Dramatic Cloudscape

Dramatic cloud formations on the western side of the Mendocino National Forest. The Mendocino range acts as a dam, holding back cooler air from the ocean weather patterns. In the afternoon the ocean draughts can quickly be let out causing a sudden airflow into the Sacramento Valley.

While I don't know if this what caused the dramatic clouds pictured, but in 1953 the shifting afternoon breezes re-envigored and reversed a wildfire that was thought to be under control causing 15 firefighters to die. The picture is a panoramic composite of 9 frames with enough resolution to be printed 12 feet wide....Why did I shoot it like this? I dunno, some people do silly things

Mendocino County
Back Road
California
Backroad
Clouds
Weather