Since it is slow, I might as well post while I can!
Coming from the Fuggowhee (Coarsegold) side as you near Tioga Lake near the Tioga Pass entrance in YNP, there is a field off to the right. In that field are fallen trees that have fallen in the same direction.
Rock slide? No. There is no indication of a rock slide. No large rocks, scree or talus to suggest such an event occurred.
Earthquake? There is no strong evidence of any scarp or fault line in this area.
Pyroclastic flow (lahar)? No evidence of scorching on the trees from the superheated. Note: Mt. St. Helens explosion leveled the trees near and around Spirit Lake.
Wind? I strong doubt a windstorm could do this type of destuction. Winds vary.
Volcanic blast? Maybe. Long Valley Caldera blast? That blast happened millions of years ago. The state of decay of the fallen logs suggest a more recent event.
Avalanche? Very strong possibility, hence why the trees seem have fallen in the same direction and seem to have snapped at the base or at their roots. Note: the trees on the other side of the road also follow this same mysterious pattern.
Something to ponder next time you are in the
There...that should liven up things a bit.
