|Hurricane Bluff Site

The Hurricane Bluff Site was found in Donnelly Training Area just outside of Delta Junction. It is located on a high bluff that overlooks the Delta River. It was found by archaeologists when artifacts and bone were seen eroding out of the side of the bluff. Artifacts consist of stone tools and remnant flakes, animal hide scrapers, a net sinker used for fishing, and animal remains. We can tell the artifacts are between 2,000 and 10,000 years old, as they were found between buried ancient ground surfaces of known age. Studying the types of sediment layers in the ground, we can also tell the environment fluctuated between calm, stable periods and periods of volatile winds that quickly changed the landscape. Erosion from strong winds today, as well as deterioration from bison rubbing against the bluff face, pose a significant danger to the preservation of this site. Plans are in motion to excavate and gather as much information about Hurricane Bluff as possible before it is completely gone.

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An aerial view shows the unvegetated area that delineates the Hurricane Bluff site, with the nearby Delta River seen in the lower left corner.

This view of the Hurricane Bluff site shows artifacts marked by orange flagging. With the site exposed and minimal vegetation to stabilize soil, the site is rapidly eroding and the bluff face on the left is collapsing.

This stone tool was discovered at the Hurricane Bluff site.

This stone tool fragment was found at Hurricane Bluff.

This scraper tool was most likely used for working animal hides.

Microblades are tiny razorblade-like stone tools that were inserted into larger bone or antler points used for hunting.

This stone tool was designed as a net sinker and may have been used for fishing in the nearby Delta River.

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