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How much precipitation falls on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada?
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Sierra Nevada
Physical features of western North America.
The western slopes of the Sierra Nevada receive copious amounts of precipitation during the wet season, which spans from November to April.1
Annual precipitation levels vary significantly based on elevation and location within the range:
- Western foothill zone: Averages approximately 30 inches (760 millimetres).1
- Higher elevations: Between 4,500 and 6,500 feet in the northern half of the range, precipitation averages between 70 and 80 inches.1
This moisture is primarily driven by the range's orientation, which sits across the path of winter storm tracks coming from the Pacific Ocean. In contrast, the eastern side of the mountains experiences a sharp rain-shadow effect, receiving significantly less precipitation.1