Question for any of you Merced River commuters that range from further west than El Portal...

About the second week of March that we are now in, I would expect there are a few early redbuds blossoming along highway 140 and maybe even the start of a bit of orange poppy color on those steep hillsides across the river? Winter 150 days plot of remote gauge at Briceberg:

http://cdec.water.ca.gov/jspplot/jspPlotServlet.jsp?sensor_no=8429&end=03%2F08%2F2010+12%3A30&geom=medium&interval=150&cookies=cdec01

And similar 150 day plot for Yosemite Valley:

http://cdec.water.ca.gov/jspplot/jspPlotServlet.jsp?sensor_no=11569&end=03%2F08%2F2010+12%3A35&geom=medium&interval=150&cookies=cdec01

So looks like reasonable rains have fallen.

How about anyone... please...


How are the flowers coming on 140 now?
When is the "peak" poppie time, generally?

Doesn't this area get suffucient rain every year to bloom incredibly?
I would think so with the way the storms move in.

Curious

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bill-e-g
How are the flowers coming on 140 now?

Ok, I'll go take a look.

There are some small flowers but it's certainly not anywhere near its peak. Lots of green though.

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DavidSenesac
About the second week of March that we are now in, I would expect there are a few early redbuds blossoming along highway 140 and maybe even the start of a bit of orange poppy color on those steep hillsides across the river?

While there wasn't much on Wednesday orange and white flowers are now showing. Down the dirt road from Briceburg is nice as is the slope near Slate Creek.

Thanks eeeeeeeeek. Slate Crick that's the spot. Last year hiked the decaying road on the north side 3 1/2 miles from the bridge then climbed the steep slopes. Will likely visit one of the next two weekends.

Don't forget the Hites Cove Trail.

Also, walking up the Burma Grade is great for flowers. Within a few curves you'll be in a burn area.