628 ALLEN DAVID HOLE 
many other cirques of an equal size. Prominent ridges extend from 
the head for a mile or more to the northwestward, making a series 
of small, almost parallel valleys in the bottom of the cirque. In 
each of these small valleys there are rounded projecting points, 
some talus, and occasional ponds or small lakes. Viewed from 
below, the slopes leading to the upper part of the cirque appear 
abrupt, and, in places, rough and precipitous. Below about 10,400 
Fic. 12.—Surface of ground moraine, west of Alta basin. Elevation about 
10,700 feet. Looking northwest. 
feet in elevation the valley of that branch of Big Bear Creek which 
drains this cirque has prominent moraines. From 10,100 to 
10,400 feet in elevation morainal hills are disposed irregularly 
across the narrow valley, including among them some kettles. On 
the west, from 10,300 feet in elevation a lateral moraine in places 
too feet high extends northeastward to the limit of glaciation, at 
about 9,300 feet. A similar ridge lies parallel to the stream on the 
east side from about 10,200 to 9,600 feet in elevation. 
