The reef had developed across the mouth of the embayment, blocking the area from the open ocean and restricting the inflow of sea water.

The low water levels and excessive evaporation resulted in the deposition of anhydrite, halite and carbonate rocks.

[3][4] The Muskeg Formation is present in the northern half of the Elk Point Basin, in northeastern British Columbia and northwestern Alberta.

Law in 1955, based on core from a well (California Standard Steen River 2-22-117-5W6M) that was drilled north of Zama Lake.

[3] The porous carbonate units of the Muskeg Formation contain important oil and natural gas reservoirs in the Zama and Rainbow Lake areas of northwestern Alberta.