A 'superbloom' is possible in parts of California this spring

California state park officials are "cautiously optimistic" about the chance for an uncommonly big bloom this year, but whether it happens or not hinges on some spring rain and a well-timed warm-up.

California state park officials are "cautiously optimistic" about the chance for an uncommonly big bloom this year, but whether it happens or not hinges on some spring rain and a well-timed warm-up.

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California state park officials are "cautiously optimistic" about the chance for an uncommonly big bloom this year, but whether it happens or not hinges on some spring rain and a well-timed warm-up.

There's growing buzz for a potential "superbloom" in some of California's parks and wildlands this spring, but that potential hinges on having just the right mix of weather conditions.

A superbloom is an unusually large burst of wildflower growth in the spring. Entire fields can be filled with vibrant oranges, blues and purples. California's most recent superbloom came in 2019, following a rainy winter and early spring.

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Superblooms tend to be most dramatic in desert regions of Southern California, where rain is more sparse even in a "wet" year. Bigger blooms can also happen in Northern California, but the effect tends to be a little less dramatic compared to drier years.

Rain isn't the only factor in determining when and where a superbloom may blossom. A prolonged period of drought sets the stage.

Several years' worth of drier-than-average conditions causes wildflower seeds to lay dormant and build up rather than bloom. The drier conditions also prevent weeds and other vegetation from overgrowing, leaving more nutrients in the soil.

When a rainy season does come, it's consistent rain throughout a season that tends to produce the best wildflower results.

So far this season, nearly all of Northern California has had at least 150% of average rainfall. But more than half of that rain came in the three-week stretch from late December through mid-January. Since that point, the region hasn't seen much rain at all and that could be a limiting factor for this year's superbloom chances.

Compare that to the 2018-2019 water year when rainfall totals were lower, but the rain came more consistently from December through February. March was also wetter than average. That year produced a beautiful wildflower display in many of the state's parks.

Looking ahead, wind and warmth will become important factors for this spring's bloom. Windy weather could rip small seedlings from the soil, leading to fewer full-grown flowers.

A good stretch of warm weather at the right time will prompt the flowers to bloom. If that warm-up happens too early, there is a risk of a late-season killing frost.

While each year is different, these seasonal factors play a big role in how bright a spring bloom may be. Conditions this year may be right for some great sights in some areas, but a lack of late winter rain may suppress some of that growth.

If you are planning a weekend trip to see the flowers for yourself, park officials want you to remember to respect the natural beauty by not walking on or picking any of the flowers.

Crowd control is also a concern after more than 100,000 people overwhelmed the Lake Elsinore area in Southern California during the 2019 superbloom.

Wildflowers should start to make an appearance in the valley and lower foothills by early March. That timing shifts back a few weeks for the Bay Area. Those that are patient enough can see a good show in the Sierra in June and July.