at the site and recovered samples of bison, wapiti, and a number of activity areas. Analyses are ongoing.

2017 Summer Excavation

We will continue our field investigation at the site this summer, mid-July to mid-August, 2017. We are accepting applications for archaeological technicians. Please apply here:

http://careers.alaska.edu/cw/en-us/job/505950/uaf-cla-temporary-archaeological-technician

Aerial photograph showing 1978-1979 excavations (photo courtesy of Charles Holmes)

Well-defined stratigraphy at the site (photo courtesy of Charles Holmes)