Fall Foliage - Inyo National Forrest

The Inyo National Forrest fall color peaks above 9000 feet this weekend. Intense yellows color the trees around South Lake. Close by, Weir Pond adds a splash of orange and red leaves. Same can be said for the hillsides around Parchers Camp.

The Famous Fall Colors of the Bishop Creek Canyon

South Lake - Elevation 9768 ft

South Lake is now at 75-100% of peak color. The rock slide area is absolutely lit up right now! Some of the groves in the back of the lake are actually past their peak but the majority of the aspens are absolutely gorgeous. South Lake Rd. just below the dam is amazing also.

Weir Pond - Elevation 9592 ft

Weir Pond is now 75-100% of peak color. The aspens are full yellow, orange or red and looking amazing.

Parchers Camp - Elevation 9260 ft

The hillsides surrounding Parchers Camp are almost at their peak. Bright yellows, oranges reds are visible from anywhere on the resort grounds, especially towards the top of the ridge to our north. I would rate the overall the views at the resort at 75-100%. The groves in beween Parchers and Willow Camp are only just turning yellow so there's probably another weak of peak color in that area.

Willow Camp & the Tyee Lakes Trailhead - Elevation 9065 ft

Most of the aspens around Willow Camp are yellow now but there are still a few aspens hanging on to their green hues. The camground itself is very orange as is the parking area by the beaver pond. The trees down by the Tyee trailhead looking amazing with a lot of reds and orange color coming through. This area is 75-100% of full color.

Lake Sabrina - Elevation 9128 ft

Sabrina is almost at the apex of what is in my opinion the most colorful display of color at any lake in the canyon. The color continues to change fast but thankfully there is still some green mixed in with the bright oranges, reds and yellows. The grove directly across from the Boat Landing is still moving towards it's brightest red but is still at least a few days off from its best. Sabrina is 75-100% of peak color and I'd say it at the high end of that range. The groupings of aspen between Sabrina Camp and the Sabrina Dam are also absolutely incredible right now.

Table Mountain Group Campground - Elevation 8845 ft

The grove of trees on the east side of South Lake Rd. below still looks as it does pictured on 9/25/08. The groves right above the campground have changed considerably however as seen below. It's safe to say that this area is 75-100% of it's best.

Solar Noon

Solar Noon is the time when the sun is highest in the sky.

In San Jose this occurs at noon on Dec. 8 and 9 when the sun is nearly 30 degrees from the horizon. During Daylight Saving, this happens at 1pm on Sept. 21, 22, and 23 when the sun is 52 - 53 degrees from the horizon.  The sun is never directly overhead, 90 degrees from the horizon. The highest is 76.1 degrees June 16 - 24 and lowest is 29.3 degrees Dec. 16 - 25.

In San Francisco this occurs at noon on Dec. 3 and 4 when the sun is nearly 30 degrees from the horizon. During Daylight Saving, this happens at 1pm on Sept. 27, 28, and 29 when the sun is 50 degrees from the horizon.  The sun is never directly overhead, 90 degrees from the horizon. The highest is 75.7 degrees June 18 - 23 and lowest is 28.8 degrees Dec. 18 - 23.

Unfortunately, I could not find information for any other Bay Area city.

Ground-level Ozone

Q: What does "ground level ozone" mean? 

A:  Ozone, naturally occurring in the upper atmosphere, filters the Sun's damaging ultraviolet light. Ground-level ozone is an airborne pollutant and key ingredient of urban smog.  This ozone can damage human health, vegetation, and many common materials.

Q:  What creates ground-level ozone come? 

A:  Burning fossil fuels releases nitrous oxides into the air.  Certain solids and liquids such as paints, printers, and cleaning supplies emit volatile organic compounds into the air.  Sunlight and heat causes a chemical reaction between these two gases which creates ozone.

Q: Why are ground-level ozone readings higher in the South Bay?

A:  Our prevailing summer wind blows from northwest to southeast.  This wind brings central bay pollution into the Santa Clara Valley.  On a bigger scale, the same conditions bring Bakersfield some of California's worst air during the summer months.

Onshore and Offshore Winds and Weather

Q: How do an onshore and offshore wind affect our weather?

A: A land breeze (offshore) affects our weather opposite of a sea breeze (onshore). A land breeze keeps the ocean-cooled air and cooling fog over the ocean. Also, as air descends our mountains into the Bay it compresses and heats. Our record warm high temperatures occur during a land breeze event.

As for pollution, a sea breeze brings in cleaner air from the Pacific Ocean and transports our pollution to the east and southeast through the Carquinez Strait and Santa Clara Valley. A land breeze (offshore) stops this venting. After a few days, pollution levels increase and usually a "Spare the Air" day is declared.

"Onshore" & "Offshore" Wind

Q:  From what direction does an "onshore" and "offshore" wind blow?

A:  Winds are designated by the area from which they originate.  A sea-breeze originates over the ocean and blows onshore to land.  The opposite is true for a land-breeze.  It originates over the land and blows offshore to the ocean.  In order to minimize confusion, you will hear us use onshore and offshore.

Take care,

Mike