Changing weather and a big storm…

2007-03-02 09:38:19.000 – Jim Salge,  Observer

The Atlantic Ocean…

Change came quickly to the summit overnight, as our crisp, clear and calm air gave way to falling snow and increasing winds. But to dwell upon yesterday…well, what a day. Visibility exceeded 100 miles through the duration of daylight, and bright sun felt much warmer than the actual temperatures in the low teens. The staff, who on this shift haven’t seen such a day in about a month and a half, took turns going on hikes around the summit; Ryan did the Alpine Garden Loop, Brent, the West Side Loop, Janet, our volunteer, the Gulfside Loop, and I worked my way around the northern summit cone at sunset hoping for a shot between the rapidly increasing clouds. I was not upset when it didn’t work out…

I was going to contrast the picture at right, taken of the Atlantic Ocean shimmering to the east at dawn yesterday morning, with this morning’s visibility, but I think everyone knows what nothing looks like. Conditions this morning are a snow lovers dream, with low density powder piling up around the peak. And in the busy morning, I’ll link to the Forest Service’s Avalanche Page for how the snow will impact other parts of the mountain…a worthwhile read any day, but quite interesting this morning!

Jim Salge,  Observer