Of late, it has become easy to forget what a Sierra winter is like: how it feels, how it looks and how it even impedes routine. For years now, denizens of these mountains have witnessed the landscape grow drier and more tired by the end of each successive summer, only to be left abandoned by the hope of returning weather patterns and revitalizing moisture that generally accompanies the shorter days in the northern hemisphere.
After so many years, and in spite of the omnipresent toll that was visible to even the most causal observer or tourist of the Sierra, it was satisfactory to become skeptical, even modestly blasé about the advent of a new winter. And as a photographer, it was emotionally therapeutic to convince oneself that efforts and foci would be best concentrated on endeavors farther afield or, at least dreaming of spring.
Therefore, when the winter of 2017 finally arrived, it was a revelation, a shock to the system, record breaking (by the end of the year, the largest snowpack on record above 8000’), captivating and even confining. It was on the side of luck that I found myself traveling north up the Eastern Sierra corridor in January of 2017 when a series of strong storms (and as it turned out some of the strongest that would arrive that season) engulfed The Range of Light. Several feet of powder would fall. Tunnels of snow would get dug. Highways would get barricaded. 1000 piece puzzles would occupy minds and eyes to stave off cabin fever. And between it all, a few photos would get made. I hope you enjoy.
Beautiful work and words.
As someone who has been going to these mountains for a long time (exactly how long is something I’d rather not commit to in print) I have missed winter, too. And, at least as much, I’ve also missed a “regular” summer, with water everywhere, plenty of boggy spots on trails, wildflowers into August, and snow banks to cross on a summer afternoon.
(Oh, and I’ll answer your email soon. But first, the mountains are calling and I just finished packing.)
Thanks G Dan. Sorry it has taken so long to reply. Hopefully you are out there getting some great images this summer. Although the fires have likely put a hold on that thought for the time being. See you in the mountains!
Wonderful, evocative~
Thanks Ivette. Glad you are enjoying the images.