Leidig Meadow, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, CA, 6/6/2011
This had been a day of cloudy bright overcast weather in Yosemite National Park until mid afternoon when the clouds began to part, revealing patches of blue sky and direct sunshine. I was at the north edge of Leidig Meadow admiring Sentinel Rock just as the weather began to change. Here the meadow continues to lie in shade as Sentinel Rock and the surrounding granite escarpment enjoy the first direct sunlight of the day. Sentinel Rock is one of the most prominent features of Yosemite Valley, situated between Glacier Point and the Cathedral Rocks. With an elevation of 7,038 feet above sea level, Sentinel Rock rises 3,043 feet above the valley floor. Just right of center is ephemeral Sentinel Fall, which is a long series of cascades descending into Yosemite Valley alongside its namesake rock. It is a tiered waterfall consisting of six major drops totaling 1,920 feet, the longest drop measuring 500 feet. Despite its immense height it has a relatively low drainage and is usually dry by July. This year the Sierra had experienced very heavy snowfall, and so by peak snowmelt in late spring, Sentinel Fall was especially active and visible! Further to the right is a second but unnamed seasonal waterfall.
