A snowbow before a storm in Jefferson, North Carolina 1167627600

A snowbow before a storm in Jefferson, North Carolina

This is a snowbow before a storm in Jefferson, North Carolina, located in the mountains of Ashe County. A light haze of snow permeates the area around the snowbow, and partially obscures the view behind it. The sun shines through the haze, illuminating the houses and buildings in the valley below as well as the verdant hillside in the foreground.

The mountains in Ashe County sometimes endure long winters and receive quite a bit of snow; snowbows (exaclty like a rainbow, only through snow) are a rare and welcome treat for those who live there.

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