Prehistoric Reservoir at Mesa Verde National Park, October 2002
We named this prehistoric site Box Elder Reservoir.  It was discovered in September 2001 after a forest fire and dates from AD 800 to 950.  Formally, it is known as Site MV4505. 
Our scientific studies involved augering into the reservoir sediments and analyzing the layering deep beneath the surface.  Samples were placed on this plastic sheet.
Broken pottery littered the surface of the reservoir.
Nearby we found artifacts.  This partially shaped war club was found at an early Anasazi settlement.
Arrow heads from prehistoric times were scattered on the reservoir surface.
Artifacts were carefully analyzed for dating purposes by Dr. Breternitz.
The team included a wide variety of disciplines for study of all aspects of this archaeological site.
Project Director Ken Wright is shown in the canyon channel while analyzing rainfall/runoff relationships.
Archaeologist Dr. Jack Smith provided scientific advice and soil scientist Doug Ramsey helped analyze the reservoir strata.
Soil Expert Ernie Pemberton logged his observations.
Dr. Mary Gillam studied samples closely.
Dr. David Breternitz, an expert on pottery, handled the potsherd evaluation.  Geologist Eric Bikis defined the geology of the area.
A prehistotic canal was surveyed by Tom Langan of our Denver office.  Tom ran the level.
Topographic surveys were assisted by Aurora Bouchier from our Durango office.
Augering of the reservoir was strenuous.  Here is Kurt Loptien drilling down into the sediment.
Dr. Breternitz also helped examine the soil samples with David Foss (background).
Rachel Peterson and Dr. Andrew Earles helped document the field evidence for future study.
David Foss of our Denver office was the chief augerman who worked hard to bring up deep samples from the reservoir.
Kurt Loptien was in charge of collecting soil samples for pollen testing to study prehistoric agriculture.
Dr. Andrew Earles performed geomorphological surveys of the canyon bottom.
Lisa Klapper was in charge of infiltration tests to study the percolation rates.
Dr. David Breternitz and Ernie Pemberton confer on soil classifications.
Terri Ohlson bagged the soil samples using proper handling procedures.
Soil scientist Doug Ramsey studied soil types  deposited more than 1100 years ago that were brought up from the sediment layers.
Dr. Mary Gillam and Doug Ramsey examine sediment samples that were laid out for further study.
Sediment samples provided evidence that this mound was, indeed, a prehistoric reservoir.