Winter in the WV Allegheny Mountains

Kent Mason, Photographer / Conservationist

The high elevations of the WV Allegheny Mountains are known for the ever changing, very windy, and frequently severe weather conditions. Freezing temperatures and snow can occur any month of the year. The first snow typically takes place in late September or early October. Average snowfall is in the 150 to 200 inches range with some winters reaching 300 inches. Wind chills below 0 are common. The trees and shrubs become broken downward and gnarled at the higher elevations from drying wind, hoarfrost, heavy ice glazing, and deep snow. I have spent full days at below 0 temperatures in deep snow to take some of these images (l enjoyed it). This gallery illustrates winter in a wide variety of locations in the WV Highlands.