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Which westward-flowing rivers begin in the Sierra Madre Occidental?
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The Sierra Madre Occidental serves as a significant source of water for the Pacific coastal lowlands. Several important rivers originate in or flow westward from this mountain system to water the farming districts of the region, including:
- Yaqui River
- Mayo River
- Fuerte River
- Sinaloa River
- Culiacán River12
Additionally, the Santiago River flows to the northwest and crosses the Sierra Madre Occidental on its path toward the Pacific Ocean.2