Winter Storm at Capitol Reef NP
High winds in Dixie National Forest create pockets of blowing snow in areas where tree cover is absent. It had just stopped snowing in the area when I created this image and the snow was still loose on the ground, causing it to fly as the winds picked up. I found the contrast between the whites of the fresh snow and dark evergreen forest very captivating.
The Sun Sets on the Kaveri River
The sun sets on the Kaveri river. A storied river, it sustained South Indian culture and kingdoms for several hundred years. Now, due to a combination of political squabbles, thoughtless usage and a prolonged drought/climate change, the river is dry for most of the year.
Miniature pits created by rain and snow over time at Capitol reef NP make for an interesting subject. The cliffs here are made of relatively soft sandstone which erode faster than most other rocks. Local indentations and differences in the hardness in the material create pitted areas where erosion is higher.
I always enjoy seeing and learning about trees in different landscapes. Utah junipers are uniquely adapted the extreme climates of the South-West US - both the hot and dry summers and cold and snowy winters. I found the vertical erosion marks in the colorful background bentonite cliffs, a great background to showcase this spunky species.