Recap Of July 2013 - Huge Rainfall Gradients

Water Elevation 2734 feet

Jefferson National Forest & VDGIF

Bark Camp Lake of High Knob Massif

Gorgeous Sunshine Follows A Chilly July Morning

Photograph by Roddy Addington - © All Rights Reserved.

The High Knob Landform

The High Knob Landform was amid excessive rainfall during the summers of 2010, 2011, and 2012 ( High Knob Massif & Cumberland Gap NHP areas ).

( Excessive Rainfall of August 2010 )

Summer 2010: WET & HUMID In The HKL

Summer 2011 Opens WET In The HKL

Summer 2011 Gets Even WETTER

Excessive Rainfall Of July 2012

July 2012 - Doppler Estimated Rainfall

July 2012 Summary - Very WET & MUGGY

While rainfall has been locally excessive during Summer 2013, clearly the corridor of widespread excessive rains became focused along the eastern slopes of the Appalachians and western Piedmont during July ( and southern Cumberland Plateau ).

July 2013 - Doppler Estimated Rainfall

Many places had rainfall totals that were 10.00" to 15.00"+ above established normals for July, with near record to all-time record amounts.

The only previous July with more rainfall 
in many upslope locations was July 1916.

July 2013 - Doppler Estimated Rainfall

Observe on these graphics how the heaviest rains have been focused along the Blue Ridge escarpment, which plunges off to
the western Piedmont, with more inland areas to the west of this escarpment along the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge having much less rainfall ( which fits climatology ).



July 2013 Rainfall Totals
Southern Appalachians

North Carolina

( 1981-2010 Climate Period )
North Carolina Observed Climate Normals

Elevation 5280 feet
*Grandfather Mountain: 23.91"
+17.93" above the July Normal

Note that the 17.93" surplus during July 2013 was only 0.04"
below the average rainfall for the entire summer season that was recorded on average during the 1981-2010 observation period.

Landis Taylor also reported the following additional
July rainfall totals from Grandfather Mountain:

Grandfather Entrance Gate: 29.24"
( Courtesy of Entrance Gate Employees )

Grandfather Fudge Shop: 28.91"
( Courtesy of The Naturalist Staff )

*All-time Record For July shattering the old
record of 11.92" established during July 1989.

Elevation 3840 feet
Highlands: 23.50"
+17.16" above 1981-2010 July Normal

The wettest July on record in Highlands
was in 1916 with 35.49" of rainfall

Elevation 3080 feet
Lake Toxaway: 23.00" ( M )
42.19" of rainfall since June 1 ( M )

Elevation 6240 feet
Mount Mitchell: 22.15"
+16.53" above 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 3770 feet
Banner Elk: 20.29"
+15.16" above 1981-2010 July Normal

The wettest July on record in Banner Elk
was in 1916 with 28.06" of rainfall

Elevation 3360 feet
Boone 1 SE: 19.70"
+14.97" above 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 5053 feet
Beech Mountain: 18.69"
+13.26" above 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 2165 feet
Asheville: 13.69"
+10.36" above 1981-2010 July Normal
( Only 0.06" shy of all-time wettest month of any year )

RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG SC

...A NEW MONTHLY RAINFALL RECORD
FOR JULY SET AT ASHEVILLE NC...

RAINFALL FOR THE MONTH OF JULY WAS 13.69 INCHES AT THE ASHEVILLE AIRPORT. THIS SURPASSES THE PREVIOUS RECORD RAINFALL FOR THE MONTH OF JULY FOR THE ASHEVILLE AREA OF 11.71 INCHES SET IN 1905.  CLIMATOLOGICAL RECORDS FOR THE ASHEVILLE AREA DATE BACK TO 1869.

Tennessee

( 1981-2010 Climate Period )
Tennessee Observed Climate Normals

Elevation 6400 feet
Mount LeConte: 15.28"
+8.47" above 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 1500 feet
Tri-Cities: 7.11"
+2.42" above 1981-2010 July Normal



Virginia

( 1981-2010 Climate Period )
Virginia Observed Climate Normals

Elevation 2360 feet
Galax WTP: 15.28"
+11.04" above 1981-2010 July Normal for area

Elevation 2225 feet
Meadows Of Dan 5 SW: 14.91"
+9.56" above 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 1175 feet
Roanoke: 12.73"
+8.69" above 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 571 feet
Danville: 11.50"
+6.91" above 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 4000 feet
Grayson Highlands State Park: 11.22"
( Davis Vantage Pro2 Automated Weather Station )

Elevation 2926 feet
Konnarock: 7.99"
( USGS Automated Gauge )

Elevation 2132 feet
Blacksburg: 7.78"
+3.52" above 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 2172 feet
Marion: 6.95"
( TVA Rain Gauge )

Elevation 1733 feet
Saltville 1 N: 6.17"
+1.14" above 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 3068 feet
Burkes Garden: 6.03"
+1.55" above 1981-2010 July Normal

RECORD Event Report

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BLACKSBURG VA

925 AM EDT THU AUG 1 2013

...RAINFALL TOTALS AND RECORDS SET IN JULY 2013...

ROANOKE VIRGINIA RECEIVED 12.73 INCHES OF RAIN...WHICH MADE JULY 2013 THE WETTEST JULY EVER RECORDED. THE OLD JULY RAINFALL RECORD WAS 10.09 INCHES FROM 1989. IT WAS ALSO THE SECOND WETTEST MONTH OF ALL TIME IN RECORDED HISTORY. THE CURRENT ALL TIME WETTEST MONTH RECORD IS 16.71 INCHES FROM AUGUST 1940. RECORDS FOR ROANOKE DATE BACK TO 1912.

DANVILLE VIRGINIA RECEIVED 11.50 INCHES OF RAIN...WHICH MADE JULY 2013 THE WETTEST JULY EVER RECORDED. THE OLD JULY RAINFALL RECORD WAS 8.81 INCHES FROM 1965. IT WAS ALSO THE FOURTH WETTEST MONTH OF ALL TIME IN RECORDED HISTORY. THE CURRENT ALL TIME WETTEST MONTH RECORD IS 14.64 INCHES FROM SEPTEMBER 1996. RECORDS FOR DANVILLE DATE BACK TO 1948.

BLACKSBURG VIRGINIA RECEIVED 7.78 INCHES OF RAIN...WHICH MADE JULY 2013 THE THIRD WETTEST JULY EVER RECORDED. THE CURRENT JULY RAINFALL RECORD IS 9.35 INCHES FROM 1992. RECORDS FOR BLACKSBURG DATE BACK TO 1952.

BLUEFIELD WEST VIRGINIA RECEIVED JUST 4.12 INCHES OF RAIN...WHICH WAS WELL SHORT OF THE CURRENT JULY RAINFALL RECORD OF 10.24 INCHES FROM 1980. BLUEFIELD ACTUALLY FINISHED BARELY BELOW THE 1981-2010 NORMAL FOR RAINFALL IN JULY...WHICH IS 4.17 INCHES. RECORDS FOR BLUEFIELD DATE BACK TO 1959.

FINALLY...LYNCHBURG VIRGINIA RECEIVED ONLY 3.41 INCHES OF RAIN...WHICH WAS FAR BEHIND THE CURRENT JULY RAINFALL RECORD OF 10.30 INCHES FROM 1984. LYNCHBURG FINISHED BELOW THE 1981-2010 NORMAL FOR RAINFALL IN JULY...WHICH IS 4.36 INCHES. RECORDS FOR LYNCHBURG DATE BACK TO 1893.

July 2013
Doppler Estimated Departure From Normal

July 2013 rain totals were somewhat above and below longer-term averages along the western slopes of the Appalachians and western portion of the Great Valley, as generally suggested by Doppler estimated departures, with 5.00" to 9.00" being common in the High Knob Massif - Tennessee Valley Divide and Clinch River Valley.

Elevation 2650 feet
Nora 4 SSE: 8.44"
( Long Ridge of Sandy Ridge )

Elevation 2290 feet
Little Stone Mountain Gap: 7.97"
( 3.0 miles WSW Norton - VDOT Station )

Elevation 2267 feet
Coeburn Filter Plant: 7.83"
( 3.5 air miles NE of Downtown )

Fort Blackmore IFLOWS: 7.83"
( 2.8 air miles SE of High Knob Massif )

Fort Blackmore 4 SE: 7.28"
( CoCoRaHS Station )

Elevation 2342 feet
City of Norton WP: 6.51"
+1.02" above 1983-2012 July Average

Elevation 2360 feet
Appalachia Lake WP: 6.16"
+0.46" above 1985-2012 July Average

Elevation 1912 feet
Lebanon: 5.66"
+1.09" above estimated 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 1170 feet
Grundy: 5.38"
+0.18" above 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 1910 feet
Richlands: 5.32"
+1.00" above estimated 1981-2010 Normal

Elevation 1560 feet
Clintwood 1 W: 4.05"
-0.70" below 1981-2010 July Normal



July 2013 Rainfall
Central Appalachians

West Virginia

( 1981-2010 Climate Period )
West Virginia Observed Climate Normals

Elevation 824 feet
Huntington: 7.90"
+3.35" above 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 910 feet
Charleston: 7.37"
+2.43" above 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 4850 feet
Snowshoe Mountain: 6.31"
+1.35" above 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 3815 feet
Davis 3 SE: 5.03"
-0.53" below 1981-2010 July Normal
( Canaan Mountain )

Elevation 2514 feet
Beckley: 4.62"
-0.41" below 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 1979 feet
Elkins: 4.32"
-1.04" below 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 2300 feet
Lewisburg 3 N: 4.15"
+0.13" above 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 2870 feet
Bluefield: 4.12"
-0.36" below 1981-2010 July Normal

Elevation 534 feet
Martinsburg: 3.14"
-0.53" below 1981-2010 July Normal

It is interesting to note that for Summer 2013 so far, from June 1 to July 31, rainfall totals have regionally varied from 42.19"+ at Lake Toxaway, NC., to 7.14" in Martinsburg, WV.

July 10, 2013
Along The Tennessee Valley Divide
Sunshine Through Falling Rain & Black Clouds

Photograph by Wayne Riner - © All Rights Reserved.

Wayne Riner Photograph Thoughts...

"The sounds of distant thunder marked the start of the usual afternoon and evening thunderstorms.  Here, the sun is partly hidden by a thin veil of rain."

Climate Statistics
For July 2013

( Lower Elevations of Russell Fork Basin )
Clintwood 1 W - Elevation 1560 feet
Average Daily MAX: 80.3 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 60.5 degrees
July MEAN: 70.4 degrees
Highest Temperature: 87 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 51 degrees
July Rainfall: 4.05"
Rainfall Since June 1: 11.71"
2013 Precipitation: 32.67"

( Northern Base of High Knob Massif )
City of Norton - Elevation 2141 feet
Average Daily MAX: 78.9 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 57.5 degrees
July MEAN: 68.2 degrees
Highest Temperature: 86 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 47 degrees
July Rainfall: 6.51"
Rainfall Since June 1: 15.08"
2013 Precipitation: 42.65"

( Along the Tennessee Valley Divide )
Nora 4 SSE - Elevation 2650 feet
Average Daily MAX: 77.5 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 62.3 degrees
July MEAN: 69.9 degrees
Highest Temperature: 84 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 53 degrees
July Rainfall: 8.44"
Rainfall Since June 1: 15.27"
2013 Precipitation: 38.86"

July featured near to below average temperatures with average daily maximums that only reached around 70 degrees at highest elevations amid the High Knob Massif.  This coupled with average nightly mins in mid 50s to lower 60s ( coolest in high valleys ) generated July MEANS 
in the mid-upper 60s.

A notable feature has been the lack of high temperatures with only 7 days this year climbing above 80 degrees at the 2650 foot elevation of Nora 4 SSE on Long Ridge of Sandy Ridge 
( 84 degrees being the 2013 max to date ).

No days have reached 80 degrees at highest elevations in the High Knob Massif ( ** ).

**This refers to calibrated thermometers that are
never in direct sunlight ( i.e., official NWS readings ).

The compensating factor, of course, has been many high dewpoint days such that feels-like conditions have made many days feel hotter.



Consistent Wetness
City of Norton
( January 1-August 1 )

The past 3 years up to this point in time have generated consistent wetness in the High Knob Massif area, as nicely exemplified 
by the City of Norton.

*City of Norton WP
Total Precipitation
January 1-August 1

2011
42.99"

2012
42.37"

2013
42.98"

1983-2012 Average
36.63" ( M )

*Totals up to 9:00 AM on August 1
( includes all rain falling through July 31 at midnight ).

( M ) - Missing data during the 1983-1998 period in snowfall.

Yes it seems ironic, as 2013 grabs the headlines with excessive rains that have places like the 
Tri-Cities, Tn., Blacksburg, Danville, and Roanoke in Virginia already near their annual precipitation totals, and rarely only a little behind the City of Norton, that its just HO-HUM for Norton where 2013 marks the third year with the same surplus. 

The change across Virginia this year has been radical as generalized by a comparison of the USA Drought Monitor for the Commonwealth during the 2011-2013 period.

Virginia Drought Monitor On August 2, 2011

Virginia Drought Monitor On July 31, 2012

Virginia Drought Monitor On July 30, 2013

No drought anywhere across Virginia at the end of July 2013 verses 50-75%+ of the state with at least abnormal dryness during the previous two years.

While the Old Dominion of Virginia has been north of the truly extreme wetness of late spring-summer 2013, as already highlighted by North Carolina records, its been wet enough that wetter areas along the southern Blue Ridge ( e.g., Meadows of Dan, Galax, Mount Rogers & Whitetop Mountain ) are now running close to the wettest areas in the High Knob Landform ( e.g., Big Cherry Lake Basin & Cumberland Gap NHP area ) for the year to date.

The Anomalous Weather Pattern Of July 2013

July 5, 2013

Along The Tennessee Valley Divide
Spectacular Cloud Formations Greet The Dawn

Quiet Summer Morning Above The Cumberlands

Photograph by Wayne Riner - © All Rights Reserved.

The High Knob Landform

Wayne Riner Photograph Thoughts...

"The morning was dark with only the call of birds welcoming the busy day.  It was unusual because this sunrise was without rain.  The drier period will provide a chance to spend time in the garden."

July is typically wet in the Appalachians.  The first half of July 2013 has been dominated by a highly anomalous weather pattern conducive for simply exceptional wetness along the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge, especially from central Virginia across southwestern North Carolina into Georgia.

Doppler Estimated Rainfall During July 1-15, 2013

The 10.84" officially measured in Roanoke is the most ever observed during July in 102 years of observations, and the month is only half complete!

KROA  Extremes

Highest Precipitation

JUL 1 - JUL 31       1912 - 2013

    INDIVIDUAL DAYS     31 DAY PERIOD

    inches    date            inches    year

  1. 3.88   7-10-2013      1.   10.09    1989     

 2. 3.38   7-29-1940      2.    8.19    1934     

 3. 3.26   7-08-1944      3.    8.18    1940     

 4. 2.84   7-27-1934      4.    7.92    1927     

 5. 2.83   7-19-1938      5.    7.85    1949     

 6. 2.79   7-02-2013      6.    7.22    1991     

 7. 2.67   7-10-1931      7.    7.16    2000     

 8. 2.60   7-09-2010      8.    7.07    1994     

9. 2.36   7-06-1989       9.    6.86    1938     

10. 2.28   7-25-1991     10.    6.52    1937     

 Total Years = 102

 Missing days = 49

Courtesy of Blacksburg VA NWSFO

National Weather Service Forecast Office

The 37.87" of total precipitation measured in Roanoke 
during January 1-July 15 is 91.8% of their 1981-2010 annual average of 41.25" .

Updated July 16
An additional 1.15" of rain in Roanoke has pushed the record to 11.99" for July ( +9.90" above average for this point in the month ).  The 2013 precipitation total of 39.02" thru July 16 is 94.6% of the annual average.

Doppler Estimated Rainfall During July 1-15, 2013

Another center of anomalous wetness has been amid headwaters of the New & Watauga river basins, with weather data from Banner Elk, Nc., illustrating how rare this period has been.

The 13.62" of rainfall measured in Banner Elk during July 1-15 is 11.06" above the 1981-2010 mean listed as being average for the first half of July ( i.e., 2.56" was average )

North Carolina Observed Climate Normals ( 1981-2010 )

The long-term July average rainfall 
for Banner Elk is listed as 5.58"
Ray's Weather Center - July Stats

Perhaps more impressive, the 60.60" of total precipitation measured in Banner Elk since January is already 22% above the 1981-2010 annual average of 49.50" .

Grandfather Mountain Sets 
All-Time July Rainfall Record

Landis Taylor, Director of Communications, at Grandfather Mountain reports that the mountain has already shattered its previous July rainfall record of 11.92" established in 1989 with 17.03" measured at the Top Shop during July 1-16.

Landis said, "stations lower on the mountain have actually recorded over 20.00" but I like to compare the Top Shop numbers to the record as that is where it was recorded and set."

Records at Grandfather Mountain date back to 1955.
Grandfather Mountain - Check The Plan Your Visit Section

Excessive July rains at Grandfather follow a June that produced slightly below average rainfall with 5.77" being 6% below their
57-year June average ( 40.63" for 2013 at the end of June ).


Far southwest, in Transylvania County, excessive rains are more common than in the northern mountains of North Carolina, with more than 38.00" measured since June 1 some 2 miles SW of Lake Toxaway ( where annual precipitation is often double that of Banner Elk ).

While westerly air flow dominates the Northern Hemisphere, much of the convective season since May 1 of this year has found prolonged periods of SSE-SE flow trajectories with abundant moisture transport from the Atlantic Ocean & Gulf of Mexico.

May 1-14, 2013
Composite Mean of 850 MB Wind Vectors

This type of flow pattern modifies the air along the western side of the Appalachians via prolonged downslope flow, such that even amid upsloping corridors the air is more stable and less moisture rich than where it initially streams into eastern slopes of the Appalachians from the Atlantic Ocean & Gulf of Mexico 

( where it arrives unmodified by upstream mountains ). 

July 1-13, 2013

Composite Mean of 925 MB Wind Vectors

Another KEY factor has been the superimposition of positive feedback for wetness since April-May of this year with increasing evapotranspiration.

For an explanation and review of feedback processes, as well as various orographic-convective interactions, please reference the following links on this website:

( Examples From Summer 2010 )
Orographics & Feedback Processes 1

Orographics & Feedback Processes 2

Prior to the convective season it is not possible to know where positive ( for wetness ) and negative ( for dryness ) feedbacks will develop, only that they will become an important factor in the warm season rainfall regime across the Appalachians.

A strong orographic forcing season and abundant soil moisture going into a convective season is not a major predictor of warm season feedbacks due to the nonlinear nature of convection and its complex connection to evapotranspiration processes [ in addition to the synoptic weather pattern which can alter what might be expected ( like during 2013 ) by creating settings favorable for a positive feedback ( for example ) to be reinforced by the larger-scale weather pattern across the Appalachians ].

Summer 2013
A Summer Fleabane Species

Photograph by Harold L. Jerrell - © All Rights Reserved.


Climate Statistics
For July 1-15, 2013

( Lower Elevation of Russell Fork Basin )
Clintwood 1 W - Elevation 1560 feet
Average Daily MAX: 80.1 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 61.5 degrees
July 1-15 MEAN: 70.8 degrees
Total Rainfall: 2.46"
( +0.06" above 49-year average )
2013 Precipitation: 31.08"
( 67.6% of annual average of 46.00" )

( Northern Base of High Knob Massif )
City of Norton - Elevation 2141 feet
Average Daily MAX: 77.8 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 58.6 degrees
July 1-15 MEAN: 68.2 degrees
Total Rainfall: 4.16"
( +1.42" above 30-year average )
2013 Precipitation: 40.30"
( 69.5% of annual average of 58.00" )

( Along the Tennessee Valley Divide )
Nora 4 SSE - Elevation 2650 feet
Average Daily MAX: 76.3 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 62.3 degrees
July 1-15 MEAN: 69.3 degrees
Total Rainfall: 6.75"
2013 Precipitation: 37.17"

The first half of July produced average MAX temps around 70 degrees ( F ) at the summit level of the High Knob Massif with average MINS in the 50s 
to lower 60s ( AM of July 13 being coolest ).

A general 4.00" to 5.00" of rain fell from the 
Head of Powell Valley and City of Norton across 
Big Cherry Lake basin of the massif during July 
1-15 [ Doppler tending to under-estimate rainfall from Norton across central portions of the massif toward the Clinch River ( verses rain gauges )].

While rainfall during the first half of July was 152% of the average of the past 30 years in the City of Norton, it was excessive during only one day ( July 1 ) when street flooding became a significant issue
( the 30-year July average is 5.49" in Norton ).

Summer 2013
Longhorn Milkweed Beetle ( Tetraopes tetrophthalmus )

Photograph by Harold L. Jerrell - © All Rights Reserved.


Humidity Wave Of 2013

Its not been the heat but the humidity that has made conditions feel miserable for many living amid the highlands of the southern Appalachians in July 2013. 

July 1-July 20, 2013
MAX Temperatures By Elevation
( High Knob Massif - Tennessee Valley Divide Area )

78 degrees....4178 feet

81 degrees....3200 feet

84 degrees....2650 feet

86 degrees....2141 feet

While highest official temperatures observed in the Norton-Wise and Sandy Ridge areas have only reached middle 80s during the "heatwave" of July 15-20, dewpoints as high as 77 degrees have been recorded at Lonesome Pine Airport in Wise.

At 85 degrees a 77 degree dewpoint = a 96 degree 
feels-like temperature.



Pattern Change Ends July

Much cooler and drier conditions dominated the final week of July 2013 amid a major pattern change ( one that would return to visit the Mountain Empire by mid August ).

Selected climate charts reveal the difference.

July 1 to July 24 Period
Mean 500 MB Geopotential Height Pattern

A weakness between two heat domes dominated the bulk of July 2013 with circulation off the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico around a sprawling Bermuda High supporting widespread excessive rainfall along the eastern slopes of the Appalachians.

Recap Of July 2013 - Huge Rainfall Gradients

July 25 to July 31 Period

Mean 500 MB Geopotential Height Pattern

The change to a upper air pattern more common to autumn and winter set the stage for chilly nights to end the month, with MINS dropping into the 40s amid cooler mountain valleys during 

July 29-30, with lower-middle 40s in high valleys on July 29.

A Very Wet Start To Summer 2013

Early Evening of June 24, 2013

In Wake Of A Gully Washing Thunderstorm

Looking Down Powell Valley of High Knob Massif

Photograph by Roddy Addington - © All Rights Reserved.

The High Knob Landform

A long strip of fog majestically formed down 
the middle of Powell Valley in Wise County, Va., following another torrential downpour during 
late afternoon hours of June 24.

June 24, 2013

Looking SW from Powell Valley Overlook

Layered Fog Against The Powell Mountain Block

Photograph by Roddy Addington - © All Rights Reserved.

Climate Statistics

For June 2013

( Lower Elevations of Russell Fork Basin )

Clintwood 1 W - Elevation 1560 feet

Average Daily MAX: 78.5 degrees

Average Daily MIN: 57.7 degrees

MEAN: 68.1 degrees

Highest Temperature: 87 degrees

Lowest Temperature: 50 degrees

June Rainfall: 7.66"

( 7.96" at Midnight June 30 )

2013 Precipitation: 28.92"

( Northern Base of High Knob Massif )

City of Norton - Elevation 2141 feet

Average Daily MAX: 77.0 degrees

Average Daily MIN: 55.5 degrees

MEAN: 66.2 degrees

Highest Temperature: 85 degrees

Lowest Temperature: 48 degrees

June Rainfall: 8.57"

( 9.44" at Midnight June 30 )

2013 Precipitation: 37.01"

( Along the Tennessee Valley Divide )

Nora 4 SSE - Elevation 2650 feet

Average Daily MAX: 75.0 degrees

Average Daily MIN: 60.6 degrees

MEAN: 67.8 degrees

Highest Temperature: 83 degrees

Lowest Temperature: 54 degrees

June Rainfall: 6.83"

( 8.19" at Midnight June 30 )

2013 Precipitation: 31.78"

June was seasonally cool and very wet across the High Knob Massif with average temps varying from upper 60s to middle 70s by day and low-mid 50s by night above 2700 feet ( generally only one day broke 80 degrees above 3000 feet elevation ).

High Knob Massif
Towering Cumulonimbus Illuminated Near Sunset
Northwestern Flank of Big Cherry Lake Basin

Photograph by Roddy Addington - © All Rights Reserved.

Rod Addington Photography

Monthly Precipitation Totals

Big Cherry Dam of High Knob Massif

Observer: Gary Hampton & Staff

Elevation 3120 feet

December: 7.00"

January: 11.24"

February: 2.87"

March: 7.65"

April: 6.71"

May: 5.03"

June: 10.71"

( 11.01" at Midnight June 30 )

2013 Total: 44.51" ( M )

( January 1-June 30 at Midnight )

Total Since December 1: 51.51" ( M )

( 6-year December-June Average of 44.18" )

12-Month Total: 76.75" ( M2 )

( July 1, 2012 thru June 30, 2013 )

( M ) - An estimated 1.25" to 1.50" of missing moisture in falls of snow too deep for the rain gauge to contain during the period
( most of this loss occurred in January-March ).

Evaporation losses between hand-measurements started in April with approximately 0.54" of loss estimated amid the high sun angles of June ( 4 measurements during the month ).

( M2 ) - Total estimated loss of around 3.75" with significant rain gauge losses in deep falls of snow during October 2012, January-March 2013, and evaporation between hand-measurements.

June 24, 2013
HDR Photograph from Powell Valley Overlook
Looking Southwest Along The High Knob Landform

Photograph by Roddy Addington - © All Rights Reserved.

June 2013 Rainfall Days
Big Stone Gap Water Plant
Observer: Gary Hampton & Staff
( South Fork Gorge of High Knob Massif )
Elevation 1965 feet

06-02-2013  0.51"
06-03-2013  0.95"
06-04-2013  0.14"

06-06-2013  0.76"
06-07-2013  0.89"
06-08-2013  0.21"

06-10-2013  1.49"
06-11-2013  0.66"

06-14-2013  0.61"

06-17-2013  0.08"
06-18-2013  0.82"
06-19-2013  0.71"
06-20-2013  0.02"

06-23-2013  0.26"

06-25-2013  0.03"
06-26-2013  0.72"
06-27-2013  0.63"
06-28-2013  0.20"
06-29-2013  0.23"

June Total: 9.92"
( Through AM of June 30 )

2013 Total: 39.87"

12-Month Total: 75.71"
( July 1, 2012 to AM June 30, 2013 )

June 30, 2013
High Knob Massif
Black Bear ( Ursus americanus )

Photograph by Grant Stanley - © All Rights Reserved.

Grant Stanley Photography

June 2013 Rainfall Days
City of Norton Water Plant
Observer: Andrew Greear & Staff
( Northern Base of High Knob Massif )
Elevation 2342 feet

06-02-2013  0.23"
06-03-2013  0.57"
06-04-2013  0.12"

06-06-2013  0.78"
06-07-2013  1.01"
06-08-2013  0.08"

06-10-2013  1.43"
06-11-2013  0.50"

06-14-2013  0.38"

06-17-2013  0.24"
06-18-2013  0.94"
06-19-2013  0.64"

06-22-2013  0.46"

06-25-2013  0.09"
06-26-2013  0.06"
06-27-2013  0.96"
06-28-2013  0.02"
06-29-2013  0.06"

06-30-2013  0.87"
( Late PM-Evening Storm )

June Total: 9.44"
( As of Midnight June 30 )

2013 Total: 37.01"

12-Month Total: 74.03"
( July 1, 2012 thru June 30, 2013 )

June 30, 2013
City of Norton Park
Sunset From Flag Rock Recreation Area

Photograph by Grant Stanley - © All Rights Reserved.

June 2013 Rainfall Days
Appalachia Lake Water Plant
Observer: Jack Pitts & Mark Quillin
( Little Stone Mountain of High Knob Massif )
Elevation 2330 feet

06-02-2013  0.24"
06-03-2013  0.63"
06-04-2013  0.12"

06-06-2013  0.56"
06-07-2013  0.15"
06-08-2013  0.07"

06-10-2013  1.05"
06-11-2013  0.55"

06-14-2013  0.64"

06-17-2013  0.26"
06-18-2013  0.74"
06-19-2013  0.53"

06-22-2013  0.72"

06-25-2013  0.12"
06-26-2013  0.48"
06-27-2013  0.57"
06-28-2013  0.02"
06-29-2013  0.11"

06-30-2013  0.83"
( Late PM-Evening Storm )

June Total: 8.39"
( As of Midnight June 30 )

2013 Total: 36.63"

12-Month Total: 70.71"
( July 1, 2012 thru June 30, 2013 )

July 2, 2013
Green Bottle Fly ( Calliphoridae Family )

June 2013 Rainfall Days
Robinson Knob of High Knob Massif
Observer: Otis & Nancy Ward
Elevation 3240 feet

06-02-2013  0.36"
06-03-2013  1.28"
06-04-2013  0.07"

06-06-2013  0.61"
06-07-2013  0.67"
06-08-2013  0.37"

06-10-2013  0.77"
06-11-2013  1.45"

06-14-2013  0.39"

06-17-2013  0.05"
06-18-2013  1.27"
06-19-2013  0.96"

06-21-2013  0.09"

06-25-2013  0.15"

06-27-2013  0.20"
06-28-2013  0.11"
06-29-2013  0.02"

06-30-2013  0.57"
( Late PM-Evening Storm )

June Total: 9.39"
( As of Midnight June 30 )

2013 Total: 40.83" ( M )

12-Month Total: 80.52" ( M )
( July 1, 2012 thru June 30, 2013 )

( M ) - Missing moisture in deeper falls of snow.

House Fly Relative ( Likely Muscidae Family )

The 12-month period from July 2012-June 2013 generated 70" to 80"+ of total precipitation amid the lifting zone of the High Knob Massif ( * ).

*MAX 12-month totals reached around 85.00" in wettest places of the massif between Big Cherry Lake, Bark Camp Lake, and the Norton Reservoirs ( as suggested by gauges & Doppler radar ).

MAX 12-month totals of 90-100"+ have been measured in
wettest places from the Great Smokies and Black Mountains across southwestern North Carolina ( where this type of air flow pattern is especially productive with lifting of unmodified, deep tropical air masses first reaching the Appalachians ).

MAX 12-month totals, by contrast, vary in the 35.00" to 45.00" range for many reporting sites within the Greenbrier River and New River basins of West Virginia & Virginia.

The significance of this with respect to southwestern Virginia is realized by direct comparison with adjacent sites ( where totals 
also include rainfall through all of June 30 ).

12-Month Precipitation Totals
( July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013 )

Wytheville 1 S: 44.90"

Burkes Garken: 50.71"

Lebanon: 51.79"

Clintwood 1 W: 52.09"

Richlands: 52.19"

Grundy: 52.73"

Nora 4 SSE: 54.07"

This continues the well established climatological trend, as highlighted in past years, of decreasing precipitation upstream amid the Clinch River Basin with the raw rain gauge total of 80.52" measured by Otis & Nancy Ward in Robinson Knob being 29.81" more than measured by observer Pam Rose in Burkes Garden.

The much greater winter snowfall at Robinson Knob makes the above even more significant since the smaller 4"-diameter NWS rain gauge there likely had greater moisture losses than the 8"-diameter NWS rain gauge used in Burkes Garden ( in the longer-term the Big Cherry Dam measuring site is wetter than Robinson Knob and certainly has much greater moisture losses on its
4"-diameter NWS rain gauge throughout the entire year ).

Female Long-Legged Fly ( Condylostylus spp. )

I want thank my friend & Research Entomologist 

Justin Runyon for the general identification of flies highlighted amid this section. 

While precipitation differences occur during any given day, month, or year this trend toward 2 to 3+ FEET more on an annual basis in the lifting zone of the High Knob Massif verses locations in the upper Clinch River Basin and New River Basin of southwestern Virginia helps enhance the biological diversity & karstification of this region over time 

( e.g., some species like it drier & some wetter ).

This likewise has huge implications for the Russell Fork and Levisa Fork basins which are often shadowed by the High Knob Landform - Black Mountains on moisture bearing S-SW winds.

HDR Photograph of Terrain Airflow Waves

Moisture Banking Up Against The Cumberlands

Photograph by Roddy Addington - © All Rights Reserved.

The orographic forcing season, as I have taught, 

is consistent in producing the largest precipitation differences as synoptic-scale pressure gradients develop winds that physically push against the terrain to force the generation of distinct zones with enhanced & diminished precipitation.

Since climatological mean winds have a westerly component that biases the Cumberland Block of far southwestern Virginia, which also does not rest leeward of the West Virginia highlands, for the heaviest precipitation amounts as air banks up against the High Knob Landform - Tennessee Valley Divide and Pine Mountain 

( lifting amid the High Knob Massif - Black Mountain corridor 

being most dominant in the Cumberland Block ).

Doppler Estimated Rainfall During June 2013

Major variations in rainfall over short distances often occur during the convective season and tend to be more random in nature due to a high degree of chaos related to the nonlinear nature of convective processes with many complex factors.

Yet there is some order to this chaos, with organized air flows having westerly or easterly components still acting to impact 

the rainfall regime at times when they occur amid added superimposed factors such as instabilities, convective triggers, and feedbacks that may or may not be directly terrain related.

May Drier Than Normal With Seasonal Temps

May 9, 2013

Spring Beauty ( Claytonia virginica )

The High Knob Landform

Despite numerous days with rain, and perhaps surprising to many, the month of May 2013 ended drier than average across much of the western side of the southern-central Appalachians.

Climate Statistics
For May 2013

( Lower Elevations of Russell Fork Basin )
Clintwood 1 W - Elevation 1560 feet
Average Daily MAX: 73.3 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 47.0 degrees
MEAN: 60.2 degrees
Highest Temperature: 86 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 31 degrees
May Rainfall: 2.71"
2013 Precipitation: 20.96"

( Northern Base of High Knob Massif )
City of Norton - Elevation 2141 feet
Average Daily MAX: 70.1 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 45.4 degrees
MEAN: 57.8 degrees
Highest Temperature: 83 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 30 degrees
*May Rainfall: 3.23"
2013 Precipitation: 27.57"
*May Rainfall 4.00"+ in parts of the City

( Along the Tennessee Valley Divide )
Nora 4 SSE - Elevation 2650 feet
Average Daily MAX: 67.6 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 50.7 degrees
MEAN: 59.2 degrees
Highest Temperature: 80 degrees
Lowest Temperature: 39 degrees
May Rainfall: 4.31"
2013 Precipitation: 23.59"

In the High Knob Massif average temps during May generally varied from 60-65 degrees by day 
at higher elevations to 40-45 degrees at night in colder valleys ( mildest night temperatures being on exposed ridges with upper 40s to lower 50s above 2700 feet ).

May 6, 2013
Maple Gap Area of High Knob Massif
Large-Flowered Trillium ( Trillium grandiflorum )

Photograph by Roddy Addington - © All Rights Reserved.

Rainfall during May varied from 3.00"-3.50" 
in places along the northern base of the massif 
( e.g., City of Norton Water Plant ) to 5.00"-6.00"+ in wetter portions of the high country 
( e.g., Big Cherry Lake Basin ).

Monthly Precipitation Totals

Big Cherry Dam of High Knob Massif

Observer: Gary Hampton & Staff

Elevation 3120 feet

December: 7.00"

January: 11.24"

February: 2.87"

March: 7.65"

April: 6.71"

May: 5.03"

2013 Total: 33.50" ( M )

Total Since December 1: 40.50" ( M )

December-May Average per Month: 6.75"

( 0.40" above 6-year December-May Average of 6.35" per month )

Meteorological Winter Total: 21.11" ( M )
( 6-Year Meteorological Winter Average: 20.05" )

Meteorological Spring Total: 19.39" ( M )
( 6-Year Meteorological Spring Average: 18.03" )

( M ) - An estimated 1.25" to 1.50" of missing moisture in falls of snow too deep for the rain gauge to contain during the period
( most of this loss occurred in January-March ).

Evaporation losses between hand-measurements started during April-May with 8 total measurements during the 2 month period.

May 6, 2013
HDR Photograph - Maple Gap of High Knob Massif
An Aging Colony of Large-Flowered Trilliums

Photograph by Roddy Addington - © All Rights Reserved.

Rod Addington Photography

While the 40.50" of total precipitation measured by Gary Hampton & staff in the 4"-diameter NWS rain gauge at Big Cherry Dam during the 6-month period from December 2012 through May 2013 was just a little above the current 6-year average December-May total of 38.08", it must be remembered that rain gauge losses were a factor throughout this entire 6-year recording period 
( especially in snows too deep for the gauge to physically contain ).

One of the reasons I started this website was to highlight this significant precipitation regime which had never before been recognized in such a way amid Virginia.  In the climatology I'm writing a central theme is the importance of initial lifting of air masses associated with orographic forcing that tends to rule the period from November-April, or in some years October-May, such that precipitation enhancement tends to be greatest in areas of initial air mass lifting ( which makes air flows with SSW-WSW components critical since they are the climatological, or
long-term, mean flow trajectories into Virginia ).

This initial lifting with respect to Virginia and the mountain terrain of the Cumberland Mountains, along the Virginia-Kentucky border counties, of the Cumberland Overthrust Block.

[ May 2013 was one of the exceptions to climatology which occasionally arise via prolonged E-SE air flow trajectories, with the wettest conditions developing across the southern Blue Ridge in Virginia with initial lifting along respective windward slopes, followed by a positive feedback for continued wetness ].

The setting with NW air flows in winter has long been recognized across central-northern Virginia where even highest elevations of the Blue Ridge receive much less snowfall, in the long-term mean, than low-middle elevations along the windward side of the eastern West Virginia highlands.

An analogous winter pattern in the Cumberland Mountains taught me the concept and importance of initial air mass lifting decades ago when I would frequently measure as much or more snow at 1560 feet elevation in Clntwood as was being reported at the top of Shenandoah National Park in Big Meadows of northern Virginia.

This website has recently illustrated the huge snowfall gradient existing from NW to SE across the High Knob Massif, with many FEET of difference in amounts between windward slopes and crests verses sites resting downstream ( leeward ) of the massif
in places like the Tri-Cities of the Great Valley.

[ The significant winter snowfall regime of the High Knob Massif complicating the measurement of water equivalent precipitation amounts via significant rain gauge losses at times ].

May 17, 2013
One Of Numerous Color Forms
Flame Azalea ( Rhododendron calendulaceum )

Photograph by Wayne Riner - © All Rights Reserved.

Wayne Riner Photograph Thoughts...
"These flowers now dot the woods with 
a wide range of colors."

Since this significant precip regime is critical to ecology, geomorphology, karstification, and total biodiversity the understanding of this and many other important concepts would be facilitated by the recognition of the High Knob Landform, or geological Powell Valley Anticline, as a consolidated mountain landform.  It is rather absurd, and ironic, that Cliff Mountain, Little Mountain, Little Stone Mountain, Powell Mountain, Stone Mountain etc., are not collectively recognized in scientific works as being part of the High Knob Massif ( remnant high country mass of the High Knob Landform - Powell Valley Anticline ).

For example, Brumley Mountain, Russell Beartown, Tazewell Beartown, Garden Mountain, Flattop Mountain are all recognized as being part of Clinch Mountain, and often noted as such, yet both their connection to each other and geology ( alternating anticline-syncline segments ) are not as consolidated as are mountains of the High Knob Massif ( which are together as a single anticline & overthrust block - the Cumberland Overthrust Block ).

[ The bottom line, I think they all should be recognized as part of Clinch Mountain just as I think all connected together should be recognized as part of the High Knob Massif and its landform ].

Air flows and weather systems recognize no political boundaries or mountain names, but will react to the orographic forcing that is ( and comes only from ) the consolidated mass surrounding High Knob regardless of whether it is ever recognized by humans as being so.

May 17, 2013
Pink Lady's Slipper ( Cypripedium acaule )

Although snowfall was not measured at Big Cherry Dam during this 6 year period, it was observed in the area between basin heads of Big Cherry Lake, High Knob Lake, and the Norton Reservoirs.

Monthly Average Snowfall

Near Head of Big Cherry Lake Basin

For December-May of 2008-2013

December: 32.0"

January: 27.5"

February: 28.2"

March: 17.1"

April: 3.4"

May: Trace

*Average Total: 108.2" 

*The average total for December-May during the past 6 years
( The Seasonal Average for 2008-2013 was 121.7" )

In order to be most accurate, instead of the raw rain gauge total of 40.50" during December 2012-May 2013, the actual 6-month total at Big Cherry Dam should be noted as being closer to 42.00" .

Rain gauge losses due to wind and secondary moisture sources such as fog drop from trees and rime deposition on trees are not included in any rain gauge totals or estimates ( i.e., the total moisture budget for the High Knob Massif is more significant
than shown by rainfall and snowfall amounts ).

As my climatology shows, the featured Big Cherry Lake Basin would not be the wettest area ever documented in Virginia
( outside the High Knob Massif ) if there was only Powell Mountain or only Stone Mountain.  It is the large, consolidated mass of many mountains together which are the High Knob Massif that generate enhanced lifting of air from multiple directions to form its significant precipitation regime ( including rime & fog ).

Qingfang Jiang & Ronald B. Smith
Cloud Timescales and Orographic Precipitation

Although possessing obvious gaps between the mathematics, modeling, and real world atmosphere 
+ surface terrain the above paper highlights various concepts associated with mountain height & width applicable to cold season air flow that can be applied to the High Knob Massif ( with its great width ) and other mountain settings during the orographic forcing season.

May 17, 2013
Yellow Lady's Slipper 
( Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens )

Photograph by Wayne Riner - © All Rights Reserved.

Wayne Riner Photograph Thoughts...
"The warm days and rain have brought wildflowers to the woods.  The lady slipper is one of this area's native orchids."


Climate Statistics
For Spring 2013

( Lower Elevations of Russell Fork Basin )
Clintwood 1 W - Elevation 1560 feet
Average Daily MAX: 62.3 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 36.3 degrees
March-May MEAN: 49.3 degrees
Total Precipitation: 12.07"
Total Snowfall: 13.1"

( Northern Base of High Knob Massif )
City of Norton - Elevation 2141 feet
Average Daily MAX: 58.5 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 34.8 degrees
March-May MEAN: 46.6 degrees
Total Precipitation: 15.13"
Total Snowfall: 20.8"

( Along the Tennessee Valley Divide )
Nora 4 SSE - Elevation 2650 feet
Average Daily MAX: 56.8 degrees
Average Daily MIN: 39.3 degrees
March-May MEAN: 48.0 degrees
Total Precipitation: 13.85"
Total Snowfall: 15.1"

In the High Knob Massif spring temperatures averaged from 50-55 degrees by day in upper elevations to 30-35 degrees at night in colder valleys ( mid-upper 30s on exposed ridges ).

April 23, 2013
Karst Landscape of Powell River Basin
Horse Hollow of Wallen Creek Watershed

Spring precipitation was typically abundant with a general 18.00" to 21.00" across upper elevations from the Robinson Knob and High Chaparral communities southwest across the main crest zone.

April 22, 2013
Flowering Dogwood ( Cornus florida )

Photograph by Harold L. Jerrell - © All Rights Reserved.

Spring snowfall was mostly concentrated during the month of March, with the extensive rime forest formation being especially interesting and majestic.

March 2013 - High Knob Massif RIME Forest

March 3, 2013
Bow Bending Rime From High Knob Meadow

Photograph by Roddy Addington - © All Rights Reserved.

Spring 2013 was cooler than average thanks 
largely to a cold, wintry March.



Meteorological Spring 2013
Appalachian Images

April 20, 2013
West Cabin In Wilderness Road State Park

Photograph by Harold L. Jerrell - © All Rights Reserved.

May 11, 2013
Along Majestic Cumberland Mountain
Log Hewing In Wilderness Road State Park

Photograph by Harold L. Jerrell - © All Rights Reserved.

May 21, 2013
Southern Flying Squirrel ( Glaucomys volans )
"Rocky" The Flying Squirrel Wanting A Treat

Photograph by Wayne Riner - © All Rights Reserved.

Wayne Riner Photograph Thoughts...
"The birdhouse was built for bluebirds; however, this one was taken over to provide a home for a family of flying squirrels.  This baby is named "Rocky" and is looking for his hand fed treat of walnut bits."

April 26, 2013
Fox Squirrel ( Sciurus niger )

Photograph by Harold L. Jerrell - © All Rights Reserved.

April 27, 2013
Eastern Chipmunk ( Tamias striatus )

Photograph by Harold L. Jerrell - © All Rights Reserved.

April 14, 2013
Rose-breasted Grosbeak ( Pheucticus ludovicianus )

Photograph by Harold L. Jerrell - © All Rights Reserved.

April 11, 2013
Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly ( Papilio glaucus )

Photograph by Harold L. Jerrell - © All Rights Reserved.



June 2013 Begins WET

May 23, 2013
Gorgeous Rainbow Above The Cumberlands

Photograph by Wayne Riner - © All Rights Reserved.

Wayne Riner Photograph Thoughts...
"The evening storm passed  to leave us with a rainbow displayed with the white locust blooms."

Faint Second Rainbow Appears

Photograph by Wayne Riner - © All Rights Reserved.

A dry spell following these gorgeous late 
May rainbows gave way to drenching rain and thunderstorms during the first weekend of June, with widespread 2.00" to 4.00" rainfall totals being recorded across the High Knob Landform, from High Knob to Cumberland Gap, and along the adjoining Clinch River Valley. 

June 1-3 ( AM )
Doppler Radar Storm Total Rainfall Estimate

While Doppler radar actually under-estimated rain amounts it illustrates the corridor that received the heaviest rains which tapered dramatically to the north of the High Knob Landform 
and Clinch River Basin.

Booming thunderstorms associated with the next system produced local downpours during the late afternoon and evening hours of June 5 to mark the start of another wet period.

June 5-8 ( AM )
Doppler Radar Storm Total Rainfall Estimate

Rainfall totals from late June 5 into predawn 
of June 8 reached 1.50" to 2.00" in Clintwood, Clinchco, Norton, Wise, Duffield, Dungannon and Fort Blackmore to note a few places.

A few specific totals included:

Wise 1 SE RAWS: 1.59"

Little Stone Mountain Gap: 1.69"

Clintwood: 1.76"

( 2.46" during June 1-8 )

Nora 4 SSE: 1.83"

( on Long Ridge )

City of Norton Water Plant: 1.87"

Fort Blackmore: 1.92"

( 5.79" during June 1-8 )

Duffield: 1.96"

( 3.98" during June 1-8 )

Little Mountain of High Knob Massif: 2.08" 

( On rim of Big Cherry Lake Basin )

As so typical of convective rains, some places received much less.

Looking Toward Pine Mountain
Turbulent Skies Above The Cumberlands

Photograph by Wayne Riner - © All Rights Reserved.

Rainfall totals for the June 1-8 ( AM ) period varied from 2.46" in Clintwood to around 6.00" in the Fort Blackmore area of Scott County ( Doppler under estimated totals some based on gauges ).

Rainfall Estimate Ending At 8:00 AM
Estimated Rainfall Totals For June 1-8, 2013

Rainfall during June 1-8 was much less 
to the northwest of the mountains.

Rainfall Estimate Ending At 8:00 AM
Estimated Rainfall Totals For June 1-8, 2013

The current pattern, to say the least, is troubling given another surge of tropical moisture ahead of the next cold front during June 9-10, with a break followed by a heat surge which likely gets cut off 
by MCS formation that makes a move on the Mountain Empire by the middle of next week 
( adding a severe component to heavy rain potential ).

The bottom line...continued heavy rain potential on top of an already WET June.