Fall Color Report 9-22-2011

Things are starting to happen in the Sierras in terms of colors.  While the peaks for color may still a bit away  the cool nip is in the air and things will start happening quickly!


Two great sites for up to date are Parchers Resort and California Fall Color - published by John Poimiroo's 


Below is the full Parchers report for 9/22/2011


Happy Color Hunting!

Bishop Creek Fall Color Report 9-22-11

by Parchers Resort & South Lake Landing on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 12:17pm

Fall Color Report 2011

Photos & Info Updated 9-22-11

Overall Conditions

Things are really progressing quickly in the canyon with nearly all of the aspens and willows above 8500ft beginning to show at least some lime green or some yellow. Very little happening below that elevation.We still have a ways to go before most of the canyon is in full color but its remarkable how fast things are changing. Even if you were here today there would be some great shots availailable and it’s just going to get better from here on out.

All Photographs Copyright 2011 by Jared Smith, www.SmithSierraPhotography.com or courtesy of fall color contributor Krisdina Karady.

Weir Pond - Elevation 9592 ft

15-30%

Still have another week or so before the Weir really goes off but the groves above the pond are already showing some bright yellows and the grass and willows are a beautiful golden hue.

Parchers Camp - Elevation 9260 ft

15-30%

The hills to the south, west and east are beginning to show some color, especially near the spring to the east. Not at peak but beginning to look pretty good.

North Lake - Elevation 9255ft

0-15%

I was surprised to see such little change between last week and this week with the big grove on the far side of the lake showing pretty much zero color. There is some bright yellow trees along the paved section of road before the lake but that is about it. The dirt road along the lake continues to lighten to a beautiful lime green but little to no yellow yet.

Lake Sabrina - Elevation 9150 ft

15-30%

Unlike North Lake, Lake Sabrina has seen some substantial color change over the past week with groves on the east shore especially showing hints of yellow and even a few aspens turning orange. We’re still a ways away from peak here but it’s nice to see some color starting at one of the most beautiful lakes in the Sierra.

Sabrina Camp Groves - Elevation 9000 ft

30-50%

As usual the groves below Sabrina campground are way ahead of most of the trees in the canyon with lots of yellow, red and orange happening already.

Surveyor's Meadow

15-30%

Lots of lime green and yellow developing but this area will get a whole lot better in the coming week or two if the weather holds out.

Aspendell – 8500ft

0-15%

No color developing here yet.

Cardinal Mine Grove - 8700ft

15-30%

Lots of lime green with some yellow making an appearance this week.

Table Mountain Campground - Elevation 8900ft

0-15%

Not much color but the aspens have lightened up a lot. Look for this area to light up within the next week.

Mountain Glen Campground

15-30%

Yellow is being to show in many of the aspens in this area – should be a great spot to photograph within the next week if not sooner.

The Famous Mist Falls on South Fork Bishop Creek

0-15%

Still a week or two off from much color at this location.

Four Jeffrey Camp Groves

0-15%

Fall color in this area is always a late arrival - its going to be a few weeks at least before we see this area light up.

Willow Camp - Elevation 9065 ft

15-30%

The willows are turning gold and the aspens have joined the party. It really is amazing how fast things are changing between Willow campground and the Tyee Bridge. Some of the trees that were dark green a week ago are now bright yellow.

South Lake - Elevation 9768 ft

15-30%

Many of the trees on the back side of the lake are displaying gorgeous color and it’s getting better by the day. The rock slide area and boiler cove aren’t really showing much color but as fast as things changed in the back of the lake I would expect that to be different in a few more days.

Sierrally,

Jared Smith, Krisdina Karady, & the Parchers Resort Crew

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All Photographs Copyright 2011 by Jared Smith, www.SmithSierraPhotography.com or courtesy of Parchers Resort staffer Krisdina Karady.

Cardinal Mine Grove 9/21

Sabrina Camp Grove 9-21

Sabrina Camp Grove 9-21

Tyee Bridge 9-21

Weir Pond 9-21

Where to Stay

If you are looking for a condo to stay at in Mammoth look up Snow Flower 13 to rent.  

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