16) The North Pacific Coast

The greatest annual average precipitation on the continent is found amongst the North Pacific Coast region.  75 inches of precipitation annually is common and some areas record up to 230 inches annually.  All of this precipitation supports a rainforest that grows some of the largest trees in the world.

Although it is also located on the West Coast, Malibu is much further south, and as a result, receives an average of only 18 inches of rainfall per year.  Gone are the large rain forests found on the Northwest.  Instead, 18 inches of rain per year gives Malibu low-laying scrub vegetation.  Even if Malibu were to receive significantly more rain, it would not necessarily be a good thing.  Historically, when there is a large storm, the steep hillsides of Malibu become over-saturated and break up.  This results in mudslides that block roads and destroy property.  18 inches of rain per year for Malibu is plenty enough for its residents.