I first came upon this scene in August 1988 while camping at Woods Lake near Carson Pass, California. It's about an hour and a half hike from the camp site. This scene is located just above the tree line by about 500 feet at an elevation of approximately 9500'.  I've visited these three snags numerous times since then and have taken about four successful alternate photographs of them. This photograph was taken in June of 1989. I was just out of college for the summer and I was accompanied by a good friend of mine. This was the second time I'd photographed this scene. Each time the weather conditions are significantly different. And on this occasion on the hike out we had to make a hasty retreat for a significant thunderstorm had built up during the afternoon. We just barely made it back to the trailhead before the lightning, rain and hail started. I've yet to return and encounter the same type of weather twice.