Friday, October 12, 2012

Dusting of snow hits Eastern Sierra

A dusting of snow in the Eastern Sierra and wind this week has changed the pattern of warm days in fall color areas of California. Fall color remains at peak above 8,300 feet, thoughout areas of California, particularly the Eastern Sierra. A few areas are now reporting their color is past peak, and they include the Virginia Lakes, Rock Creek and the Hope Valley. Areas now peaking include Bishop Creek, Lundy Canyon, Convict Lake, McGee Creek, Sonora Pass and Monitor Pass.
Areas approaching peak in the coming week will be June Lakes and Mammoth Lakes.
An early dusting of snow does not mean fall has ended. We've seen early snows that have only added to the spectacular nature of color, by combining snow with fall color. Also, at this time of year, the change can vacillate from warm sunny days to chill overcast ones. The important measure is whether the days are mostly warm and the nights mostly cold, for the development of the best color. Certainly, so far this autumn, the color has been exceptional in the Eastern Sierra and there's a lot of green yet to turn below 8,500 feet. 


—-John Poimiroo  Reporting

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