FOREST AND RANGE RESOURCES OF UTAH 



PEECIPITATION 



The annual precipitation in Utah varies from less than 5 inches 

 at the western border of the State on the Great Salt Lake Desert to 

 30 or 35 inches near the tops of the Wasatch Mountains and Plateau. 

 The State average is about 13 inches. (Fig. 2.) Areas with less 



UTAH - AVE RAG E AN N UAL 

 PRECIPITATION IN INCHES 



ADJUSTED TO THE 26 YEAR PERIOD* 

 I'dolph 1893-1918 



MILES 



Figure 2. — Average annual precipitation in inches 



than 13 to 15 inches of precipitation are unsuitable for farming with- 

 out irrigation. The amount of land with 15 inches or more of 

 rainfall, suitable relief, and a satisfactory growing season is limited. 

 Rainfall in excess of 15 inches occurs mostly in the mountains where 

 the land is too rough or the growing seasons too short for farming. 

 The prevailing winds of Utah are out of the west, and precipitation 

 takes place generally on the west side and in the tops of the moun- 

 tains. The only areas suitable for the production of ordinary farm 



