Wintry Youghiogheny River Gorge From Baughmans' Overlook

A heavy wet snow plastered the trees blocking a view of the river from Baughmans' Overlook. This spot, at an elevation of around 2000 feet, had between 6 and 8 inches of heavy wet snow. While a short drive down the road, the snow on the ground dissipates to green grass. A short drive in the other direction and you'll find more than a foot of snow on the ground, as colder temperatures there safeguarded the snow from changing to rain. Elevation mattered so much in this storm, that a walk of one football field length made the difference between grass and snow near the river. Looking out in the picture one can notice the snowy tops of the gorge rim, with Laurel Ridge (elevations over 2900 feet) off to the right. While the top of Laurel Ridge averages nearly twelve feet of snow per year, the valley below (elevation as low as 1100 feet) receives about four feet.
Subjects featured: Laurel Ridge; Youghiogheny River; Baughman Rock Overlook; Baughman Trail;