Cherohala Hoar Frost

On November 14, the Driver and the Girl headed over to explore and take photos of the Ocoee Loop.  A beautiful display of Hoar Frost was found at higher elevations on the Cherohala Skyway. It was strange because the frost was between 3500-4000 feet, where the moisture laden clouds passed. While driving through the frosted areas the temps dropped in the high teens. At elevations above 4000 feet there was no frost and the temps were in the high 20’s.

Looking for a place for a short winter escape from the crowds? Plan a trip to the mountains for a peaceful get-away. There are still plenty of options to enjoy even in the winter months. Just bring some warmer clothes and experience a unique vacation away from all the city traffic. And most rental rates are much lower than summer rates. See our Discounts Page for more information.

Hoarfrost, deposit of ice crystals on objects exposed to the free air, such as grass blades, tree branches, or leaves. It is formed by direct condensation of water vapour to ice at temperatures below freezing and occurs when air is brought to its frost point by cooling. Hoarfrost is formed by a process analogous to that by which dew is formed on similar objects, except that, in the case of dew, the saturation point of the air mass is above freezing. The occurrence of temperatures below 0° C (32° F) is not enough to guarantee the formation of hoarfrost. Additionally, the air must be initially damp enough so that when cooled it reaches saturation, and any additional cooling will cause condensation to occur. In the absence of sufficient moisture, hoarfrost does not form, but the water in the tissues of plants may freeze, producing the condition known as black frost. (web source)