When I ask for an explanation, Mike is quick with the math: The forests are fed by the abnormally high rainfall on the western slopes of the Olympic Mountains, ranging from about 80 inches [200 cm] a year near the coast to 150 inches [400 cm] or more along the river valleys in the foothills.
Kui küsin, miks Olympici metsa vihmametsaks peetakse, on Mike kiire mulle seda numbrite abil selgeks tegema. Olympici mägede läänenõlvadele langeb tavatult palju sademeid, alates 2000 millimeetrist aastas ranniku lähedal kuni üle 4000 millimeetrini mäejalamite jõeorgudes.