Dodged a Bullet, Perhaps

Early reports are that California Fall Color may have dodged a bullet.  Jennifer Boyd reports from South Lake Tahoe that “the storm has passed and the trees still have leaves on them, which is great considering the howling winds we had.”  Jared Smith says he’s shoveling out from a lot of snow which fell in the Eastern Sierra.  We reported last week that trees above 8,500′ had been cleared of turned leaves the week previously.  So, when yesterday’s storm blew through, there weren’t many turned leaves to clear.  Most were green to yellow-green.  Although yesterday’s storm had high winds, those leaves that had not yet turned may have had enough strength to stay held to their branches.  Photos and additional reports are expected tomorrow.