With Colorado’s snowpack ranging from ample to exceptional this spring, hikers who adore wildflowers may already be envisioning days of strolling along lush landscapes of spectacular blooms. (via denverpost) (📸: Alaine Nicole)
With Colorado’s snowpack ranging from ample to exceptional this spring, hikers who adore wildflowers may already be envisioning days of strolling along lush landscapes of spectacular blooms under columbine-blue skies when all that snow melts.
It could well happen this summer. But because several factors affect the quality of wildflower seasons, and some of them have yet to play out, experts say it’s too soon to predict whether wildflower viewing will be good this year or great. It depends on what happens over the next few weeks. “The mountains are probably going to have a pretty good year,” said Thomas Bates, a plant ecologist for the Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests, which encompass the northern Front Range high country. “The critical time is not now, because there’s still snow. It’s that three to six weeks after the snow melts. We have ample moisture, but it does depend on how that moisture comes off — in the timing, and the rate.
A hot spell would speed up the rate of snowmelt, perhaps with detrimental effects. If temperatures are cool, or conditions are too wet, blooms could be delayed. Warmth with low humidity could mean some of the snowpack will evaporate without becoming liquid, a process called sublimation. “That can eat up a lot of the moisture,” Bates said. “If you have really dry atmospheres, that’s going to prevent water from getting into the system. If it melts too fast and runs off without soaking in, that’s going to have an effect.”Denver 7+ Colorado News Latest Headlines | May 16, 11am The Follow UpWhat do you want Denver7 to follow up on? Is there a story, topic or issue you want us to revisit? Let us know with the contact form below.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mark Knudson stands alone as only ballplayer to play for Colorado team in high school, Division I and MLB“He’s lived a life as a high school, college and professional player that kids in this state would dream of.”
Read more »
Bryce Harper ejected for charging Colorado’s dugoutPhiladelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper was ejected for charging Colorado’s dugout, and Kyle Freeland dominated for six innings on his 30th birthday in the Rockies’ 4-0 win Sunday.
Read more »
Colorado teachers union against capitalism: Can parents trust their kids to this group?The Colorado Teachers Association recently passed a resolution expressing its belief that “Capitalism inherently exploits children, public schools, land, labor and resources.'
Read more »
Colorado physician raises awareness about life-threatening complications for expecting mothersDuring the month of May, Vitalant Blood Donation has partnered with women’s health advocates, Colorado hospitals and the community to support women who have experienced pregnancy-related complications.
Read more »
New task force aims to provide lawmakers with solutions to protect Colorado RiverThe Colorado River Drought Task Force is a group that will convene over the course of the year to brainstorm solutions to the dire supply of the state's water resources from the Colorado River.
Read more »