The 1959-1961 excavation of the Windust Caves was conducted as part of an archaeological salvage project in anticipation of the completion of the Ice Harbor Dam, which inundated the site when its reservoir, Lake Sacajawea, was filled in 1962.

[4] The earliest unit, stratum I, is interpreted as a fluvial gravel deposit of Late Wisconsin age.

[5] The earliest evidence of habitation was found in stratum II, with subsequent strata containing fire lenses, stone tools, debitage, bone fragments, and organic materials.

[8] The Windust Caves and nearby sites, including the Marmes Rockshelter,[9] are associated with the Western Stemmed Tradition (WSPT or WST).

[10] The WST is characterized by a type of large, stemmed projectile point and is typically dated to 14,500 to 8200 cal.