November Snow in Shenandoah National Park
November 11, 2008
Photographer: Shane Cooley
Summary Author: Jim Foster, Shane Cooley
The photo above was taken not far from Skyline Drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Skyline Drive is a scenic mountain roadway that loops about Shenandoah National Park. It is frequently traveled to view the fall colors. In 2007, as a result of dry, warm conditions, the colors peaked considerably later than usual. On our trip to the park on this mid-fall day of November 10, 2007, we were greeted by a surprise snowstorm. Up to eight inches of snow (20 cm) was measured, producing a snowy landscape accented by autumn colors. Following the storm, as shown above, oak and maple leaves dappled the snow covered surface near the campsite of the photographer's son and impressive icicles draped from now barren branches.