Glacial history reconstructions and geomorphic mapping in the North McQuesten River, Dublin Gulch, and Keno Hill map areas indicate a succession of less extensive glaciations. From oldest to youngest, the main glacial episodes are the pre-Reid (multiple glacial episodes), Reid and McConnell glaciations. The surficial geology of the study area is dominated by deposits of the Reid and McConnell glaciations. Pre-Reid glacial deposits are mostly confined to infrequent erratics on plateau areas above the Reid glacial limit.
Glacial limit mapping indicates that ice flow patterns were similar in both the Reid and McConnell glaciations. Valleys aligned parallel with glacial ice flow are broad and U-shaped with significant glacial deposits in valley bottoms. In contrast, valleys aligned transverse to glacial ice flow are narrower and have a more V-shaped morphology. This relationship appears to be a controlling factor on the distribution of placers in the study area. Numerous drainages were analyzed for their placer potential in each of the three map areas. Their potential was based on geomorphic evaluations, glacial history, geochemistry, bedrock geology, and historic records. A concentration of potential placer creeks were identified in the Keno Hill/Mayo Lake area. Fewer prospective creeks were identified in the Dublin Gulch and North McQuesten River map areas.
