""We're off to a fast start in the Eastern Sierra," said Lara Kaylor, the editor and publisher of California Fall Color, noting that the aspen leaves at Sagehen Summit transitioned within a week from a patchy lime green to a brilliant orange color. "I'm seeing that all around the state. It seems like things are getting going a little bit faster than usual. I'd say just about a week ahead of normal.""
"This year's fall colors are arriving early due to a couple of factors: the most recent average-to-below-average rainy season and especially the drier-than-normal conditions throughout spring in most of California, according to Kaylor. "If the leaves have less water, the changing in the colors is them starting to die and fall off. So they're just running out of food sooner," she explained."
Sagehen Summit at 8,100 feet in Mono County is already at peak fall foliage, while Bishop Creek is rapidly nearing peak conditions. Aspen leaves at higher elevations transitioned within a week from patchy lime green to brilliant orange. A dedicated website compiles up-to-date fall foliage reports and photographs via a network of more than 100 volunteers. Early arrival of fall color follows an average-to-below-average rainy season and especially drier-than-normal spring conditions across much of California. Reduced soil moisture causes leaves to change and drop sooner, likely producing a more typical fall color season compared with last year's prolonged, rain-enhanced display.
Read at SFGATE
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