Northern Hardwood Forest In Upper Elevations of High Knob Massif
The Meteorological Summer period of 2017 consists of the months of June-July-August. The following data is courtesy of the High Knob Massif mesonet, part of the undergraduate research program of the University Of Virginia’s College At Wise ( UVA-Wise ).
Eagle Knob is part of three peaks ( locally called knobs ) that rise above 4,000 feet in the High Knob Massif, and a cluster of 15 peaks rising to 3,600 feet or higher in elevation within the 182 square mile ( nearly 120,000 acre ) massif area.
High Knob Lake of High Knob Massif – Peak of Rhododendron Bloom
High Knob Lake lies near the head of the 41.9 square mile watershed of Big Stony Creek of the Clinch River of the great Upper Tennessee River Basin.
Big Cherry Wetland Valley sites are situated in forest, forest edge, and open habitats to capture the range of conditions present along this important watershed area.
Big Cherry Wetland Valley is one of two upper elevation valleys forming the Big Cherry Lake basin and headwaters of the South Fork of Powell River ( a 40 square mile watershed of the Powell River of the Upper Tennessee River Basin ).
Mean summer temperatures in both the High Knob Lake and Big Cherry Lake basins have run cooler than both notorious frost pockets of Canaan Valley ( in the eastern highlands of northern West Virginia ) and Burkes Garden ( in southwest Virginia ), with the nocturnal low temperatures of the open valley expanse in Big Cherry Lake basin running 1.4 degrees cooler than in Canaan Valley ( 53.3 degree average low ) and 1.1 degrees lower than Burkes Garden ( 53.0 degree average nightly temperature during summer ).
Although I knew this was possible from decades of past research, the development and collection of high resolution and very high quality temperature data is now documenting this striking trend with average low temperatures since January 1 in Big Cherry Lake basin averaging 1.5 degrees cooler than Burkes Garden and just 0.1 degree lower than the higher latitude Canaan Valley 2 station.
Any good student of Appalachian climatology understands that any place which can even hang close to Canaan Valley and Burkes Garden in mean valley temperature, and especially with nocturnal mean temperature, has to be considered climatically unique.
Cove of Big Cherry Lake in High Knob Massif
Mean temperatures during Summer 2017 have run 10.0 to 12.0 degrees cooler, on average, than in the Tri-Cities of the Great Valley whose statistics are shown for comparison:
Tri-Cities NWS Station ( TRI ) Elevation 1519 feet
The average daily high temperature on Eagle Knob of the High Knob Massif was 17.1 degrees lower than observed at TRI ( 68.1 degrees versus 85.2 degrees ). The highest temp recorded on Eagle Knob was 8 degrees lower than the mean daily high experienced in the Tri-Cities.
This striking difference was also exemplified by low temps, with the lowest summer reading of 49 degrees at TRI being above the average nightly low of 47.6 degrees recorded at the Big Cherry Wetland Valley 4 site during June.
Lower-Middle Elevations of Dickenson County, Virginia
Some other data for comparison from the lower-middle elevations in the surrounding region:
Temperatures on the Wise Plateau, along the Tennessee Valley Divide, are similar to Nora 4 SSE ( also located near the Tennessee Valley Divide ) by day but tend to run cooler by night ( especially in places near drainages where cool air settles / the UVA-Wise recording site is along a S slope ).
With the above official data noted, I ask all forecasters WHY would they ever predict the same ( or even cooler ) temps by day in Grundy versus the Norton-Wise and Nora 4 SSE sites outside of an highly anomalous weather situation?
Grundy NWS Elevation 1170 feet
Average Daily MAX: 82.4 degrees Average Daily MIN: 60.1 degrees Summer MEAN: 71.2 degrees Highest Temperature: 94 degrees Lowest Temperature: 46 degrees ( 9 days at or above 90 degrees )
No days officially reached 90 degrees at UVA-Wise or at Nora 4 SSE during Summer 2017, while 9 days reached 90 degrees or higher in Grundy. Any one living or working within this area already knows the above, and also knows any forecast showing the same or cooler daytime MAXS in Grundy versus Norton-Wise is wrong nearly all the time. This also includes the Town of Clintwood, since days also tend to be cooler than in the lower elevation Levisa Fork Valley of the Town of Grundy.
Summer 2017 Rainfall Totals
Rainfall totals during summer were near average to below average, with a trend of below average June-July rainfall and above average August rain amounts.
Whitewater Gushes In South Fork Gorge of High Knob Massif
Whitesburg 2 NW Mesonet: 10.69″ UVA-Wise NWS: 12.77″ Grundy NWS: 12.98″ Clintwood 1 W NWS: 13.71″ Nora 4 SSE NWS: 16.29″ City of Norton Water Plant: 16.39″ Big Cherry Lake Dam: 16.87″ Flatwoods Mountain Mesonet: 16.98″ Coeburn Water Treatment Plant: 17.56″ *Eagle Knob of High Knob Massif: 18.40″ Black Mountain Mesonet: 19.77″
*Approximate total. Wetter places within the High Knob Massif-Black Mountain corridor had 18.00″ to 20.00″ of summer rainfall. Rain at Big Cherry Lake Dam was around 2.00″ below the average of the previous 9 summer seasons.
Actual totals varied across the area, as typical during the often chaotic convective season, with large differences over even short distances in many cases.
Nice Light Upon Whitewater Along The South Fork – High Knob Massif
Lake levels on all the water supply lakes from the Upper Norton Reservoirs to Appalachia Lake and Big Cherry Lake had dropped well below spillway marks by the beginning of August before a shift into a very wet pattern boosted most to overflow. The summer trend is shown graphically by the stream gauge on Big Stony Creek of the High Knob Massif.
Outside of local downpours, stream levels had been in general decline during June-July before widespread wetness cranked up the whitewater to ROARING levels in August.
Big Stony Creek of High Knob Massif
August rainfall totals of 7.74″ at the City of Norton Water Plant, on the northern base of the High Knob Massif, and as much as 8.00″ to 9.00″+ in the high country, saved Summer 2017 from being much below average in terms of rainfall.
( Lower Elevations of Russell Fork Basin )
Clintwood 1 W – Elevation 1560 feet
Average Daily MAX: 70.7 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 47.5 degrees
MEAN: 59.1 degrees
MAX Temperature: 83 degrees
MIN Temperature: 33 degrees
Total Precipitation: 6.72″
2016 Precipitaton: 18.01″
*( University Of Virginia’s College At Wise )
Wise NWS Station – Elevation 2520 feet
Average Daily MAX: 68.9 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 49.8 degrees
MEAN: 59.4 degrees
MAX Temperature: 80 degrees
MIN Temperature: 35 degrees
Total Precipitation: 4.85″
2016 Precipitation: 16.59″
*The National Weather Service Cooperative Station at Wise 3 E was moved back to the University Of Virginia’s College At Wise on May 22, 2016 with retirement of long-time weather observer and professor Roy L. Wells, Jr., following around 60 years of observations. Thanks so much to Roy for many decades of diligent observations. Amazing!
Convection began to dominate the mountain landscape during the month of May, along with some orographics lingering from the forcing season.
Cumulus Tower Into The Heavens – May 30, 2016
Specific May Rainfall Totals
The Pines near Dungannon 4.03″
Nora 4 SSE 4.34″
Appalachia Lake WP 4.79″
Dungannon ( Town ) 4.80″
Coeburn Filter Plant 4.81″
Wise 4.85″
City of Norton WP 5.50″
Big Stone Gap WP 5.96″
Big Cherry Lake Dam 6.57″
Clintwood 1 W 6.72″
This section is under construction. Please check back.
Shallow Morning Fog In Powell Valley of High Knob Massif – June 2016
Climate Statistics For June 2016
( Lower Elevations of Russell Fork basin )
Clintwood 1 W – Elevation 1560 feet
Average Daily MAX: 82.1 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 56.0 degrees
MEAN: 69.0 degrees
MAX Temperature: 88 degrees
MIN Temperature: 42 degrees
Total Precipitation: 3.37″
2016 Precipitation: 21.38″
( University Of Virginia’s College At Wise )
Wise NWS Station – Elevation 2520 feet
Average Daily MAX: 80.8 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 58.9 degrees
MEAN: 69.8 degrees
MAX Temperature: 87 degrees
MIN Temperature: 44 degrees
Total Precipitation: 3.93″
2016 Precipitation: 20.52″
( Along the Tennessee Valley Divide )
Nora 4 SSE – Elevation 2650 feet
Average Daily MAX: 78.9 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 62.3 degrees
MEAN: 70.6 degrees
MAX Temperature: 87 degrees
MIN Temperature: 53 degrees
Total Precipitation: 7.02″
2016 Precipitation: 21.56″
Black Mountain MesoNET – Climate Data For June 2016
Convection dominated the weather patterns during June with significant variations in rainfall, from 3.00″ to 8.00″+, across the Cumberland Mountains from Lee County into the counties of Wise, Dickenson, and northern Scott of the great High Knob Landform-massif & Tennessee Valley Divide.
Specific June Rainfall Totals
Clintwood 1 W 3.37″ ( 10.09″ since May 1 )
Wise 3.93″ ( 8.78″ since May 1 )
Fort Blackmore 4.44″ ( 8.00″ since May 1 )
Appalachia Lake WP 5.00″ ( 9.79″ since May 1 )
City of Norton WP 5.06″ ( 10.56″ since May 1 )
Coeburn Filter Plant 5.27″ ( 10.08″ since May 1 )
Big Stone Gap WP 5.30″ ( 11.26″ since May 1 )
The Pines Near Dungannon 5.44″ ( 9.47″ since May 1 )
Big Cherry Lake Dam 5.75″ ( 12.32″ since May 1 )
Nora 4 SSE 7.02″ ( 11.36″ since May 1 )
Dungannon ( Town ) 7.08″ ( 11.88″ since May 1 )
*More than 12.00″ of rain fell across much of the High Knob Massif in the May 1-June 30 period, with Superintendent Gary Hampton measuring 12.32″ at Big Cherry Dam ( with some evaporation loss between hand-measurements ).
Northwest Edge of Big Cherry Lake Basin ( Behind Visible Crestline ) – June 2016
Big Cherry Lake Dam
Monthly Precipitation Totals
Observer: Gary Hampton
Water Elevation 3120 feet
2016
January: 7.43″
February: 8.03″
March: 2.18″
April: 4.64″
May: 6.57″
June: 5.75″
July 1-5: 1.60″
May 1-July 5: 13.92″
2016 Total: 36.20″
12-Month Total: 76.84″
Average Per Month: 6.47″
( M ) – Indicates missing data due to evaporation between
hand-measurements throughout the year and from losses in deep snowfall during the cold season.
Reference Mid Summer 2016 In The Appalachians for photographs to highlight an update on Big Cherry Lake monthly precipitation totals ( up to July 5, 2016 ).
Early Summer Thunderstorms Build Above High Knob Lookout – June 2016
June rainfall amounts topped 8.00″ in portions of the High Knob Massif, in the Little Stony Creek basin and northeast sections of the Big Stony Creek basin, as well as in portions of Harlan County within southeastern Kentucky.
This was in contrast to developing drought to the south, with a June rainfall total of just 1.92″ officially within the Tri-Cities of northeast Tennessee ( 5.90″ during May 1-June 30 ).
Upper Falls of Little Stony Gorge of High Knob Massif – December 26
December 2015 was all about wetness and anomalously mild temperatures, with a general 7.00″ to 11.00″ of total precip across the great High Knob Massif.
Middle Falls of Little Stony Gorge of High Knob Massif – December 26
Water plants for the City of Norton and Town of Big Stone Gap both recorded 21 days of measurable precipitation during the month. No wonder whitewater gushed out of the high country.
Big Cherry Lake In Orographic Clouds of High Knob Massif – December 17
Superintendent Gary Hampton, of the Big Stone Gap WP measured ( with a little help from me ) a total of 10.45″ of December precipitation at Big Cherry Dam.
Whitewater Gushes In South Fork Gorge of High Knob Massif – December 3
Gary measured 5.29″ just during December 24-30, as much as reported in Burkes Garden during the entire month of December and significantly more than measured at several official sites.
Climate Statistics For December 2015
( Lower Elevations of Russell Fork Basin )
Clintwood 1 W – Elevation 1560 feet
Average Daily MAX: 57.6 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 35.4 degrees
MEAN: 46.5 degrees
MAX Temperature: 73 degrees
MIN Temperature: 19 degrees
Total Precipitation: 5.24″
2015 Precipitaton: 49.79″
( Northern Base of High Knob Massif )
Cit of Norton – Elevation 2141 feet
Average Daily MAX: 54.9 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 34.6 degrees
MEAN: 44.8 degrees
MAX Temperature: 68 degrees
MIN Temperature: 16 degrees
Total Precipitation: 6.70″
2015 Precipitation: 64.30″
( Along the Tennessee Valley Divide )
Nora 4 SSE – Elevation 2650 feet
Average Daily MAX: 55.0 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 42.6 degrees
MEAN: 48.8 degrees
MAX Temperature: 70 degrees
MIN Temperature: 20 degrees
Total Precipitation: 4.51″
2015 Precipitation: 47.01″
Rock In Upturned Tree – Middle Falls of Little Stony Gorge
A Few December Totals Across Southwestern Virginia
Nora 4 SSE
4.51″
Grundy
4.57″
Richlands
4.70″
Lebanon
4.98″
Clintwood 1 W
5.24″
Wise 3 E
5.25″
Burkes Garden
5.29″
Blacksburg NWSFO
5.51″
Wytheville 1 S
5.72″
Dungannon
6.32″
City of Norton Water Plant
6.70″
Big Stone Gap WWTP
7.71″
Big Stone Gap Water Plant
9.42″
Big Cherry Lake Dam
10.45″
Reflections On Big Cherry Lake – December 3, 2015
The 10.45″ of precipitation at Big Cherry Dam brought the 2015 tally to 74.68″ and pushed the December average for the 2008-2015 period to 8.16″ ( 8-year average ).
*Some missing data between weekly hand-measurements throughout the year means that this total is lower than what actually fell at the Dam. Snow core data during February 2015 helped prevent a major loss of data when 73″of snow fell across upper elevations and the head of Big Cherry Lake basin.
Looking SE Across High Knob Lake Basin & Sprawling Crest Toward Osborne Ridge – March 9, 2015
Big Stony Creek, as highlighted later, drains from these high crestlines and High Knob Lake ( denoted by white, ice covered surface near photo center ) in between lofty ridges visible as it downcuts through the main-stem gorge and travels for more than 13 miles ( dropping some 2300 vertical feet ).
Climate Statistics
( Lower Elevations of Russell Fork Basin )
Clintwood 1 W – Elevation 1560 feet
Average Daily MAX: 54.1 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 28.9 degrees
March MEAN: 41.5 degrees
Highest Temperature: 76 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 3 degrees
Total Precipitation: 6.72″
Total Snowfall: 5.5″
Deepest Snow Depth: 12″
Days With 1″ or More Depth: 12
2015 Precipitation Total: 13.36″
( Northern Base of High Knob Massif )
City of Norton – Elevation 2141 feet
Average Daily MAX: 52.0 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 27.2 degrees
March MEAN: 39.6 degrees
Highest Temperature: 71 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 4 degrees
Total Precipitation: 8.43″
Total Snowfall: 6.0″
2015 Precipitation: 17.22″
( Along the Tennessee Valley Divide )
Nora 4 SSE – Elevation 2650 feet
Average Daily MAX: 52.8 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 33.0 degrees
March MEAN: 42.9 degrees
Highest Temperature: 72 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 6 degrees
Total Precipitation: 6.28″
Total Snowfall: 7.3″
2015 Precipitation: 12.17″
Deep Snowpack On Eagle Knob of High Knob Massif – 12:26 AM on March 1, 2015
March began with a deep snowpack ( general 2 to 4 feet ) across the High Knob Massif that was solid enough to walk on top of ahead of heavy rains that brought significant flooding.
Clinch River In Moderate Flood Near Speers Ferry In Scott County VA – March 9, 2015
Although one life was lost in the flooding when a car was swept into the Russell Fork River, it could have been much worse if all the snowpack had melted away. Especially in Wise, Scott, Lee counties where a general 10″ to 15″ of snow depth remained in wake of heavy rainfall amounts in the High Knob Massif.
General 10-15″ Snowpack – Northern Slopes of High Knob Massif – March 9 ( After Heavy Rainfall )
Snow depth variations from 6″ to 30″ were measured on March 9 in the High Knob Massif following 4.00″ to 5.00″ of rainfall. This was a high water content pack of snow with snow cores finding a total of 5.20″ of water in 11″ of snow depth ( 4.73″ to 7.09″ amid 10-15″ with locally much more in deepest areas ).
Measuring Snow With 30″ Below My Feet – High Knob Massif – Late March 9, 2015
Days of ROARING water on steep creeks draining the massif were observed as more rain followed during the March 9 to 14 period.
Big Stony Creek Stream Level Graphic During March 7-13, 2015
This secondary surge of high water found homes again surrounded in the Tacoma area of Wise County, and other places, as a gush of water rolled downward from the high country ( thankfully, this snowpack was tenacious and very slow to melt away ).
Much of March 2015 had stream levels above the Yellow Alert Stage, with a large portion of the month above Red Alert Levels due to snowpack melt down with rainfall. Impressive given part of this creek has water held back by High Knob Lake & extensive wetlands in high valleys of The Glades.
*When whitewater levels reach around and above the Yellow Alert stage these steep creeks are a pounding ROAR, and become even more impressive when levels reach Red Alert or higher.
Reference Color Peak 2014 & Whitewater ROARS to see levels near the Yellow Alert Stage in Little Stony Creek Gorge amid a wet October 2014.
Looking North Toward The High Knob Lookout At 6:01 PM – March 9, 2015
Snow cover of 1″ or more for 19 days during March pushed the seasonal tally to 94 days ( 13.4 weeks ) with 1″ or more of depth in High Knob Lake Basin of the High Knob Massif ( and adjoining northern slope basins ).
A general 8″ to 12″ of March snow above 3000 feet in the High Knob Massif pushed the seasonal snowfall tally into the 90″ to 130″ range above 3300 feet to nearly match observed totals during the 2012-13 Winter Season.
*Superstorm Sandy was the featured event during the 2012-13 Season with 30″ of snow depth measured on High Knob ( deepest of the winter ). The Fast & Furious Thundersnow Event in January 2013 was the other main event that deposited 10″ to 15″ of snow depth in just a few hours.
A general 75″ to 110″ fell during the 2013-14 Winter Season, with 76.6″ of snowfall in High Chaparral and 106.5″ atop Eagle Knob.
*The deepest snow depth period during Winter 2013-14 occurred during February 12-16 in 2014, with 20″ to 30″ of snowfall across the High Knob Massif ( knee to waist deep snow ).
A precipitation update from Big Cherry Dam finds that March was the second consecutive month with 8.00″ or more of total water equivalent precipitation.
Big Cherry Lake Dam
Orographic Forcing Season Monthly Precipitation Totals
Observers: Gary Hampton & Staff Elevation 3120 feet
2014
October: 9.40″
November: 4.02″
December: 5.54″
2015
January: 2.87″
*February: 8.07″
March: 8.13″
January-March Total: 19.07″
October-March Total: 38.03″
Average Per Month: 6.34″
*The February 2015 total was based mostly upon snow cores and measured snowfall, with the rain gauge busting amid extreme cold at the Dam and having to be replaced.
Big Cherry Dam has missing data due to evaporation between hand-measurements, which average one per week, and rain gauge moisture losses in falls of snow too deep for the gauge to physically contain.
Whitewater ROARing In South Fork Gorge – March 11, 2015
The greatest precipitation totals in the High Knob Massif during March 2015 were between 9.00″ and 10.00″ across northern slopes south of the City of Norton, near heads of basins holding the Norton Reservoirs, High Knob Lake and Big Cherry Lake ( between 3000 & 4000 feet in elevation ).
*January-March precipitation totals of up to 21.00″ are figured for the area centered upon basin heads of Big Cherry Lake, High Knob Lake, and the Norton Reservoirs ( gauge total at Big Cherry Dam is greater than shown due to moisture losses; although, snow cores helped to make the February 2015 total better than those based upon raw gauge catch due to losses of snow in strong winds ).
Mean 13″ of Snow Depth In Clintwood ( 19.3″ February 12-18 )
Climate Statistics
( Lower Elevations Of Russell Fork Basin )
Clintwood 1 W – Elevation 1560 feet
Average Daily MAX: 34.9 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 12.3 degrees
MEAN Temperature: 23.6 degrees
Highest Temperature: 62 degrees
Lowest Temperature: -23 degrees
Total Precipitation: 4.60″
Total Snowfall: 30.4″
( Northern Base of High Knob Massif )
City of Norton – Elevation 2141 feet
Average Daily MAX: 32.1 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 11.1 degrees
MEAN Temperature: 21.6 degrees
Highest Temperature: 52 degrees
Lowest Temperature: -21 degrees
Total Precipitation: 6.33″
Total Snowfall: 40.0″
*A total of 6.23″ measured at the Appalachia Lake Water Plant along the northwestern flank of the High Knob Massif ( 7.0 air miles WSW of Norton Water Plant on Little Stone Mountain ).
The lack of snow during December & January was made up for during February 2015 which became the snowiest on record in the High Knob Massif area.
Deep Snowpack ( 3 Feet ) In The High Chaparral Community of High Knob Massif
February 2015 Snowfall Totals
Clintwood 1 W: 30.4″
Big Stone Gap WWTP: 32.0″
City of Norton Water Plant: 40.0″
Wise 3 E: 41.7″
*High Chaparral of High Knob Massif: 56.0″
*Eagle Knob-High Knob Crest Zone: 73.0″
*Mean snow depths reached 30″ to 40″ above 3000 feet on southern exposed slopes, with 40″ to 50″ on northern exposed slopes. Drifts of 5 Feet or more were reported. Bottom snow in upper elevations included snow from January. These were the deepest snow depths reported in the southern Appalachians during February 2015 and this Winter Season.
**The 73.0″ of total snowfall reported for the main crest zone of the High Knob Massif is the most found from any location southward of the Northeastern USA.
High Knob Massif Crest Zone Snowfall Events
February 2-3 3.5″
February 5-6 0.5″
February 9-11 Significant Rime Episode
February 12-13 4.5″
February 14-15 5.0″
February 16-17 17.0″
*Snow Depths of 10″ to 14″ in High Chaparral community, with southern exposure, and 18″ to 24″ across northern exposed slopes
February 18-19 6.0″
February 20-21 28.0″
*Snow Depths of 30-40″ southern exposed slopes ( 36″ mean snow depth in High Chaparral ) with 40-50″+ northern exposed slopes. Much deeper drifts. Roads impassible. Residents stranded.
February 24 3.5″
February 25-26 4.5″
February 26-27 0.5″
Total: 73.0″
To illustrate how epic this month was, it is most interesting to note that the 56.0″ of snow that fell during the one week period from February 14-21 was more snowfall than has ever been measured in the Tri-Cities during any winter.
*The snowiest winter in the Tri-Cities had 51.1″ during 1959-60.
More snow fell in the High Knob high country during this single week than has been measured in places like Burkes Garden, Boone-Banner Elk, Bluefield, etc…all winter and was only a little less than what has been reported atop Beech Mountain during the 2014-15 winter season.
Car In Silver Leaf of Lee County – Harold L. Jerrell Photograph
A general 6.00″ to 8.00″+ of total precipitation fell across the High Knob Massif during February, with snow core data and snow depth reports indicating around 8.07″ of water equivalent precip fell amid the Big Cherry Lake basin.
Looking Southwest Across Big Cherry Lake Basin – March 9, 2015
Big Cherry Lake Dam Monthly Precipitation Totals During The Orographic Forcing Season Of 2014-15
2014
October: 9.40″
November: 4.02″
December: 5.54″
2015
January: 2.87″
*February: 8.07″
March 1-16: 6.85″
January 1-March 16 Total: 17.79″
October 1-March 16 Total: 36.75″
Mean Per Month: 6.66″
*Total based upon snow core data and reported snow depths.
While the Harsh February of 2015 produced majestic scenes, it was destructive & hard on many mountain communities.
Wilderness Road State Park & Cumberland Mountain Panorama – February 24, 2015
Dozens of structures were destroyed by heavy snow load ( weight ).
Morgan McClure In Coeburn Collapsed Due To Snow Load – February 2015Classic Cars Destroyed Inside Building – Coeburn, VA – February 2015
Reference the following links on the High Knob Landform:
Around 3″ Of Wet Snow – Eagle Knob of High Knob Massif On January 26, 2015
Climate Statistics
( Lower Elevations of Russell Fork Basin )
Clintwood 1 W – Elevation 1560 feet
Average Daily MAX: 40.7 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 20.3 degrees
MEAN: 30.5 degrees
Highest Temperature: 63 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 0 degrees
Total Precipitation: 2.04″
Total Snowfall: 3.7″
( Northern Base of High Knob Massif )
City of Norton – Elevation 2141 feet
Average Daily MAX: 37.7 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 17.9 degrees
MEAN: 27.8 degrees
Highest Temperature: 59 degrees
Lowest Temperature: -4 degrees
( Along the Tennessee Valley Divide )
Average Daily MAX: 38.4 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 22.8 degrees
MEAN: 30.6 degrees
Highest Temperature: 58 degrees
Lowest Temperature: -3 degrees
Total Precipitation: 2.14″
Total Snowfall: 4.5″
January 2015 was plenty cold but anomalously dry with much below average snowfall across the mountain area. Reference my 013115 High-Country Focus for details.
Head of High Knob Lake Basin of High Knob Massif – December 7, 2014
Climate Statistics
( Lower Elevations of Russell Fork Basin )
Clintwood 1 W – Elevation 1560 feet
Average Daily MAX: 47.6 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 30.6 degrees
MEAN: 39.1 degrees
Highest Temperature: 61 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 19 degrees
Total Precipitation: 3.06″
Total Snowfall: Trace
2014 Precipitation: 49.63″
2014 Snowfall: 53.8″
( Northern Base of High Knob Massif )
City of Norton – Elevation 2141 feet
Average Daily MAX: 44.7 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 28.0 degrees
MEAN: 36.4 degrees
Highest Temperature: 58 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 15 degrees
Total Precipitation: 5.48″
Total Snowfall: 1.3″
2014 Precipitation: 56.65″
2014 Snowfall: 62.6″
( Along the Tennessee Valley Divide )
Nora 4 SSE – Elevation 2650 feet
Average Daily MAX: 45.1 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 32.3 degrees
MEAN: 38.7 degrees
Highest Temperature: 58 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 18 degrees
Total Precipitation: 3.50″
Total Snowfall: 1.4″
2014 Precipitation: 46.39″
2014 Snowfall: 56.9″
December 2014 was seasonally wet but much less snowy and milder than November 2014 as a high wave number and low amplitude pattern dominated the USA ( many disturbances embedded amid a generally zonal flow field ).
Snow Covered State Route 619 – High Knob Massif on December 10, 2014
A general 3″ to 6″ of December snowfall above 3000 feet in the High Knob Massif was much below the 15-20″ average.
Whitewater In Clear Creek Gorge of High Knob Massif – December 7, 2014
A general 5.00″ to 6.00″+ of total precipitation fell during December within the High Knob Massif and its immediate orographic lifting zone ( Appalachia, Norton, Big Stone Gap ).
These totals were in contrast to just 3.06″ in Clintwood and 3.14″ in Grundy amid the downslope forced precipitation shadow northeast of the massif area on mean southwesterly air flows.
The year of 2014 was seasonally cool in the City of Norton with a mean annual temperature of 48.6 degrees. Extremes during the year varied from a high of 85 degrees during the summer ( June-August ) to a low of -13 degrees below zero.
City of Norton Temperatures – Elevation 2141 feetFrozen Upper Falls of Little Stony Gorge – High Knob Massif 2014
Precipitation Totals During 2014
City of Norton Water Plant
*Data courtesy of Andrew Greear & Staff of the City of Norton Water Plant ( Joe Carter, Bill Ballard, Wes Ward, Ed Dauphine ).
The 56.65″ of total precipitation officially measured during 2014 in the National Weather Service rain gauge at the City of Norton Water Plant was -1.39″ below the 1983-2013 average.
Around 63″ of snow fell at the Norton Water Plant during 2014, nestled amid the northern base of the High Knob Massif at an elevation of 2342 feet above mean sea level.
Rugged Northern Slopes of High Knob Massif – City of Norton & Jefferson National Forest
The annual climate of the City of Norton is dominated by rising and sinking air across the sprawling High Knob Massif, with air rising on northerly & southwesterly air flows being predominate to make Norton the wettest town or city in Virginia, on average, and cooler than many other sites of similar elevation.
Appalachia Lake Water Plant
Little Stone Mountain – NW Flank of High Knob Massif
Appalachia Lake WP rests at an elevation of 2360 feet above mean sea level on the other side of Stonega Lookout peak of Little Stone Mountain ( rime capped peak on far left side of above photograph rising to 3384 feet ).
A total of 56.61″ was measured by Jack Pitts & Mark Quillin some 7.0 air miles southwest of Norton, along the northwestern flank of the High Knob Massif, at the Appalachia Lake Water Plant.
Daily Precipitation At Appalachia Lake Water Plant During 2014
Big Stone Gap Water Plant
The Big Stone Gap Water Plant is nestled amid the rugged and majestically beautiful mouth of South Fork of Powell River Gorge, draining the high country of Big Cherry Lake basin.
South Fork of Powell River Gorge – Big Stone Gap Water Plant
A total of 58.27″ of precipitation were hand measured at the Big Stone Gap Water Plant during 2014 by Superintendent Gary Hampton and his fine staff.
A general 65.00″ to 70.00″ of precipitation fell across upper elevations in the High Knob Massif during 2014, with local max amounts topping 70.00″ in wettest places resting in between Robinson Knob and Big Cherry Lake Dam.
A total of 64.49″ were measured at Big Cherry Dam during 2014. With missing gauge moisture due to evaporation ( measurements are made once a week ) throughout the year, and some moisture losses in snowfall, the actual total was figured to have been amid the 67.00″ to 68.00″ range ( or around 5.00″ to 6.00″ less than max totals amid the upper basin and adjacent high basins ).
*MAX monthly amounts reported within 5 miles or less of the High Knob peak are a general guide to the wettest places in the high country in 2014. These are totals that were reported at or above an elevation of 3120 feet.
A general 80.00″ to 120.00″ of snow fell across upper elevations in the High Knob Massif during 2014.
More Than 18″ of Snowfall In High Chaparral of High Knob Massif – February 15, 2014
Monthly Snowfall Totals By Elevation
High Chaparral Community
Elevation 3300 feet
January 25.2″
February 23.5″
March 15.4″
April 1.5″
November 16.5″
December 3.5″
2014 Total: 85.6″
Snowfall during 2014 in High Chaparral was close to the previous 6 years ( 2008-2013 ) which averaged 83.8″ . Measurements are courtesy of Joe & Darlene Fields.
Photographer Roddy Addington Standing In 2 feet of Snow – High Knob Massif 2014
Main Crest Zone Area
High Knob-Eagle Knob
Elevation 4200 feet
January 35.0″
February 32.3″
March 21.0″
April 2.5″
November 23.0″
December 5.5″
2014 Total: 119.3″
Snowfall during 2014 in the main crest zone of the massif was close to the previous 6 years ( 2008-2013 ) which averaged around 117.0″ ( snow reports courtesy of various sources including my friends Steve Blankenbecker, James & Carol Bolling, Cal Adams, Roddy Addington, Bill Harris, VDOT and, of course, myself ).
Photographer Bill Harris Wades Through Deep Snow – High Knob Massif 2014
Some 88 days or nearly 13 weeks had 1″ or more of snow depth on northern slopes in High Knob Lake Basin ( and adjacent northern slope basins in the upper elevations of the massif ) during 2014.
High Knob Lake Shines Amid Snow-Rime Covered Basin – November 2014
This section is under construction. Check back for updates.
Head of High Knob Lake Basin of High Knob Massif – November 2, 2014
November 2014 was a wintry month in the mountains.
Climate Statistics
( Lower Elevations of Russell Fork Basin )
Clintwood 1 W – Elevation 1560 feet
Average Daily MAX: 47.9 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 24.8 degrees
MEAN: 36.4 degrees
Highest Temperature: 71 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 8 degrees
Total Precipitation: 2.36″
Total Snowfall: 3.0″
2014 Precipitation: 46.57″
( Northern Base of High Knob Massif )
City of Norton – Elevation 2141 feet
Average Daily MAX: 45.1 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 22.9 degrees
MEAN: 34.0 degrees
Highest Temperature: 65 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 7 degrees
Total Precipitation: 3.51″
Total Snowfall: 8.9″
2014 Precipitation: 51.17″
( Along the Tennessee Valley Divide )
Nora 4 SSE – Elevation 2650 feet
Average Daily MAX: 45.1 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 28.7 degrees
MEAN: 36.9 degrees
Highest Temperature: 65 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 13 degrees
Total Precipitation: 2.55″
Total Snowfall: 12.6″
2014 Precipitation: 42.89″
Heavy Rime & Snow Along Route 238 – High Knob Massif – November 2, 2014
Although never all on the ground at the same time, of course, there was around 2 feet of snowfall in November atop the High Knob Massif. This included some 18 days with 1″ or more snow depths on upper northern slopes in the High Knob Lake Basin.
*That is nearly double what the Tri-Cities, Tn., average during 2 winter seasons combined ( 26.2″ ), so certainly not a bad way to start out the Winter of 2014-15 if you are a fan of “the white stuff.”
Measuring Snow Depths In The High Knob Massif – November 2, 2014
November 2014 snowfall was closer to a foot & one-half upon dropping down in elevation toward the 3000 to 3300 foot level.
Rime & Wind Blown Snow At High Knob Lookout – November 2, 2014
