Yamsay Mountain - Climate and Ecology

Climate and Ecology

The Cascades Range is dramatically different in climate from west to east. While the west side is heavily forested and features species such as Douglas firs, western hemlock, Pacific silver firs, and Alaska yellow cedars, the eastern half is only forested at low elevations. East of the Cascades, where Yamsay lies, the climate becomes much drier, even arid. Precipitation levels significantly decline and vegetation becomes less, instead lodgepole pine, white fir, ponderosa pine, and juniper. To the south, chaparral vegetation such as beargrass and bitterbush prevails.

Diverse life exists within the range, including endangered species like Larch Mountain Salamanders and spotted owl. Amphibians like salamanders and frogs as well as birds are common. Mammals in the area consist of elk, mountain lions, deer, and black bears. Eastern Cascades fish include Lost River suckers and short sucker, which are both endemic species.