"Wave" at Mammoth (SkyWatch Friday)

Picturesque lenticular (or "wave") clouds formed along the ridges by Hwy 395 at the Mammoth Mountain turnoff last Saturday afternoon. (From Wikipedia: "Where stable moist air flows over a mountain or a range of mountains, a series of large-scale standing waves may form on the downwind side. If the temperature at the crest of the wave drops to the dew point, moisture in the air may condense to form lenticular clouds. As the moist air moves back down into the trough of the wave, the cloud may evaporate back into vapor. Under certain conditions, long strings of lenticular clouds can form near the crest of each successive wave, creating a formation known as a 'wave cloud.' The wave systems cause large vertical air movements and so enough water vapor may condense to produce precipitation. The clouds have been mistaken for UFOs (or "visual cover" for UFOs) because these clouds have a characteristic lens appearance and smooth saucer-like shape. Bright colors (called Irisation) are sometimes seen along the edge of lenticular clouds.")

On the drive home on Sunday, heading south toward Los Angeles, misty clouds spilled over the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Owens Valley.