Yosemite Valley Still Colorful

Bigleaf Maple, Yosemite Valley (11/2/11) © 2011 Michael Frye

75 – 100% – Yosemite Valley – Outdoor photographer Michael Frye took this shot during one of his camera workshops.  He reports, “The yellow big-leaf maples are past peak in a couple of early-changing spots, and just getting there in other places (like around Fern Spring), but overall they look great. The dogwoods are becoming more colorful every day. Most are still partially green, but you can find beautiful specimens around Valley View and between the old dam (Highway 120/140 junction) and Pohono Bridge. The higher-elevation dogwoods along Highways 41 and 120, and in the Tuolumne Grove, should be prime, though I haven’t checked them out personally.”

 
As mentioned in previous posts on his blog (seen at left) “most of the cottonwoods leaves just turned brown and dropped off, and the same thing happened to some of the black oaks. But the oaks around Cook’s Meadow seem to have avoided this problem, and are still in good shape, though they’ve only just started to change color. The elm in the middle of Cook’s Meadow looked great two days ago, but will probably lose most of its leaves soon.”

A weak but cold storm came through the Sierra this week and Michael blogged “that could change everything. The snow level might drop as low as 3,500 feet. Since Yosemite Valley is at 4,000 feet that means a dusting of snow could coat the trees and those yellow leaves—a highly photogenic combination if it happens. But the wind, precipitation, and sudden dip in temperature might also cause many trees to drop their leaves abruptly, or make partially-green trees, like the oaks, turn brown. It’s impossible to predict how these things will play out, but autumn could end abruptly in Yosemite Valley. On the other hand, snow-covered trees and clearing storms can look great also!”

For more of Michael’s great reports and photos, consult his blog in the Blogroll at left.

California Fall Color is reporting this week and much of next from New Zealand, where spring has just ended and summer is beginning.  So, we’re at a temporary disadvantage in not being able to see the color, though will post as we receive reports from California color spotters.  In the meantime, do as we’re doing and explore the great outdoors!