Poppy Watch In SW RivCo: Will There Be A 2020 Super Bloom?

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — It was an incredible sight in and around Lake Elsinore last year. As spring was arriving, local hillsides and just about every open space turned bright orange and yellow with poppies. The Golden State flowers were everywhere — and so were the hundreds of thousands of people who came to see them — particularly in Walker Canyon, which became internationally famous due to news coverage of the 2019 Super Bloom there.

By most standards, it was a bewitching mess. Traffic backed up for miles on the 15 Freeway, there were crashes, people often showed disregard for road rules and posted trail signs, a city employee was injured by a motorist, and there was at least one rattlesnake bite reported.

City officials worked tirelessly to the get the stampede under control, but it was a Herculean effort. Law enforcement was increased in the area, a shuttle service was added and roads were closed to keep the public safe.

This year, the city is keeping a very close eye on Walker Canyon's poppies, and so far it doesn't like 2020 will offer another super bloom.

"We are starting to see some poppies blooming in this area," the city posted Feb. 4 on its website. "According to Riverside County, poppies are germinating in the Walker Canyon area. However, without substantially more rain in the next couple of months, botanists do not currently believe it will be a super bloom similar to what was experienced last year. The city and county continue to monitor the area regularly."

Last year's super bloom lasted February to April, and it was unique. As the city pointed out, Lake Elsinore got significant rain in late 2018 and early 2019. The moisture, coupled with cooler temperatures and elevated winds led to the amazing 2019 super bloom.

Although the potential for another botanical wonder is not high this year, the city isn't sitting back. It's in the midst of preparing for another bloom in the Walker Canyon area ... just in case Mother Nature throws a beautiful curve ball.

For super bloom watchers, the city is keeping the public updated. Check out the latest.