These ranges have more ties with plants and animals to the east in the Great Basin, than their close neighbor the Sierra Nevada, only 10 miles westward. Climate Weather here is cold and dry. The average max.-min. Due to the varied topography, precipitation can and does differ greatly in localized areas. Thunder and lightning storms occur frequently in the high country.
Winds are strong at the crest, both summer and winter.
The dry climate and high altitude make this region a rare environment. The rapid changes in elevation create abrupt habitat and species changes. The soil quality is poor, and at its poorest in the alpine zone. This factor combined with a short growing season, results in sparse and delicate flora. This is truly an area that one must be careful in preserving.