Mapping Fall Color

There is no machine-driven method of automatically mapping fall color across California. The California Fall Color Map (at right on Navigation bar) is updated manually when reports are received, verified and time allows.

Once weekly (or immediately if a significant change is confirmed), reports are consolidated and the map is updated by changing a location’s leaf color. A report in one area can trigger changes to surrounding areas at the same elevation.

The map is a visual guide to how autumn color is changing, though it may not be precise for a given day or time, because conditions may have changed there since the map was last updated.

Above, you see the map as updated today (click to enlarge). Those areas with Just Starting color are either in that range or an update has not been received to change a leaf’s color.

Bishop Creek Canyon (at left) is one area that gets lots of reports, so its map is precise to a few hundred feet, when updated. The accuracy of the map depends on reports from people across California.

When an area is transitioning from Peak to Past Peak, we are cautious to not declare an area as Past Peak until most of the color has fallen, as there’s still beauty to be seen. This is a subjective decision, but one that over time has proven to be prudent.

However, please note that once a brown Past Peak leaf has been placed in a given area, other peaking locations near the same elevation are likely to become Past Peak momentarily. So, haste is needed to see peak color there.

Dated photographs confirm reports. So, if you’d like to contribute to the map, include a photo and date of when the color was seen and email your report to editor@californiafallcolor.com

We received word this week that, in response to California Fall Color’s concern the fall color map posted at Weather.com showed too few regions to be helpful, The Weather Channel is doubling the number of regions shown on its map.

Data on The Weather Channel map is supplied by hundreds of stringers throughout the United States. Similar to the California Fall Color Map, The Weather Channel map is updated weekly, as reports are received.

Through these tools, color spotters, photographers and leaf peepers gain a clearer understanding of where it’s peaking locally and nationally.