September 7, 2021

Berries

Color Change: 5% (Low)

We are on the cusp of fall in these early days of September. The days become shorter and the temperatures cool – both are vital to the leaves changing.

A dry, hot summer like the one we experienced means we may have a later than normal leaf color peak. The weather forecast this week remains warm, which will likely slow down the leaf change a bit. The weather of July and August also give us hints about the timing of fall foliage. South Dakota had much below average precipitation this summer. In July, for example, we had nearly 2” less precipitation than the year prior.

With the steady decrease in daylight hours, the leaves are decreasing their production of chlorophyll. The greens in the Birch, Aspen, Oak, and Cottonwood leaves in the Canyon begin to fade and the yellows and oranges will emerge.

Right now, we are at the “fade” stage in the Canyon where some trees are beginning to lighten up their greens.

September 3, 2021

Three percent leaf color change in Spearfish Canyon

Color Change: 3% (Low)

This is the first Spearfish Canyon Leaf Report of 2021. Leaf peepers, get ready for a spectacular September in Spearfish!

The Canyon is currently showing its fall colors at 3%.

If you drive through the Canyon this weekend, watch for small bursts of yellow on Aspen trees just starting their fall transition. You will notice trees starting to lighten their intense greens around Devil’s Bathtub.

Get low, too. Ground cover and grasses are the first to lighten their color in the Canyon. At this time, Sumac are still mostly green but are beginning to sprinkle yellows and reds along the Canyon’s lower levels. Don’t let the rain stop you, either. Fall colors pop against the rain.

We expect the peak color change to occur between September 23 – October 4. This is based on 20 years of research by Jerry J. Boyer, who tracked the Spearfish Canyon fall foliage for years. Teaser: Keep reading the Leaf Reports this year to hear from a special guest on their estimate for the Canyon’s color peak!

September 29, 2020

I spy red!

Color Change: Post-Peak Color

Leaf Drop: Moderate

This is the final Spearfish Canyon Leaf Report of 2020. Spearfish experienced wind and periodic light rain over the weekend. Although the colors are past their peak color change, the slow leaf drop and mild temperatures are allowing us to enjoy the leaves a bit longer.

If you cruise through Spearfish Canyon in the coming days, you will notice a rich ombre of colors – the burnt, dark orange of dry leaves ready to fall along with surprise golden leaves on trees still making their seasonal change. Make sure to look down, as well as up into the heights of Spearfish Canyon for the full color experience – vines of red leaves climbing up low-lying rocks and scattered lime greens along the cliffs.

What causes the leaves to finally drop their leaves? A layer of cells exists where a leaf’s stem connects with a tree’s branch. That layer of cells blocks off the leaf veins that transport water and food. This causes the leaf to dry out and, eventually, fall off the tree. Those leaves bring their remaining nutrients to the ground where they fall, benefiting Spearfish Canyon vegetation and animal residents.