Mount Washington Observatory Observer Blog
Record Gust, Human Grit: 90 Years of Big Wind
Record Gust, Human Grit: 90 Years of Big Wind By Ellen Estabrook | April 10, 2024 “’Will they believe it?’ Was our first thought. I felt then the full responsibility of that startling measurement…” Salvatore Pagliuca, Weather Observer and electrical engineer, wrote those words in the observer logbook on April 12, 1934, upon noting a record wind velocity on the summit of Mount Washington of 231 miles per hour. This record, confirmed by the National Weather Bureau, still stands as the fastest wind speed ever recorded at a staffed, non-automated station. It is here that we turn our attention
Excerpt of “Will They Believe It?”
Excerpt of “Will They Believe It?” By Rachel Slade | April 4, 2024 Editor’s Note: This excerpt is from Rachel Slade’s visit to Mount Washington Observatory last April on the 89th anniversary of the famous “highest wind ever recorded.” The entire feature will appear in the September/October 2024 issue of Yankee Magazine. The excerpt appears here with Yankee’s permission. Mount Washington’s famously changeable climate makes the summit an ideal location to study the wonders of our restless atmosphere, and 90 years ago this April, three men stationed there experienced some of the most extreme conditions ever recorded while doing
Mount Washington Observatory to Host 90th Anniversary Big Wind Day Celebration
Mount Washington Observatory to Host 90th Anniversary Big Wind Day Celebration North Conway, NH – March 23, 2024 – In commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the highest wind speed ever recorded at a staffed weather station, Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) will host an array of engaging events before and during Big Wind Day, April 12, with a culminating public celebration at Tuckerman Brewing Company. On April 12, 1934, a world record wind gust of 231 mph was measured by MWOBS’ first weather team of Alex McKenzie, Sal Pagliuca, and Wendell Stephenson. This record, confirmed by the National Weather
Spring is Here
Spring is Here By Alexis George Our snowpack, although still present, has slowly been dwindling over the course of this month. At the beginning of March, there was a snow depth of 27 inches at the summit. However, the combination of above-freezing temperatures and rainfall that occurred earlier this month has diminished the snowpack, with the snowpack decreasing to as low as 11 inches. While it is normal for the snowpack to start decreasing as the winter season comes to an end, the current snowpack is quite different from what it was last year. In March 2023, the maximum
Solar Eclipse 2024: A Celestial Wonder
Solar Eclipse 2024: A Celestial Wonder By Ryan Knapp As you might have heard through social media, the news, magazines, friends, family, etc., a solar eclipse is about to be viewable across North America. This rare and awe-inspiring phenomenon will take place on April 8, 2024, with the path of totality sweeping through New England. What is a Solar Eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's orbit intersects the Earth's orbital plane. During this alignment, the Moon casts its shadow on the Earth's surface, creating a region of darkness. The eclipse's totality, where the Moon completely blocks the
1,865 Miles to Mount Washington: Meet Seek the Peak Steward Chris Nichols
1,865 Miles to Mount Washington: Meet Seek the Peak's Chris Nichols By MWOBS Staff Mount Washington Observatory’s largest fundraising event, Seek the Peak, has long encouraged participants to seek their peak by picking a walk in the woods of their choosing, whether in the White Mountains or their backyard, while raising funds for the organization's research, education, and everyday operations. It is a great honor and pleasure to learn about the individuals who make this event an immense success year after year and the stories behind their involvement. For some, it is about getting together with friends and family
A Closer Look at Lenticular Clouds
A Closer Look at Lenticular Clouds By Karl Philippoff I grew up in New Jersey, and while that was great for many reasons, one of the things my home state is missing is large mountains, both to recreate in and to see from afar. Living on top of New England’s tallest mountain for 8 days at time has served to replace this something that was missing and then some! One of the attractions of living up here is to be at an excellent viewpoint to have bird’s eye view of the clouds (when we are not in fog, of course)
Meet MWOBS/MWAC Intern Laura Wilson
Meet MWOBS/MWAC Intern Laura Wilson By Laura Wilson Hi! I’m Laura Wilson, the winter intern for both the Mount Washington Observatory and the USFS Mount Washington Avalanche Center, and I am so stoked to be up here! Growing up in Maine, I’ve always had a fascination with the nearby White Mountains. It’s a dream come true to live at the summit throughout all the incredible winter conditions. During high school, I attended Gould Academy in Bethel, ME and spent a great deal of time training as a biathlete in nearby Jackson NH. My fondest memories are of foliage filled
MWOBS’ Education Team Launches Virtual Programs for the 2024 Solar Eclipse
MWOBS’ Education Team Launches Virtual Programs for the 2024 Solar Eclipse By Alex Branton We are just 9 weeks away from the Great American Eclipse of 2024, and the Mount Washington Observatory is preparing for the event by offering new education programs. This year on Monday, April 8th, all of North America will have the opportunity to view at least a partial solar eclipse. The path of total solar eclipse will pass over northern New England, while the rest of the region will experience at least a 90% obscuration of the sun by the moon. While most of the
Remembering Marty
Remembering Marty By Ken Rancourt | January 25, 2024 Known throughout New England as "Marty on the Mountain," Marty Engstrom passed away on Jan. 4 at his home in Fryeburg, ME, according to his family. He was 86 years old. Engstrom worked for 38 years on Mount Washington as an engineer at the WMTW transmission station; he wrote about his experiences in his 2003 book titled “Marty on the Mountain: 38 Years on Mount Washington.” Marty was already on the Mountain for over ten years when I met him in the fall of 1979. Guy Gosselin's (Obs Director) assistant,
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