Very similar to Sierran White Fir Forest (84240) but still denser, with the narrow crowns often overlapping and casting a deep shade. Typically consists of essentially pure stands of Abies magnifica, which grow to about 60m tall. Abies magnifica grades into the closely related Abies procera in the northwestern Klamath Ranges. The latter forms similar forests which have not been distinguished here from those of Abies magnifica. The understory is very nearly absent, but needle litter and downed branches are abundant. The growing season is a little later than in Sierran White Fir Forest, concentrated in midsummer. Growth is probably limited by low temperature most of the year, and summer drought is probably less limiting than in most other Sierran forests.
SITE FACTORS:
Similar to, and probably the higher elevation equivalent of Sierran White Fir Forest (84240), but cooler and moister, often on north-facing slopes. Usually on coarse, well-drained, but moist soils. The heavy precipitation at this elevation, the north slope localities and the densely growing trees combine to make this forest the area of greatest winter snow accumulation in the Sierra Nevada, often reaching 3m and occasionally 6m. The snow usually remains until June. At its lower elevational limit, often intergrades broadly with Sierran White Fir Forest. Replaced by Jeffrey Pine-Fir Forest (85210) on dry sites and by Lodgepole Pine Forest (86100) on cold, moist sites near meadows and streams. Replaced at its upper limit by Lodgepole Pine Forest or Subalpine Forest (86000).
DISTRIBUTION:
Scattered in the highest parts of the North Coast Ranges, from Snow Mtn. (Lake Co.) northward. More extensive in the higher areas of the Klamath Mtns. Abundant in the vicinity of Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen. Abundant on the west side of the Sierra Nevada from Tehama Co. to southern Tulare Co. Abundant in the Lake Tahoe region. South of Lake Tahoe scattered on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada to the Mt. Whitney region (Inyo Co.), except locally common near Mammoth Lakes (Mono Co.). Elevation 5,500-7,000 feet (1650-2100m) in the north and 7,500-9,000 feet (2300-2700m) in the south.
UPDATE: 10/86
Source: Holland, 1986
Digital Text: NatureBase