Lake Tahoe Hints of Yellow

NORTH LAKE TAHOE

0-15% — I-80. The color along Interstate 80 is just beginning to turn.  A grove of alder just west of exit 166 is showing a hint of yellow.  At Kingvale (6,000′) there are alder and cottonwood with some yellow.

30-50% — CA-267 (6200′ to 6800′). Between between Truckee and Brockway Summit, groves of aspen are lime-green, yellow-green and various shades of buff.  Some look as if they’re not going to give much color.  Others have promise, if the coming week’s storm doesn’t knock the turning leaves from the trees.  As you approach Brockway Summit, a stand of aspen is golden-brown at 75-100% peak.

15-30% — North Lake Tahoe (6200′). Along CA-28 from Kings Beach to Agate Bay, aspen vary in color from lime-green to yellow-green and yellow.  Some dogwood are pink-red and big leaf maple are showing auburn to orange-red.

North Lake Tahoe Photography: copyright 2009, John Poimiroo

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

30-50% — Fallen Leaf Lake (6,377′). As seen in this moody image from the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, aspen on the trail to Fallen Leaf Lake are mostly lime-green with hints of yellow.  To get to this lovely, secluded lake, follow the signs from CA-89 along the west shore, three miles north of the “Y” at the intersection of US-50 and CA-89 in South Lake Tahoe.

30-50% — South Lake Tahoe. Aspen are turning golden-yellow, orange and red across the South Shore. Jennifer Boyd reported her hopes that this week’s storms encourage the aspen to color up and transform into more gold, red and orange.  Though, sunny days are what’s needed for color to develop.  Rain shouldn’t damage leaves, unless it’s frigid.  Then, they would get freeze spots.  Of greater concern than the moisture are predicted high winds, which tend to knock turned leaves from the trees.  Cross your fingers!

Fallen Leaf Lake Photograph: copyright 2009, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority