Friant Dam is located in which mountain range?

Friant Dam is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which is significant for several reasons. The Sierra Nevada is a major mountain range in California, extending approximately 400 miles and includes some of the state's most important natural features, such as Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. The Friant Dam, built along the San Joaquin River, plays a crucial role in water management by providing irrigation water and flood control for the surrounding agricultural areas. The dam impounds water that is essential for sustaining the ecosystem and supporting agricultural activities in the nearby San Joaquin Valley, which is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States.

Being situated in the Sierra Nevada means the dam benefits from the mountain's seasonal snowmelt, providing a reliable source of water during the drier summer months. This connection to the Sierra Nevada highlights the importance of the region's hydrology and topography in California's water management strategy.