Drought & Teton NP

Does anyone know how Grand Teton NP is faring with this drought season? Is the usual Fall color display likely to be impacted at this locale this year?

I've been planning a late September trip to the park and Yellowstone, but I may change my plans if the Fall colors aren't likely to be very impressive.

Yeah, because without fall colors, there's nothing to shoot in either of these parks. (Excuse my sarcasm, Howard, I'm just kidding around.) But in that vein, that's one thing the West has over many scenic regions elsewhere – there's plenty of reason to go whether or not there's flowers, fall colors, whatever. I'd suggest you make your plans and expect great color, but, to paraphrase Dewitt Jones, if you go for fall colors but Mother Nature's doing wildlife during your visit, then you'd better shoot wildlife.

Yeah, Todd, I get what you're saying. But here's the thing. It's a 4 day drive for me to get to NW Wyoming, or just about anywhere else in the Rockies, and another 4 days to get back. There's always next year because I have other alternatives, such as the Colorado Plateau or the Northern Rockies.

Besides, the only wildlife I really enjoy shooting is the two legged kind with graceful curves.

Howard, you may want to check if the NPS/NFS is planning on any fall controlled burns that would put unphotogenic smoke in the Teton air.

That's a very good suggestion, Doug. Thanks.

Howard, A petition was sent to the head of the Chamber of Commerce in Jackson asking if he would submit it to the NFS.
It stated the impact of the controlled burns over the past couple of years on Jackson's economy. Many of us sent in complaints on how the smoke drove us to other places during the prime fall season. I believe (can't be sure) that they have taken it into consideration. There have been rain storms off and on in the area and last year was a banner year for moisture.
You never know for sure you just have to show up and hope for the best. I would contact the Chamber and see if they have any updated information on the issue.

How does anyone predict what fall colors will be doing in a specific location two months ahead of time? Just wondering, and I'd plan to head west and adjust on the fly.

Dave, my point was that if an area is suffering from the drought, you can safely assume the tree leaves will go brown without passing through their color phase. Conversely, if it's been a reasonably wet summer, bright fall colors are fairly safe bet.

Don't know about Grand Teton but Yellowstone is green as I've seen it for this time of the year. Fire restrictions were actually lifted in Yellowstone a few weeks back because of some good rain. What I worry about more as far as fall color is a very hard freeze overnight not giving the trees a chance to change color slowly. This happened a few years back. I think you ought to go for it. Yellowstone is great to photograph in the fall and I wouldn't be surprised if Grand Teton will be fine to. Take a look at my last post.

Thanks, Dean. That's very reassuring to read. It's a trip I really do want to make; it's been 49 years since I was last there.

I have wondered the same thing Howard is concerned about, but in Colorado. From my trip to the Crested Butte area a few weeks ago, the aspens on the south slopes displayed some signs stress. The leaves had a grayish green color rather than the more brilliant green. So, yes one can make a prediction on potential fall color based on current tree condition. Fortunately, I did not see that kind of stress on the Kebler Pass area.

Howard,

The Tetons received good snow last winter and to the best of my knowledge are outside the drought area affecting Colorado and the midwest. I do not think your trip would be wasted. Should there be issues there, you could continue north into Montana and Idaho.

Mel-

Thanks, Mel. Once again, very reassuring news. Now ... if only the NPS and the NFS don't try to burn the place down until after I've come and gone.

...my point was that if an area is suffering from the drought, you can safely assume the tree leaves will go brown without passing through their color phase...

And I've heard the exact opposite, that drier conditions make for more vibrant fall colors. Everyone's got a theory, and I wouldn't believe a single one of 'em. Now, when are you gonna start posting the curvy two-legged subjects???

Just as soon as I can get them to stop running away!

I'm in Jackson now and have been for the past 4 days. Conditions are the best I have seen in August in a long time. Grasses are long and green, lots of wild flowers but as others have pointed out, this is not a reliable predictor of fall color. Take a chance and plan your fall trip for Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA

From a biological standpoint, the moisture retention of soils going into fall is critical for the best fall color. A dry, warm day, cool night fall is also ideal. Like many biological functions, there is a combination of factors in play. Many places now have recieved some decent monsoon rains which wlll help. In June, northern Colorado looked like August. Now it is green. Go figure.
This article has a decent science-based explanation of color change.
http://www.usna.usda.gov/PhotoGallery/FallFoliage/ScienceFallColor.html

Hi Howard,

A follow up on my previous comments. I visited with several rangers in Grand Teton NP today and all agree the color displays should be normal. Two of the five I visited with did suggest the color will likely start and peak up to two weeks early this year. You might want to start looking for a souce who can give you ongoing updates about how the color is progressing.

All the streams are full, the lake and pond levels are good, there is still a substantial snowpack on the mountains and there is no sign of stress on the trees in either Grand Teton or Yellowstone - all signs are good.

Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA

Doug, that's very helpful, but when does two weeks early peak fall on the September calendar?

Probably Sept 15 - 20 assuming the ranger is correct. I think yhe end of September is typical peak time but I would have to defer to someone else on that.

Thanks, Doug. That fits into my plans pretty well. I plan to leave on the 12th. I should arrive at GT on the 16th, if not a little sooner.

I think you should find a reliable source to ensure your timing is right. Trying to pin down when the leaves will turn this far in advance is just a guess not a science.

I was in the Tetons late last Sept and the controlled burns filled the valley with smoke....the Wind River Range fire didn't help either. I will not be going back to the Tetons if controlled burns are scheduled during the time I was planning my trip.

Having said that, if the Tetons are a bust you can always head up into Yellowstone and shoot more intimate landscapes where haze wouldn't be a factor....