A very quick jpg to show how fast the colors changed. As mentioned some areas with cottonwoods have changed and are past their prime. The controlled burn just got even worse yesterday as it appears they went up and starter another one by Death Canyon. And with the storm coming in for the next few days who whos what it will look like. But is was still fun to get out for the day.
ps I hear you about the work groups. At the barns they were most inconsiderate as they jumped out of the van, surrounded the barns and got in you shot.
Didn't even act like they cared.
I'll be in the eastern sierra sunday - wednesday. Obviously I hope the colors are good, if not, well, clouds and early snow is just as, if not more beautiful to me.
WAYCOOL wrote:
Dan, the area above Bishop seems to be making fast progress sure hope it dose not peak and get blown away by the storms before next weekend. Have you heard any updates on the conditions further north, Bridgeport area? Hope you can get through Tioga Pass, I'll be coming up 395 from the south so I have no worries
Thanks for that update. Once things change, they can evolve pretty quickly. Though in other years - was it two years ago? - the process can be slower.
I haven't heard anything about the Bridgeport area, nor about other interesting general areas such as Lee Vining, Hope Valley, Monitor Pass and so forth. However, I'll bet that reports from those visiting this weekend will soon appear.
The timing of the midweek weather system is looking a bit different in today's forecast. (Subject to further changes, of course.) It comes in Wednesday, fades out on Thursday, and Friday is forecast to be fair.
I sure hope Tioga is open by Friday afternoon - they often close it for 24 hours or so after snow, even if the amount is tiny. If it isn't open, I have to start considering alternatives as far north as highway 88, making for a very long drive!
Looks like the snow level will be borderline for that area though. I have to go to Mammoth for a week or so probably Tuesday. I hope I'm able to get out and shoot some.
gdanmitchell wrote:
This has all kinds of ramifications if it plays out. First, access to the eastern Sierra over trans-Sierra passes could be difficult late in the week. (I watching this since I plan to cross the range late in the day next Friday.) Second, should the storm be especially cold and/or windy, the aspens could be affected by this. Third, and on the bright side, cloudy conditions can create some very lovely aspen color opportunities, and the snow can also provide some special conditions for photography.
Dan
Your comment about snow & aspens has piqued my interest!
I may try to sneak up next weekend as well.
For Sierra Nevada folks, I passed through Hope Valley and Monitor Pass on Friday and saw mainly lime green aspens with a few yellows here and there. The groves around Sorensen's had some yellow but were mainly lime green, and the big grove at the top of Monitor Pass was about 70/30 green.
This morning (Saturday) I checked out the June Lake Loop, which was mainly lime green with scattered yellow trees around Silver Lake, and Rock Creek, which was very pretty, especially around and above the lake. I spent the afternoon in the Bishop Creek canyon along the South Lake road and it was very colorful, especially the Surveyor's Meadow area and above.
I'm planning on shooting the Bishop Creek area tomorrow and Monday before high-tailing it back across the Sierra on Monday night before the storm gets there.
Aspens are nearing their peak in Colorado - brilliant yellow with some orange here and there. Aspens in Morraine Park in RMNP should be at their peak in a week if the leaves are still around then. Lots of beautiful patches of bright yellow everywhere. I drove from Denver to Nederland, and then to Estes Park and then RMNP.
Considering driving to Aspen later today, and try and catch Maroon Bells at sunrise tomorrow. But, thunderstorms predicted there from 4:00 PM this evening till late into the night. And then again from 10:00 AM or so tomorrow. So, I'm not sure if the 4-hour drive to and 4-hour back is worth it. I'm considering getting into a hot-air balloon from Boulder later today closer to evening instead.
This was taken near Bretton Woods New Hampshire on Friday, Sept 30. The foliage will peak this week in this part of the White Mountains. Now all we need is an end to the rain.
I was up to Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia over the weekend. That area, and the highlands in general, are not as far along as I thought. Most deciduous trees are still mostly green, just staring to turn; mostly yellows with a few oak reds. I expect the peak will be next weekend, and with the rain and wind ending with most leaves still on, and the next week forecast as sunny, it should be a good show.
I just came back from a weekend trip to Aspen & Maroon Lake, plus McClure Pass + Kebler Pass + Ohio Pass + Crested Butte & Gunnison.
The general area around Aspen and Kebler Pass was overall very gold, almost shifting to orange. There was still some green, and early reds too. I'd say probably next weekend, the trees will likely be mostly somewhere between deep orange and red - just a guess though. Should be very good I'm sure for those later fall colors. I'm a fan of reddish leaves myself - tends to be more visually striking than gold in photos.
I've been living in Colorado for just over 20 years btw and this was my first time seeing McClure Pass, Kebler Pass, and Ohio Pass. They were all really scenic drives, was totally blown away. I need to go back often now. I could easily imagine spending several days going back and forth on Kebler Pass alone, wow there were so many awesome spots there.
dsjtecserv wrote:
I was up to Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia over the weekend. That area, and the highlands in general, are not as far along as I thought. Most deciduous trees are still mostly green, just staring to turn; mostly yellows with a few oak reds. I expect the peak will be next weekend, and with the rain and wind ending with most leaves still on, and the next week forecast as sunny, it should be a good show.
Dave
Thanks Dave for the update. I was thinking of heading down there last weekend as well but it was raining and snowing all weekend, I decided to try this weekend. Did you go up to Dolly Sods or Spruce Knob? Are those at peak? Thanks!
charlesk wrote:
Seems like everyone here is out west.
Any reports from the northeast would be much appreciated, especially NYS, PA, Maine. Thanks!
I've traveled across New England in the fall and spent a lot of time photographing upstate NY in peak fall. But, none of that compares to Colorado, IMHO.
Was up Cottonwood Canyon outside of Salt Lake last Friday. Things were getting underway. This week the storms and lower temps headed this way. I am planning to try the Alpine Loop Sunday, but who knows, it just might be too late. Things are moving quickly here regarding color. Snow is expected in the mountains Wed night and Thursday, that will change everything.
