Hells Canyon Basal Notch Point

This triangular corner notch point exhibits a compact to medium size, characterized by an elliptical profile. The blade edge can display a range of curvature, from pronounced excurvate shapes to straight configurations. The shoulders are distinctly barbed, often extending downward to the base, although heavy re-sharpening can result in reduced shoulder prominence. The stem is notably short, with a straight to slightly flared orientation. Deep notches with parallel sides penetrate the base, while the basal edge varies from straight to convex. The flaking pattern on this point is random, lacking a discernible order or sequence.

The dimensions of the arrowheads are as follows: they range in total length from 24 to 75 mm, with stem lengths varying between 4 and 9 mm. The width of the blade spans from 17 to 39 mm, while the neck width measures between 7 and 16 mm. Additionally, the stem width is recorded to be between 7 and 21 mm.

This type is mainly discovered on the Columbia Plateau, extending into Oregon's Cascade mountains, across the Snake River Valley, and reaching the northern section of the Great Basin.