Hikers enjoy the summit during Seek the Peak 2024. Photo by Stephen Wentworth.

Dear *{{Informal Name}}*,

As we approach the final week before our 25th Anniversary Seek the Peak, we are filled with gratitude for your exceptional dedication to Mount Washington Observatory.

Working together, you have advanced this year’s milestone hike-a-thon within reach of our ambitious goal. You have helped us secure a $25,000 matching gift from a generous donor. And as of this morning, 493 hikers, 65 sponsors, and 1,200 supporters have helped us raise more than $221,000. This incredible generosity will advance weather knowledge and safety for all who seek adventure in the White Mountains and beyond.

If we can meet our goal of raising $250,000, we will solve a critical financial need, providing the necessary funds to support core Observatory operations, educational programs, and innovations in weather science and technology. If you haven’t already, consider supporting another hiker, helping one of the Observatory’s teams hit their goal, or getting your very own anniversary gear.

A few examples illustrate the impact you have by supporting Seek the Peak:

• Forecasting and Recreational Safety: In addition to our Higher Summits Forecast supporting safe recreation in the White Mountains, we’re now providing daily statewide forecasts for New Hampshire and Vermont with practical, actionable information across this broader region.
• Education and Outreach: Our field trips welcomed over 1,500 students to the summit of Mount Washington this past year in partnership with the Mount Washington Cog Railway and Mt. Washington Auto Road. For many, this represented the culmination of a year’s worth of learning with our team.
• Research and Technology: This fall, we will publish the first annual White Mountains Almanac in partnership with the Appalachian Mountain Club and Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study, examining the climatology and biology of our region for visitors, educators, and researchers. We also continue to expand our network of remote weather stations statewide to enhance data collection and research.

Seek the Peak would not be possible without you. And words cannot thank you enough for your commitment to our work. We hope you will join us on Saturday, July 19 (read about what to expect at the Après Hike Expo), whether you’ve been out hiking or just want to celebrate with some family fun.

Sincerely,

Drew Bush, Ph.D

Executive Director

Charlie Buterbaugh,

Director of External Affairs

JUNE WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS

Highest Temperature

65°F 

Lowest Temperature

26°F

Fastest Wind Speed

124 MPH

Precipitation

6.34 IN

Complete monthly weather data can be viewed here. Check the Higher Summits Forecast for an extended weather outlook, and tune in to our Weekend Higher Summits Forecast discussion live on Facebook every Friday at 5:00 PM EST.

OBSERVER BLOG

June 2025 By The Numbers

In our recent Observer Blog Post, Senior Meteorologist Ryan Knapp recaps June 2025 and the 2024/2025 snowfall season, which ended on June 30, describing it as “warm, foggy, and windy.”

SEEK THE PEAK UPDATE

What to Expect at This Year’s Epic Expo

Whether you’re participating in our 25th Anniversary Seek the Peak hike-a-thon or just want to celebrate with us, we’re one week away from our largest annual gathering at Great Glen Trails on Saturday, July 19 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM! If you’re foregoing the fundraising hike but want to join us at the Expo, you can buy entry tickets here. In our recent blog, we highlight some of the awesome Expo activations. We also round up other weekend happenings so you can make the most of your time in the Mount Washington Valley.

RESEARCH INSIGHTS

Study Examines Alpine Snowbank Plant Life and Conservation

Photo courtesy of AMC.

New Hampshire Public Radio reporter Mara Hoplamazian recently spoke with Jordon Tourville, an ecologist with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), about the AMC’s recent study of snowy alpine environments and the effects of climate change on alpine plants. View the full study here.

SUMMIT SNAPSHOT

Kennett High School Celebrates Graduation on Mount Washington

Kennett High School students enjoy sunrise on Mount Washington for Project Graduation. Photo by Chris Proulx, Mt. Washington Valley Chamber.

In the early hours of June 15, graduates of Conway, New Hampshire’s Kennett High School travelled in the dark aboard the Mount Washington Cog Railway to view the summit sunrise. “This first-of-its-kind ascent is a memory these young adults will treasure forever, made possible by KHS Project Graduation 2025, The Cog and New Hampshire State Parks,” the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce shared in a statement. “Congratulations to graduates everywhere!”

OBS UPDATES

Night Observer Alexis George Bids Farewell

“After an extraordinary last three years working at the Observatory, I am excited to announce my pursuit of a different career. As sad as I am to be leaving the Observatory, I look back at my time as a Weather Observer and Meteorologist fondly.” Read more from Meteorologist Alexis George in her departure blog post.

Meet Our Summer Interns

Pictured left to right: Summit interns Max Sasser, Maddie Smith, and Zakiya Johnson.

We’re excited to introduce six fantastic student researchers joining us on the summit this summer as interns. Meet Zakiya, Max, Maddie, Amber, Lucas, and Ryan as they reflect on their first few weeks on the summit and share what they’ll be researching during their time on the rockpile:

• Zakiya, Max and Maddie’s Blog 
• Amber, Lucas, and Ryan’s Blog

Observatory Welcomes Colby Morris

We are excited to welcome Colby Morris as Mount Washington Observatory’s new Mesonet and Information Systems Technician. Colby is a versatile tech and media professional with experience in web development, technical support, social media management, and digital content strategy. Join us in welcoming Colby to the team, and learn more about him on our About Us page.

Event Celebrates Summer and Weather Safety

Photos courtesy of Patty Matty.

MWOBS leadership recently collaborated with Wood Island Life Saving Station and Riverwood Inn proprietor/chef Diane Glidden for an evening celebrating summer and a shared history of keeping New Hampshire residents safe on land and sea.

EDUCATION NEWS

2024-24 Field Trip Season Wrap-Up

Students complete a weather worksheet before heading to the summit of Mount Washington with the Cog Railway.

This past spring, the Mount Washington Observatory welcomed over 900 students from across New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine to the summit of Mount Washington! In partnership with the Mount Washington Cog Railway, our education team spent a whirlwind three weeks leading students in STEM-based activities as they traveled to the “Home of the World’s Worst Weather.” Learn more about MWOBS education programs below. Thank you, Bank of New Hampshire, for sponsoring our field trips!

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

New Hampshire State Parks Turns 90

Happy 90th anniversary, New Hampshire State Parks! We are honored to celebrate our 25th Seek the Peak anniversary alongside “The Year of New Hampshire State Parks.” For more information and to learn about fun activations, like an interactive scavenger hunt, visit nhstateparks.org. View Press Release here.

FROM THE #OBSARCHIVE

On June 30,1900, a sad and significant event occurred in Mount Washington’s history, leading to the creation of The Refuge, an Appalachian Mountain Club emergency shelter (pictured above) on the upper reaches of the mountain to help distressed hikers. Learn more in the Appalachian Mountain Club’s AMC 150 History Series (Chapter 3).

A Day in the Life of an Observatory Intern with WCVB’s Chronicle 5

Our team enjoyed hosting WCVB Channel 5‘s Nicole Estaphan for a day in the life of a MWOBS intern, as current interns and weather observers showed her the ropes on a characteristically windy day. A big thanks to Nicole and team for joining us!

We were excited to share “From Trailheads to Friendships: How 25 Years of Seek the Peak Built a Community” in the Summer 2025 issue of Mt Washington Valley Vibe. In it, we highlight the origins and storied legacy of the event, culminating next weekend at Great Glen Trails. Other partner spotlights include the White Mountain Milers’ 40th anniversary and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)’s Lynda Cohen Performing Arts Series.

More Stories about our Work

• In our latest “Atop the Rockpile” column in New Hampshire Union Leader, Summit & Weather Operations Manager Mike Carmon honors the retirement of our beloved snow cat after sixteen years of travelling the rockpile.
• WMUR featured Kennett High School’s sunrise graduation celebration in collaboration with Mount Washington State Park and the Cog Railway.
• The North Star Monthly’s June article offers a rare look at how snow tractors, meteorologists, and EduTrips keep Mount Washington Observatory running in the worst weather on Earth.
• Emily Pike with WMTW spoke with Mount Washington State Park Supervisor Patrick Hummel about hiking dangers and safety considerations when recreating on Mount Washington.
• Plymouth State University recently spotlighted alum Charlie Peachey on social media highlighting his work as an MWOBS weather observer.
• The family travel guide site trekaroo included a Mount Washington visit via the Cog Railway in their recent Top 10 Things to Do in New Hampshire with Kids.
• Backpacker Magazine shared an article about how to hike Mount Washington safely, highlighting the Higher Summits Forecast, and also wrote about the mountain’s notorious winds.
• The Observatory’s K-12 educational programs were mentioned in a UNH Today article highlighting programs training the next generation of scientists through Space Grant, a bi-partisan Congressional program administered through NASA.