The Sierra Nevada lies primarily in Central and Eastern California, with the Carson Range, a small but historically important spur, extending into Nevada. West-to-east, the Sierra Nevada's elevation increases gradually from in the Central Valley to more than atop the highest peaks of its crest to the east. The east slope forms the steep Sierra Escarpment. Unlike its surroundings, the range receives a substantial amount of snowfall and precipitation due to orographic lift.
the sierra nevada lies primarily in central and eastern california with the carson range a small but historically important spur extending into nevada west-to-east the sierra nevada's elevation increases gradually from in the central valley to more than atop the highest peaks of its crest to the east the east slope forms the steep sierra escarpment unlike its surroundings the range receives a substantial amount of snowfall and precipitation due to orographic lift