Fall Color Goes Live

Today, when I commented to color spotter Jared Smith of the Parcher’s Resort that a lot of lime must now be showing, Jared responded, “You’d be surprised.” Jared reports lots of lime, but also “a lot of yellow splashes” at the highest elevations above 9,000 ft. in the Eastern Sierra.

So, we’re officially calling this California’s first report of autumn.  If you’re planning to photograph the aspen at the highest elevations, plan to go during the next two weeks.  When the color turns from 9,000 to 10,000′, it turns quickly.  Tomorrow, we’ll be issuing a full report and (hopefully) will send photos to meteorologists across California.  In the meantime, here’s the first report:

0 – 15% – Upper Bishop Creek Canyon – lots of lime and splashes of yellow are now appearing at Sabrina, North and South Lakes in the upper Bishop Creek Canyon.  It could peak anytime within the next two weeks at that elevation.  Historically, the peak has been close to the first day of autumn, so consider visiting in the week before or after Sept. 22.  Bring camera.