Yes--the dreaded mountain pine beetle and probably some 'blister rust' or whatever the latest epidemic killing off the forests is.
Winds yes, we usually get more straight-line type winds that blow them all down in the same direction whether they are weak or not. I've just never seen such defined swirly patches before. Gotta be some kind of a down draft phenomenon I would think (is that a plough wind?), or maybe they had a bit of a tornado proper up there. Who knows?
Yeah, you should try some Phemeranthus---it does real well for me --except where I've allowed it to get crowded out and smothered by others; self sows too
Thanks for the edits--
love learning the term: alpine tarns (snowmelt lake)
and I am a big fan of that fleshy weed Claytonia megarrhiza. Looks like there is also another fleshy companion there with some seed head--it's quite attractive too.
No, seriously you *do* have the most spectacular habitat photos--granted, you have access to amazing scenery--importantly, though, there is much thanks to you for visiting and sharing!
So very inspirational.
Please, will you put the ones of that cute saxi over here too? well, that, and any of the many more...
