Inversion

An inversion is a weather phenomenon where a layer of warm air sits above cooler air near the ground, trapping fog, clouds, or pollutants in valleys below. For hikers and campers, inversions create dramatic conditions where you can climb above a sea of clouds to find clear, sunny weather at higher elevations. This phenomenon is common in mountainous areas during stable weather patterns and can provide spectacular views while offering warmer temperatures and better visibility at elevation compared to the valleys below.