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Upper Owens Valley

Ecoregion in CA, NV

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The Upper Owens Valley ecoregion is a large north-to-south valley area with several segments, including Queen, Benton, Hammil, Chalfant, and Upper Owens Valleys on the western side of the White Mountains, and Round Valley near the Sierra Nevada. Gently to moderately sloping alluvial fans and mostly level basin floors, terraces, and floodplains are the primary landforms. The region also includes the distinct Alabama Hills in the far south. Elevations range from about 3,800 feet along the Owens River in the south to more than 6,000 feet where the higher fans descend from adjacent mountain ecoregions. Quaternary alluvium covers the region, and the Upper Owens Valley has some small areas of lava flows. Soil temperature regimes are mesic to thermic and soil moisture regimes are aridic with some xeric. Shrub-covered rangeland is the dominant land cover, with minor areas of hay and pastureland. Several small towns serve the local ranching and farming sector, as well as cater to mountain-related tourism. Vegetation includes big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, spiny hopsage, antelope bitterbrush, saltbush, ephedra, and several perennial grasses including desert needlegrass. Along the Owens River, some restoration of cottonwoods, willows, and wetlands has occurred, although water continues to be exported to Los Angeles.

— EPA

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