Currant Creek on Ice

I ventured out onto the unspoiled snow, and notwithstanding the sun was out, it was a cold wintry day, around 20 degrees F (-7C), with a gentle breeze. Brrrrr. Unfortunately this valley is completely shadowed during sunrise and sunset hours, so captured this one in late afternoon. I was amazed at the brilliant color of the vegetation, even in the depths of winter. Wow! What a beautiful and inspiring location! Additionally, for a center piece of the shot, there is a beaver dam. I wonder if the constructors still live there?

Among the deserts of eastern Utah are various "oasis" areas, including this one along Currant Creek in the Uinta National Forest. The creek lies at the base of Currant Creek Reservoir. The dam was constructed between 1974 and 1975, and is maintained by the US Bureau of Reclamation. The dam reaches a height of 164 feet (50m) [source: Wikipedia].

File info: 1302-4-2706 [3:2]