Zoar Valley

“Zoar Valley” often refers inclusively to the larger valley of the Cattaraugus, but the state Multiple Use Area specifically encompasses an eight-mile section of the creek’s Main Branch Canyon and three miles of the smaller South Branch. Canyon depths here are by far the greatest within the entire river corridor, ranging up to 380 feet in the South Branch and 480 feet along the Main Branch. Several nearly vertical rock faces approach 400 feet. Zoar Valley contains some of the last stands of old growth forest in Western New York.

Encompassing more than 2,939 acres in total, the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area (MUA) is one of the most scenic, ecologically diverse and potentially sensitive environmental areas in Western New York. A favorite spot among local hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, Zoar Valley is known for the spectacular scenery created by its deep gorge, sheer cliffs, flowing waterfalls and dense forests.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/36931.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoar_Valley

November 15, 2016 Afternoon

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Good afternoon! Brilliant blue skies and 64 degrees at the convergence of the Cattaraugus Creek and South Branch at in Gowanda. Calm wind.

This afternoon will be sunny, with a high of 64 degrees at 2pm. 14 degrees above normal. Light west wind. You might say, it’s a pretty nice day. Last year, partly cloudy with a high around 59. The record high of 74 was set in 1993. There was 4.8 inches of snow back in 1906.

The sun will set at 4:52 pm with dusk around 5:22 pm, which is 52 seconds earlier than yesterday. Today will have 9 hours and 44 minutes of daylight, a decrease of 2 minutes and 6 seconds over yesterday.

Tonight will have a slight chance of showers after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low of 40 degrees at 10pm. Eight degrees above normal. South wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. One year ago, mostly clear with a low around 35. The record low of 7 occurred back in 1972.

There are 2 weeks until Square Dance Day when the sun will be setting at 4:44 pm with dusk at 5:15 pm. The average high temperature is 42 degrees, with a record high of 66 in 2005.