Climate change effects in the Sierra Nevada

Abstract

The Sierra Nevada region is characterized by high topographical and climatological diversity (Dettinger et al. 2018), extending 400 mi north to south and 70 mi east to west. Elevations are higher in the southern end of the range, with Mount Whitney (14,505 ft) being the highest peak in the contiguous United States; peaks in the northern part of the range are generally less than 8,800 ft (Minnich and Padgett 2003).

The western portion of the Sierra Nevada region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The western portion of the Sierra Nevada receives moisture and warm air from prevailing westerly winds off the North Pacific Ocean (Dettinger et al. 2018). As air moves upward over the mountain range, air cools, and moisture condenses into clouds and precipitation. Thus, the western, mountainous portions of the Sierra Nevada receive more precipitation than the eastern portion (fig. 2.1); elevations between 5,000 and 6,000 ft on the west slope are some of the wettest in the region (Dettinger et al. 2018).

Parent Publication

• Climate change vulnerability and adaptation for infrastructure and recreation in the Sierra Nevada

Citation

Halofsky, Jessica E. 2021. Climate change effects in the Sierra Nevada. In: Halofsky, Jessica E.; Peterson, David L.; Buluç, Lara Y.; Ko, Jason M., eds. Climate change vulnerability and adaptation for infrastructure and recreation in the Sierra Nevada. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-272. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: 13-27. Chapter 2.