Show Navigation
All Galleries
Download

Drought in American West

105 images Created 15 Feb 2022

“Drought in California’s Sierra Nevada mirrors the two-decade drought in the Horn of Africa.”--Climatologist Bill Patzert to LA Times in 2022.

The American West, according to a study led by UCLA scientist published in February, 2022, is in the worst drought in 12 centuries. Climate crisis and global warming is more and more evident throughout California and especially in the Sierras where much of Southern California is dependent on for water.

Please contact Info@ToddBigelowPhotography.com with licensing inquiries.

Images ©Todd Bigelow and registered with the United States Copyright Office.

Loading ()...

  • A late afternoon thunderstorm drops much needed precipitation on Horseshoe Lake that has shrunk to precarious levels in July, 2021 due to a prolonged drought. A young man runs through the rain toward the lake.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • When trees in the Sierra Nevada mountains die it allows for increasing winds which then leads to higher level of water evaporation, increasing runoff from downpours and, ultimately, less water entering reservoirs.
    Outdoor Lifestyle Eastern Sierras-83...jpg
  • Hiking the back country near Mammoth Lakes, CA in the Eastern Sierras.
    Mammoth Lakes Sierras_BW-5212.jpg
  • The Owens River transports snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains through the Owens Valley and eventually into Los Angeles. Low levels reflect a depleted snowpack.
    Mammoth Lakes Sierras_BW-5445.jpg
  • A late afternoon thunderstorm makes its way over the Owens Valley near Mammoth Lakes,  CA and Benton Crossing in the Sierra Nevada
    Storm Clouds Sierra Mtns04_BW.jpg
  • Grant Lake in the Eastern Sierras has seen large sections dry up as a result of prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Smoke from the giant KNP wildfire in the southern section of the Sierras drifts into the Eastern Sierras over Convict Lake.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • The snowpack of the Sierra Nevada mountain range is crucial for California and especially Los Angeles which relies on the runoff for water.
    Mammoth Lakes June Lake Sierras_BW-2...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water. Smoke from a large wildfire in the Sierras provides for unhealthy air quality.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • A vehicle drives across a almost completely dry Grant Lake. This section was under water the previous year. Eastern Sierra lakes have seen large sections dry up as a result of prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • The Eastern Sierras glow in the warmth of a summer sunrise in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • A late afternoon thunderstorm drops much needed precipitation on Horseshoe Lake that has shrunk to precarious levels in July, 2021 due to a prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water. Smoke from a large wildfire in the Sierras provides for unhealthy air quality.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Grant Lake in the Eastern Sierras has seen large sections dry up as a result of prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water. Smoke from a large wildfire in the Sierras provides for unhealthy air quality.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Extremely rare, warm weather in the Eastern Sierras has resulted in Tioga Pass (SR 120) remaining open into Yosemite National Park. It's been over 80 years since Tioga Pass was open this late into January. Locals and tourists alike enjoy frozen Tenaya Lake.
    Yosemite's Warm Winter10_BW.jpg
  • Extremely rare, warm weather in the Eastern Sierras has resulted in Tioga Pass (SR 120) remaining open into Yosemite National Park. It's been over 80 years since Tioga Pass was open this late into January. Locals and tourists alike enjoy frozen Tenaya Lake.
    Yosemite's Warm Winter07_BW.jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought, along with wildfires in the Sierras that destroys the air quality, has taken its toll on the region.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Grant Lake in the Eastern Sierras has seen large sections dry up as a result of prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Dead and dying trees are increasingly visible throughout Mammoth Lakes and the Inyo National Forest.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • Grant Lake in the Eastern Sierras has seen large sections dry up as a result of prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • A late afternoon thunderstorm drops much needed precipitation on Horseshoe Lake that has shrunk to precarious levels in July, 2021 due to a prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • Grant Lake in the Eastern Sierras has seen large sections dry up as a result of prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Grant Lake in the Eastern Sierras has seen large sections dry up as a result of prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • A late afternoon thunderstorm drops much needed precipitation on Horseshoe Lake that has shrunk to precarious levels in July, 2021 due to a prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water. Smoke from a large wildfire in the Sierras provides for unhealthy air quality.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought, along with wildfires in the Sierras that destroys the air quality, has taken its toll on the region.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Grant Lake in the Eastern Sierras has seen large sections dry up as a result of prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • A vehicle drives across the dry lake bed of Grant Lake that would have been under water last year. Eastern Sierra lakes have seen large sections dry up as a result of prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water. Smoke from a large wildfire in the Sierras provides for unhealthy air quality.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water. Smoke from a large wildfire in the Sierras provides for unhealthy air quality.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water. Smoke from a large wildfire in the Sierras provides for unhealthy air quality.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • A woman stands on the edge of a shrinking Convict Lake with binoculars. Wildlife including Eagles, hawks, deer and bear are common around Convict Lake. Signs are also posted throughout the Eastern Sierras to keep an eye out for Bighorn sheep and to report their locations if sighted. Smoke from a nearby wildfire obscures the sky.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Dead and dying trees are increasingly visible throughout Mammoth Lakes and the Inyo National Forest.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • Dead and dying trees are increasingly visible throughout Mammoth Lakes and the Inyo National Forest.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • Extremely rare, warm weather in the Eastern Sierras has resulted in Tioga Pass (SR 120) remaining open into Yosemite National Park. It's been over 80 years since Tioga Pass was open this late into January. Locals and tourists alike enjoy frozen Tenaya Lake.
    Yosemite's Warm Winter10.jpg
  • Hiking the back country near Mammoth Lakes, CA in the Eastern Sierras.
    Mammoth Lakes Sierras-5212.JPG
  • The Owens River transports snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains through the Owens Valley and eventually into Los Angeles. Low levels reflect a depleted snowpack.
    Mammoth Lakes Sierras-5445.JPG
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water. Smoke from a large wildfire in the Sierras provides for unhealthy air quality.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought, along with wildfires in the Sierras that destroys the air quality, has taken its toll on the region.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water. Smoke from a large wildfire in the Sierras provides for unhealthy air quality.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water. Smoke from a large wildfire in the Sierras provides for unhealthy air quality.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water. Smoke from a large wildfire in the Sierras provides for unhealthy air quality.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water. Smoke from a large wildfire in the Sierras provides for unhealthy air quality.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water. Smoke from a large wildfire in the Sierras provides for unhealthy air quality.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought, along with wildfires in the Sierras that destroys the air quality, has taken its toll on the region.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought, along with wildfires in the Sierras that destroys the air quality, has taken its toll on the region.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought, along with wildfires in the Sierras that destroys the air quality, has taken its toll on the region.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • A vehicle drives across Grant Lake that would have been under water last year. Eastern Sierra lakes have seen large sections dry up as a result of prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Grant Lake in the Eastern Sierras has seen large sections dry up as a result of prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Grant Lake in the Eastern Sierras has seen large sections dry up as a result of prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • A late afternoon thunderstorm drops much needed precipitation on Horseshoe Lake that has shrunk to precarious levels in July, 2021 due to a prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-5...jpg
  • A late afternoon thunderstorm drops much needed precipitation on Horseshoe Lake that has shrunk to precarious levels in July, 2021 due to a prolonged drought. A young man runs through the rain toward the lake.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-6...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • A late afternoon thunderstorm drops much needed precipitation on Horseshoe Lake that has shrunk to precarious levels in July, 2021 due to a prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-6...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • Lake Mary is the prize jewel of lakes that comprise the Lakes Basin in Mammoth. A severe drought in CA and especially in the Sierras has taken its toll on the lake with entire swaths now without water. Smoke from a large wildfire in the Sierras provides for unhealthy air quality.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • A vehicle drives across Grant Lake that would have been under water last year. Eastern Sierra lakes have seen large sections dry up as a result of prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierras Fall Climate...jpg
  • A late afternoon thunderstorm drops much needed precipitation on Horseshoe Lake that has shrunk to precarious levels in July, 2021 due to a prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-6...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • A late afternoon thunderstorm drops much needed precipitation on Horseshoe Lake that has shrunk to precarious levels in July, 2021 due to a prolonged drought. A young man runs through the rain toward the lake.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-6...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • The drought enlarged shoreline at Horseshoe Lake which was at precariously low levels in July, 2021.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • A late afternoon thunderstorm drops much needed precipitation on Horseshoe Lake that has shrunk to precarious levels in July, 2021 due to a prolonged drought.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-5...jpg
  • Dead and dying trees are increasingly visible throughout Mammoth Lakes and the Inyo National Forest.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-5...jpg
  • A late afternoon thunderstorm makes its way over the Owens Valley near Mammoth Lakes,  CA and Benton Crossing in the Sierra Nevada
    Storm Clouds Sierra Mtns04.jpeg
  • The Eastern Sierras glow in the warmth of a summer sunrise in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • The Eastern Sierras glow in the warmth of a summer sunrise in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • A late afternoon thunderstorm drops rain and darkens the sky over the Twin Lakes in Mammoth, California.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-6...jpg
  • Dead and dying trees are increasingly visible throughout Mammoth Lakes and the Inyo National Forest.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-5...jpg
  • When trees in the Sierra Nevada mountains die it allows for increasing winds which then leads to higher level of water evaporation, increasing runoff from downpours and, ultimately, less water entering reservoirs.
    Outdoor Lifestyle Eastern Sierras-83..jpeg
  • The Eastern Sierras glow in the warmth of a summer sunrise in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • The Eastern Sierras glow in the warmth of a summer sunrise in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
  • The snowpack of the Sierra Nevada mountain range is crucial for California and especially Los Angeles which relies on the runoff for water.
    Mammoth Lakes June Lake Sierras-2929.JPG
  • A late afternoon thunderstorm drops rain and darkens the sky over the Twin Lakes in Mammoth, California.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-6...jpg
  • Dead and dying trees are increasingly visible throughout Mammoth Lakes and the Inyo National Forest.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-5...jpg
  • The Eastern Sierras glow in the warmth of a summer sunrise in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • A late afternoon thunderstorm drops rain and darkens the sky over the Twin Lakes in Mammoth, California.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • Dead and dying trees are increasingly visible throughout Mammoth Lakes and the Inyo National Forest.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • Dead and dying trees are increasingly visible throughout Mammoth Lakes and the Inyo National Forest.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • Dead and dying trees are increasingly visible throughout Mammoth Lakes and the Inyo National Forest.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life_B...jpg
  • The Eastern Sierras glow in the warmth of a summer sunrise in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
    Mammoth Eastern Sierra Summer Life-7...jpg
Next
View: 100 | All

Todd Bigelow Photography

  • Search My Photo Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • Bio & Client List
  • Consultation Services
  • Workshop: Business of Photography
  • Book: The Freelance Guide To Success: Business
  • Eastern Sierras Photo Archive
  • Southern California Portraits
  • Licensing and Permissions
  • Contact
  • Portfolio