Spring in Comming

2011-04-27 16:36:57.000 – Rebecca Scholand,  Summit Intern

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It is amazing the change that Mount Washington undergoes in the spring. When I think back three weeks ago the summit was still covered in snow, the temperatures were still below freezing, and we were still taking the snow tractor all the way to the summit. But as anyone who follows the Observatory will know things can change in the blink of an eye here. These past weeks have been no exception.

Today Mount Washington was a completely different story. I arrived to the base of the Auto Road as I do every Wednesday morning and could not help but notice the ‘lack’ of snow on the summit. Yes there were snow patches but there were also rock patches. The next change was taking the van up the road. Well not all the way up the road but most of it. We met the snow tractor at the winter cutoff. The Auto Road has already been clearing the road in preparation of its opening. Once on the summit I reached for my jacket and realized I didn’t need it. The temperature was above freezing. In the tower I noticed a fresh breeze and when I descended the stairs was delighted to see the sub door was open!

I am sure over the next few days on the summit I am going to find more and more that will be changing as we head further and further into spring. As much as I like the snow I also like the change the summit undergoes this time of year.

Rebecca Scholand,  Summit Intern