85th Big Wind Anniversary
2019-04-08 10:25:42.000 – Staff, MWO
The founding staff of the Mount Washington Observatory in 1932: (L-R) Alex McKenzie, Bob Monahan, Joe Dodge, and Sal Pagliuca.
Nearly 85 years ago, on the tallest peak in the northeast, a group of hardy individuals witnessed a truly unforgettable event, a storm which brought a world-record 231 mph gust of wind to the summit of Mount Washington. It was an incredible event, and a test of both observer mettle as well as equipment on the rime-shrouded peak. The event hit home the importance of maintaining a manned weather station here, continuously sampling the environment and creating a long-standing data record for increased scientific discovery.
Our world famous winds still rage to this day! Pictured is our Hays wind chart from February 25th, 2019 with a peak gust of 171 mph.
Now, 85 years later, we are humbled and excited to host a commemorative celebration, honoring the steadfastness of early observers, and the incredible measurement they captured. Please join us this Friday, April 12th, as we celebrate this incredible event! Admission to our Weather Discovery Center museum will be free, from 10 am – 3 pm. Additionally, there will be two “Live from the Rockpile” connections to observers on the summit, in addition to a special presentation at 12 noon, featuring the details of that incredible 231 mph storm. Light refreshments will be available as well. We hope to see you there!
Staff, MWO
From Mountains to More Mountains
From Mountains to More Mountains: This Time with Stronger Winds By Alyssa Bélanger On the observation deck in high winds. Hello there! My name is Alyssa Bélanger and I am a fall
From Summit to Sign-Off: My Farewell to the Rockpile
From Summit to Sign-Off: My Farewell to the Rockpile By Amy Cotter Enjoying my last Mount Washington sunset (for now) on September 13, 2025. After two incredible years with the Mount Washington
Trail Report: Seek the Peak Hikes 16 and 17!
Trail Report: Seek the Peak Hikes 16 and 17! By Chris Nichols September 22, 2025 – Summit 16 of 17 A chilly morning turned into a spectacular day on Mount Washington. The thermostat in
