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Sierra Valley

Ecoregion in CA

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An intermontane valley with elevations ranging from 4,800 to 5,200 feet, the Sierra Valley ecoregion is surrounded by mountains with elevations mostly 6,000 to 8,000 feet. The valley is a down-faulted basin, and formerly was a Pleistocene lakebed. It now is filled with sediment up to 2,000 feet thick. The valley also has some thermal activity, such as Marble Hot Springs located in the western part. Annual precipitation averages 14–20 inches, falling mostly as snow. Soil temperatures are mesic with xeric, aquic, and aridic soil moisture regimes. The valley floor has a grassland and sagebrush ecosystem and contains extensive freshwater marshes filled with cattails, bulrushes, and alkaline flats that drain into the Middle Fork Feather River. Many species of wildlife use the valley, including migratory birds, wintering waterfowl, and raptors. More than 260 bird species have been observed in the valley, and 160 are known to breed here. Sandhill cranes nest in the valley. Pasture for cattle is extensive along with some hay and alfalfa fields.

— EPA

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Ecoregion