Buffalo Mountain peak
Buffalo Mountain rises to 3,300 ft in Blue-Ridge-Mountains within the Blue Ridge Mountains range.
Standing at an elevation of approximately 3,971 feet (1,210 meters), it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The mountain is part of the Jefferson National Forest and spans an impressive 4,360 acres (17.6 square kilometers).
During the winter season, Buffalo Mountain experiences a diverse range of snowpack depths. Snow accumulation can vary greatly depending on the specific weather patterns in a given year. On average, the mountain receives around 25 inches (63.5 cm) of snowfall, transforming its rugged terrain into a picturesque winter wonderland.
Several creeks and rivers are fed by the runoff from Buffalo Mountain, including Little River and the South Fork of Roanoke River. These water sources contribute to the rich biodiversity and provide essential habitats for various aquatic species in the region.
Regarding its name, Buffalo Mountain derives its title from the early settlers who witnessed herds of bison grazing on its slopes. These majestic creatures once roamed the area abundantly, but sadly, they became extinct in the region in the 18th century due to overhunting. The mountain continues to be steeped in folklore and legends, with stories of hidden treasure and mysterious happenings captivating the imaginations of locals and visitors alike.
Sources:
- "Buffalo Mountain." Virginia Trail Guide. Accessed September 29, 2021. [Link]
- "Buffalo Mountain." Virginia Department of Forestry. Accessed September 29, 2021. [Link]
- "Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve." Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Accessed September 29, 2021. [Link]
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Blue-Ridge-Mountains range.
Streamflow near Buffalo Mountain
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Toe River Near Celo | 36 cfs | → |
| N F Holston River Near Gate City | 208 cfs | → |
| Tug Fork At Williamson | 259 cfs | → |
| French Broad River At Hot Springs | 640 cfs | → |
| Levisa Fork At Big Rock | 106 cfs | → |
| Clinch River Near Looneys Gap | 1,750 cfs | → |
| French Broad River At Marshall | 667 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Buffalo Mountain
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Buffalo Mountain.
Get Buffalo Mountain on your phone.
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