Warbonnets

Description

In southeastern Wyoming about 30 miles west of Laramie is a cold, windy mountain range appropriately named Snowy Range. At the summit of Snowy Range Pass, at over 10,000 feet above sea level, the wind is so strong and persistent that the upper evergreen branches grow on the downwind side of the trees, resembling a Native American warbonnet headdress. The trees grow in scattered clumps with undergrowth shrubbery around the base of the trees. This photograph was made in late July 2016. The timberline in this area is about the same elevation as the highway pass at over 10,000 feet above sea level. Snow on the ground often remains throughout the summer months.
Several different filters and effects were added to the image, including one that applies a “fluid” look to the branches. This adds a motion feeling that reflects the windy conditions that exist in this mountain range much of the year.