The setting sun has turned a stormy sky over Death Valley into a scene worthy of an artist's palette. In the distance, winter winds blow a stream of salt and sand along the base of the Panamint Mountains. The ominous storm cloud overhead contrasts to the patch of clear blue sky, the pristine white clouds, and the golden underbelly of the projectile-like cloud at left. This wildly unpredictable mix of fair and foul weather generates the wind that drives the long thread of dust along the horizon. This image is a weather story, and most of its energy comes from the vivid clouds that virtually fill my frame.