Electrical storms are a rarity here in the Los Angeles Basin, but yesterday an impressive one rumbled through causing injury, death, and fires in the foothills.
In the Eastern Sierra, electrical storms are much more common with dry lightning increasing the risk of fires. During the summer of 1993, we were staying in Mammoth Lakes and decided to drive south on Highway 395 to spend the afternoon in Rock Creek Canyon. Storm clouds dominated the sky and soon we noticed lightning strikes over Crowley Lake to the east with some flashes of light on the sage-covered hills to the west. What a beautiful display! Before long, my son (only six years old at the time) and I noticed a plume of smoke rising from the brush. We exited the highway toward
Hilton Creek's volunteer fire station to report a lightning-ignited brush fire. Forestry fire-fighting crews arrived quickly and damage was kept to a minimum.
Onion Valley was not so fortunate in July 2007. Lightning began a devastating fire that roared through the canyon destroying almost everything in its path. (
Link to photos and story.)
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One of my favorite hikes in the Mammoth Lakes area follows Starkweather Lake Trail for 2.5 miles into the valley of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. The trailhead begins beside the Entrance Station on Minaret Vista Road and ends at Starkweather Lake. A well-maintained trail weaves through the forest affording incredible views of the valley below. There are creeks, wildflowers (including my beloved Tiger Lilies;) and critters too.....lots! The physical beauty of this walk is well worth your time plus it's all downhill! A great family hike, you'll have no complaints from the kids because Starkweather Lake is a shuttle bus stop making the 'uphill climb' a ride! The shuttle will also take you anywhere else in the valley including Sotcher Lake, Devil's Postpile, and Red's Meadow.
