Natural History Wanderings

Inyo National Forest  has the following fall color report of 9/16/16

Falls colors are starting to be seen early this year. This is due, in part, to the extended drought that adds an additional stress to deciduous trees. They enter winter dormancy early as survival mechanism.

Having said that, falls colors are just starting to show in many places on the forest; around 9, 000 feet in elevation to the north, and closer to 8,000 feet further south.

One of the best places to view fall colors at this time is in the Bishop Creek Drainage. South Lake and Sabrina Lake areas are showing about 1/3 of the aspen trees have turned. The Tyee Lake Trailhead area is particularly vibrant.

In the Mammoth Lakes area above 9,000 feet a little color is just beginning to emerge. The Lakes Basin is likely a few weeks away from turning.

Patches of color are appearing in the Rock Creek, Convict Lake, along the June Lake Loop, and Lundy Canyon areas.

Cooler temperatures over the past few days may encourage more color change; however, a warming trend is in the forecast.