The Sierra Nevada range creates a rain shadow effect, contributing to Nevada's dry climate.

As moist air from the Pacific Ocean moves eastward, it encounters the Sierra Nevada mountains. This forces the air to rise, causing it to cool and release moisture in the form of precipitation on the western slopes. By the time the air reaches Nevada on the eastern side, it has lost much of its moisture, leading to dry conditions. This phenomenon, known as the rain shadow effect, is a primary reason for Nevada's arid desert climate, with very little rainfall throughout the year.