Small irrigated tracts in isolated valleys are used mainly for hay. 3,100 m. Mountain ranges with steep slopes rise sharply from desert basins. Average annual precipitation 250 to 400 mm. Maximum precipitation is in spring and early in summer. Average annual temperature 7 C. Average freeze-free period Less than 120 days, decreasing with elevation.
Water is scarce.
The low precipitation, small and intermittent streamflow, and scarcity of ground water seriously limit water developments. The dominant soils are Orthents. They are shallow to very deep and moderately coarse to moderately fine textured and have a frigid temperature regime, an aridic moisture regime, and mixed mineralogy. Columbia needlegrass, brome, rhizomatous wheatgrasses, and big sagebrush are the dominant species. Idaho fescue, Columbia needlegrass, black sagebrush, and scattered Rocky Mountain juniper are dominant on shallow soils.