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Modoc Country Living Environment
Country living in the clean northern California air! Modoc County's country environment includes high desert climate, higher altitude plains to mountainous terrain and four distinct weather seasons. It's a healthy environment with no smog and the cleanest air in California. The area's climate also lends itself to healthy crops and abundant harvests with a 4-5 month growing season. Modoc County is located in the high desert region of extreme northeastern California, sometimes referred to as the Eastern Sierra Steppe. Modoc's elevation ranges from around 4,000 feet to approximately 8-9,000 feet in the higher peaks of the Warner Mountain Range. In a climate like this, snow is possible at any time during the winter months anywhere in the county. Perhaps the most dramatic introduction to Modoc's environment is on the western approaches to the county. California highway 299E winds in a northeasterly direction toward Modoc County from the Sacramento Valley floor elevation of approximately 700 feet near Redding. About 50 miles northeast of Redding, near Burney, the elevation rises to around 3,000 feet and the environment and climate begin to transition to mountainous terrain and the high desert region. This is also generally the snow line area for the western Sierra during winter months. Terrain in Modoc County is rolling hills to mountain peaks with relatively flat cropland in many areas. About 70 percent of land in the county is under stewardship of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or U.S. Forest Service (USFS), with Modoc National Forest making up a large portion. Another large portion of land is given over to agriculture, both farming and ranching. Populated areas make up only a fraction of the total county land area. The entire northeastern part of California, as well as parts of Oregon and Nevada exist on a lava table dating to prehistoric periods. Lava rocks and formations are common throughout the area. In fact, one of the major area attractions is the Lava Beds National Monument straddling the Modoc-Siskiyou County line on the western edge of the county.
Modoc's environment sports four distinct weather seasons, not unlike parts of the Midwest or the mid-Atlantic east coast area except we have much lower humidity. Things start turning green with warming temperatures in April and May during the spring season. From May to September, with temperatures peaking in July, the weather is hot and dry. We live with constant wildfire danger from late April to early October. Fall colors start arriving in September with cooler temperatures and often-freezing nights. Winter in earnest, with rain, snow and cold temperatures normally lasts from around Thanksgiving to March. The county's average annual precipitation, rain and snow combined, is about 17 inches. Visit the National Weather Service (NWS) web site for current information and links to more research on Modoc's environment, climate and weather. Modoc County's healthy environment and clean air provide the perfect atmosphere for country living. The higher altitudes and remote area mean you are away from smog and congestion. If you enjoy outdoor activities, you’ll feel at home in this environment, whether visiting or relocating. Skiing, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking or wildlife viewing are abundant here. The area is rich in western history and offers access to the great American outback, whether farming, ranching or just enjoying it. Each of the four distinct weather seasons offers its own environmental challenges, and each season also provides its own rewards. Welcome to country living in Modoc County, California! More Modoc Country Living...
Modoc Country Living Weather
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