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Snowfall Statistics





Storms

Thunderstorms are predominantly a warm season phenomena but they have been observed at one time or another during each month of the year. On the average 10 days with thunder are observed during the spring, 6 in the fall, and 1 during the winter. The summer experiences an average of 22 days with thunder observed. These combined thunder statistics means that there are about 39 annual thunderstorm days.

Hurricane winds are not a factor in this area; however tropical storms have caused locally heavy rains this far inland. Some damages from wind and hail associated with a severe thunderstorm are usually recorded in Huntingdon County each year. Records of tornadoes have been kept on record since 1854 but none have ever been recorded in Huntingdon County (Pennsylvania State Climatologist, 2004). However, there were tornadoes recorded in adjacent counties between 1971 and 1994.

There are also two types of cyclonic storms that race along the Atlantic Coast. These two types of storms are known as the nor’easter and the alberta clipper. Nor’easters have become known along the Atlantic Coast for their fury and impacts. Most nor’easters originate from cold-season storm systems that first move through the Ohio Valley or Gulf States to a position off the Atlantic Coast. When these storms reach warmer ocean waters they receive a regeneration of intensity (Heidorn, 2003). These storms usually hug the coast as the move north. Their storm winds rush off the ocean with great intensity and power. The storm picks up relatively warm and very moist air from the ocean which it drops when meeting colder air on the western side of the system. If the air is cold enough, the precipitation falls as snow.

Alberta Clippers form on Alberta’s high plains east of the Rockies. These storms turn across the Great Lakes basin and head toward the Atlantic Coast. These are very fast dry storms and rarely drop huge snowfalls.

(Heidorn, 2003)


Even though they do not produce great amounts of snow they do produce severe blowing and drifting of any snow on the ground. When these storms move across the Great Lakes region they bring frigid, gusty northwest winds (Heidorn, 2003). When these storms cross the Appalachians they head southward and become reenergized by warm Atlantic coastal waters and are reborn a nor’easter.

References


http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/climate_systems/humid_continental.html
http://www.physicalgeography.net/physgeoglos/w.html
http://www.pacificislandtravel.com/nature_gallery/climate.html
http://www.ems.psu.edu/PA_Climatologist/huntingdon/
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/13646/104087

Geology



ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED IN THIS SECTION:

-Soils

-What types of soils are there?

-How are these soils related to the area?

-What is the significance of these soils in this region?
-Historical Geology

How do plate tectonics work?

How are orogenies “created”?

How do they “work”?

Which plate collided with which?

Which plate was subducted?

What mountain range was formed?

Where was it formed?

How did it form?

When did the orogeny start/end and what was the total time range of the orogeny?

How did the orogeny and the mountain building affect our area?

Which plates collided?

Which plate was subducted?

What mountain range was formed?

Where and how did it form?

When did the orogeny start/end and what was the total time range of the orogeny?

How did the orogeny and the mountain building affect our area?

How were the valley and ridge eroded to create the topography we see today?

-How long has this erosion been taking place?

Why did some units erode more easily than others? (composition, etc)

-Rock formations of the area

-What are the main rock formations?

-What are the lithologies?

-How were these formations created?

-What fossils and major structures are there?

-What is the practical significance between the Lake and these formations?
-GPS points

Soils

Within the Raystown Lake subbasin there exit three main soil associations that contain agricultural significance to the region outside the lake. Soil is an important subject because much of the land surrounding Raystown Lake is comprised of agricultural farmland, consisting of major crops such as soy, corn, alfalfa, and hay. These crops thrive due to the quality of the soil beneath the surface but this quality varies from location to location due to particular types of soil, some which are of less agricultural relevance than others. The area surrounding the lake itself is mostly underlain by shale and sandstone due to its position in the Ridge and Valley system of the Appalachian physiographic province. Many of these soil types are suited for particular areas such as pastures, wooded areas, hay fields, etc. and are significant in relation to the steepness of their slopes because depending on the slope intensive management practices may be needed to control surface water and reduce erosion.



On a more technical basis the individual soils in the region are combined into associations that include the Berks-Weikert-Ernest, Calvin-Klinesville-Albrights, and Hazleton-Morrison-Vanderlip.1 A soil association is a grouping of soil types that are associated according to the material from which they have been weathered. For instance, the Berks-Wiekert-Ernest association is categorized according to areas that are dominated by soils formed in material weathered from shale and colluvium.2 The soils in this association are described as a sloping to steep, shallow to deep, well drained to moderately well drained soils that have a loamy subsoil; found on intermountain ridges and foot slopes.3 This association contains multiple soil types which include the Berks-Weikert shaly silt loams (BID) with 15-25% slopes, Berks-Weikert association (BMF) with steep slopes, Ernest silt loam (ErB) with 3-8% slope, Ernest silt loam (ErC) with 8-15% slope, Weikert shaly silt loams (WeB) with 3-8% slope, Weikert shaly silt loam (WeC) with 8-15% slope, and Weikert shaly silt loam (WeD) with 15-25% slope.4
Berks-Wiekert-Ernest Association:

Soil Types

Description

Berks-Weikert (BID)

Moderately steep soils, Berks soil makes up 60% and Weikert 30%. Areas associated with these soils are those suited for pastures and trees. In disturbed or cultivated areas, management is needed to control runoff and reduce erosion and the loss of organic matter, soil nutrients and applied materials.5

Berks-Weikert (BMF)

Steep slopes of 25-70%, Berks shaly silt loam makes up about 50% and Weikert shaly silt loam makes up about 30%. Areas associated with these soils are wooded and is well suited for wildlife habitat and open space. Runoff is medium to rapid and in disturbed areas the erosion hazard is severe. In disturbed or cultivated areas, management is needed to control runoff and reduce erosion.6

Ernest (ErB)

Gently sloping soil with mostly wooded associated areas. Larger areas are comprised of soils suited to general field crops, hay, and pasture. Runoff is medium and in disturbed or cultivated areas the erosion hazard is moderate. Moderate management practices are needed in disturbed or cultivated areas to control runoff and to reduce erosion.7

Ernest (ErC)

Sloping soil with mostly wooded or pasture and hay associated areas. A few areas are used for general crops. Runoff is medium to rapid and in disturbed areas the erosion hazard is moderate. In disturbed areas or cultivated areas, moderate to intensive management practices are needed to control surface water and to reduce erosion.8

The Calvin-Klinesville-Albrights association is also categorized according to areas dominated by soils formed in material weathered from shale and colluvium.9 The soils in this association are described as sloping to steep, shallow to deep, well drained to somewhat poorly drained soils that have a loamy subsoil; found on intermountain ridges and foot slopes.10 This association contains the following soil types, the Calvin shaly silt loam (CaB) with a 3-8% slopes, Calvin shaly silt loam (CaC) with 8-15% slopes, Calvin shaly silt loam (CaD) with 15-25%, Klinesville shaly silt loam (KIC) with 8-15% slopes, Klinesville shaly silt loam (KID) with 15-25% slopes, Albrights silt loam (AbB) with 3-8% slopes, Albrights silt loam (AbC) with 8-15% slopes, Albrights silt loam (AcB) with 0-8% slopes, and Albrights silt loam (AcD) with 8-25% slopes.11


Calvin-Klinesville-Albrights Association:

Soil Types

Description

Calvin (CaB)


Gently sloping soil with areas mostly associated with crops. Soil is well suited to hay and pasture, it is used for general field crops. Runoff is medium, and in disturbed or cultivated areas the erosion hazard is moderate. Moderately rapid permeability and very low to low available water capacity limit the growth of some cultivated crops. Moderate management practices are needed to control runoff and to reduce erosion and the loss of organic matter, soil nutrients and applied materials.12

Calvin (CaC)

Sloping soil with areas mostly associated with crops. Soil is well suited to hay and pasture, it is used for general field crops. Runoff is medium and in disturbed areas the erosion hazard is moderate to severe. Moderately rapid permeability and very low to low available water capacity limit the growth of some cultivated crops. Moderate to intensive management practices are needed to control runoff and to reduce erosion and the loss of organic matter, soil nutrients and applied materials.13

Calvin (CaD)

Moderately steep soil with areas mostly associated with crops. Soil is well suited to pasture, hay and trees. Runoff is rapid and in disturbed or cultivated areas the erosion hazard is severe. Disturbed or cultivated areas require intensive management practices to control runoff and reduce erosion.14

Klinesville (KIC)

Sloping soil with areas mostly associated with crops. Soil is well suited to hay, pasture crops, and trees. Runoff is medium to rapid and in disturbed or cultivated areas the erosion hazard is moderate. Droughtiness is a limitation for most cultivated crops. In disturbed areas moderately intensive management is needed to control runoff and reduce erosion.15

Klinesville (KID)

Moderately steep soil with areas mostly associated with crops. Soil is well suited for pasture or trees. Runoff is rapid and in disturbed or cultivated areas, the erosion hazard is severe. Droughiness and excessive erosion are limitations to the use of this soil for cultivated crops. In disturbed areas intensively management is needed to control runoff and reduce erosion.16

Albrights (AbB)

Gently sloping soil with areas mostly associated with crops. Soil is well suited to most general farm crops, hay, pasture, and trees. Runoff is slow to medium and in disturbed or cultivated areas, the erosion hazard is moderate. Moderate management practices are needed to control surface runoff and to reduce erosion and the loss of soil nutrients, organic matter, and other applied materials.17

Albrights (AbC)

Sloping soil with areas mostly associated with crops. Soil is well suited to most general farm crops, hay, pasture, and trees. Runoff is medium and in disturbed or cultivated areas, the erosion hazard is severe. Moderate management practices are needed to control surface runoff and to reduce erosion and the loss of organic matter, soil nutrients, and other applied materials.18

Albrights (AcB)

Nearly level and gently sloping soil with mostly wooded associated areas because the quantity of stones on the surface makes cultivation impractical. Soil is well suited to trees, wildlife, habitat, and recreational uses. Runoff is slow to medium and in disturbed areas the erosion hazard is slight to moderate. Moderate management practices are needed in distributed areas to control runoff and reduce erosion.19

Albrights (AcD)

Sloping to moderately steep soil with mostly wooded associated areas. Soil is well suited to trees, wildlife habitat, and recreational uses. Runoff is medium and in disturbed areas the erosion hazard is severe. In disturbed areas intensive management practices are needed to control surface water and reduce erosion.20

The Hazleton-Morrison-Vanderlip association is categorized according to areas dominated by soils formed in material weathered from sandstone to colluvium.21 The soils in this association are described as sloping to steep, deep, well drained soils that have a sandy and loamy subsoil; found in intermountain valleys.22 This association contains the following soil types, Hazelton channery loam (HhB) with 3-8% slopes, Hazelton channery loam (HhC) with 8-15% slopes, Hazelton channery loam (HhD) with 15-25% slopes, Morrison sandy loam (MrB) with 2-8% slopes, Morrison sandy loam (MrD) with 8-15% slopes, Morrison very stony sandy loam (MsB) with 2-8% slopes, Morrison very stony sandy loam (MsD) with 8-25% slopes, Vanderlip loamy sand (VaD) with 5-25% slopes, Vanderlip-Rock outcrop complex (VrF), with 25-60% slopes.23


Hazleton-Morrison-Vanderlip Association:

Hazelton (HhB)



Gently sloping soil with mostly wooded associated areas. Soil is well suited to trees; it is used for general field crops, hay, and pasture. Runoff is medium and in disturbed or cultivated areas the erosion hazard is moderate. Droughtiness is a concern for some crops, and coarse fragments interfere with tillage operations. Moderate management is needed in disturbed or cultivated areas to control runoff and to reduce erosion and the loss of organic matter, soil nutrients, and other applied material.24

Hazelton (HhC)

Sloping soil mostly wooded associated areas. Soil is well suited to trees, wildlife habitat, and recreational uses. A few areas have been used for general farm crops, hay, and pasture. Runoff is medium and in disturbed or cultivated areas the erosion hazard is moderate. Droughtiness is a concern for some crops and coarse fragments interfere with tillage operations. Moderately intensive management is needed in disturbed or cultivated areas to control runoff and to reduce erosion and the loss of organic matter, soil nutrients, and other applied materials.25

Hazelton (HhD)

Moderately steep soil with mostly wooded associated areas. Soil well suited to trees, wildlife habitat, and recreational uses, and hay and pasture. Runoff is medium and in disturbed or cultivated areas the erosion hazard is severe. Intensive management is needed in disturbed or cultivated areas to control runoff and to reduce erosion and the loss of organic matter, soil nutrients and other applied materials.26

Morrison (MrB)

Gently sloping soil with areas mostly associated with crops. Soil is suited for to general farm crops, hay, and pasture. Runoff is slow and in disturbed or cultivated areas the erosion hazard is moderate. Moderate management is needed to control runoff and to reduce erosion and the loss of organic matter, soil nutrients, and other applied materials.27

Morrison (MrC)

Sloping soil with areas mostly associated with crops. Soil is suited to general farm crops, hay, and pasture. Runoff is medium and in disturbed or cultivated areas the erosion hazard is moderate. Moderate to intensive management is needed to control runoff and to reduce erosion and the loss of organic matter, soil nutrients, and other applied materials.28

Morrison (MrD)

Moderately steep soil with areas mostly associated with crops. Soil is well suited to hay, pasture, or trees. Runoff is medium and in disturbed or cultivated areas the erosion hazard is moderate to severe. In disturbed areas moderate management is needed to control runoff and to reduce erosion and the loss of organic matter, soil nutrients, and other applied material.29

Morrison (MsB)

Gently sloping soil with mostly wooded associated areas. Soil is well suited to trees, wildlife habitat, and recreational uses. Cleared in places for permanent pasture use. Runoff is slow and in disturbed areas the erosion hazard is moderate. In disturbed areas moderate management is needed to control runoff and reduce erosion.30

Morrison (MsD)

Sloping to moderately steep soil with mostly wooded associated areas. Soil is well suited to trees, wildlife habitat, and recreational uses. Runoff is medium and in disturbed areas the erosion hazard is moderate. In disturbed areas moderate to moderately intensive management practices are needed to control runoff and reduce erosion.31

Vanderlip (VaD)

Gently sloping to moderately steep soil with areas mostly associated with crops. Soil is well suited to hay and pasture, trees, and orchards. Runoff is slow and in disturbed or cultivated areas the erosion hazard is moderate to severe. The surface layer is droughty because of the rapid permeability and droughtiness limits the growth of shallow rooted cultivated crops. Moderate to intensive management is needed to control runoff and to reduce erosion and the loss of organic matter, soil nutrients, and other applied materials.32

Vanderlip-Rock (VrF)

Steep soil with areas mostly associated with crops. The Vanderlip soil makes up about 30-70% and the Rock outcrop makes up about 25-60%. The Vanderlip soil has a surface layer of loamy sand or channery loamy sand. Runoff is medium to rapid and in disturbed areas the erosion hazard is very severe. Intensive management is needed in disturbed areas to control runoff and reduce erosion.33


(Figure: Soil associations of the Raystown Branch watershed GIS map)






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