Valley floors are commonly about 100 m below adjacent plateau summits. Average annual precipitation -1,300 to 1,400 mm. Precipitation is somewhat unevenly distributed. The maximum is in midwinter, decreasing gradually from spring to autumn and increasing slightly in midsummer. In most years, precipitation is adequate for crops and pastures.
Droughts are short and infrequent.
Streams, springs, and ponds provide water for livestock. Deep wells provide an adequate supply of water for most domestic and municipal uses. Most streams flow intermittently and are often dry in summer and in autumn except after rainstorms. A few large reservoirs are in the area. The dominant soils are Udults and Ochrepts.