Sunset on January 23, captured by Weather Observer and IT Specialist Charlie Peachey.  

Dear *{{Informal Name}}*,

The chill of a New England winter fully gripped the summit of Mount Washington throughout the month of January. The average temperature across the entire month landed at a mere 1.6⁰F. On the 21st, the summit recorded its lowest daily maximum temperature in nearly six years—a chilly -13⁰F.

Our new winter interns have endured this ferocious Mount Washington weather during their first month on the job. Whether it’s instrumentation maintenance in winds up to 142 mph, or precipitation collection in whiteout conditions, they have fully embraced this authentic summit experience.

Research projects are another exciting part of our interns’ work in this dynamic weather environment. MWOBS remains committed to increasing access to the summit even further for students and early-career professionals seeking research and professional development. To accomplish this, we’re introducing a brand new research-based experience.

Our Undergraduate & Graduate Adventures program is an opportunity for instructors and professors to enrich their curriculum and/or existing research with Mount Washington-based experiences. Participants will work on meaningful research and practical applications that intersect science, community, and the environment. We’re offering customizable experiences across a spectrum of scales, from one-time, in-depth weather station tours to immersive, multi-month independent research projects.

If you or someone you know is affiliated with a university, or simply interested in learning more about this exciting new program, please join us for an informational webinar on Tuesday, February 25 from 7:00 to 8:00PM. You can register for the free webinar here.

Thank you for all of your support of the Observatory. We wouldn’t be able to offer these exciting programs without your help.

Sincerely,

Mike Carmon

Summit Weather Operations Manager

JANUARY WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS

Highest Temperature

29 °F 

Lowest Temperature

-22°F

Fastest Wind Speed

142 MPH

Precipitation

4.20 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.

A NOTE FROM MINUS33

Learn more about NH-based Minus33 Merino Wool at minus33.com. You can also shop the exclusive Summit Socks here.

SUMMIT SNAPSHOT:

CRREL Research Team Visits Observatory

On the last day of January, Observatory staff hosted senior leadership of the United States Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL). This visit took place as we continue to build new partnerships that will contribute to cutting-edge research and technological advances. CRREL brought along its own vehicles to test with our partners at the Mt. Washington Auto Road as we rekindle this historic relationship.

OBS UPDATES

Welcome 2025 Winter Interns! 

2025 winter interns include Frank Vazzano, left, Peter Edwards, Mees Franssen, and Marin MacDonald.

We’re very excited to welcome our 2025 winter interns to the summit of Mount Washington! You can learn more about their first few weeks on the rockpile and what research they will be focusing on in their recent Observer Blogs. We’d also like to thank Sea Glass Life & Career Coaching for their support services of our interns and staff!

Early Bird Registration for Seek the Peak!

It’s the 25th Anniversary Event! Seek the Peak returns on July 18-19 to celebrate outdoor adventure with the annual hike-a-thon and Après Hike Expo featuring live music, rock climbing wall, outdoor brands, great food, and much more. Early bird registration is just $25 through April 12! All hikers are invited to register, earn gear, and join together in raising vital funds to support MWOBS forecasting, research, and educational programs. Sign up as an individual or create your team today!

RESEARCH INSIGHTS:

Sharing Our Work at AMS

Jackie Bellefontaine, left, Jay Broccolo, Trisha Hutton, Charlie Peachey, and Laura Wilson at the American Meteorological Society’s 105th Annual Meeting. Check out the team’s presentations below!

• Validating CMIP6 Snowfall Simulations: A Grid-Point Comparison with Mount Washington Data (1980-1999), by Jay Broccolo, Director of  Weather Operations
• A Climatology of Rain-on-Snow Events on Mount Washington, by Charlie Peachey, Weather Observer and Research Specialist
• Authentically Connecting the Dots Between Weather, Climate and the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, by Jackie Bellefontaine, School Programs Coordinator

UPCOMING EVENTS

Science in the Mountains

Join Alicia Wasula, Ph.D., Certified Consulting Meteorologist and President at STM Weather, during our next virtual Science in the Mountains on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7:00 p.m. Wasula will lead a discussion on the long history of forensic meteorology, how observational data is used to understand the meteorological conditions, and interesting examples  demonstrating how forensic meteorologists help attorneys understand the weather as it relates to a specific case. Register here!

SnowSafe Summit

We are excited to be a participating partner in a collaborative winter safety event hosted by Hiking Buddies and Barn Door Hostel. This two-day event will focus on safety, outdoor adventures, and community engagement, with opportunities to learn new skills, try winter camping and engage with local vendors and leaders. MWOBS’s own Mike Carmon will be a presenting speaker on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 7:00 PM, highlighting weather and forecasting on Mount Washington. Author Ty Gagne will also discuss his new book during a fireside chat.

MWV Youth STEM Expo

The MWV Youth STEM Expo is just around the corner, and we’ve got the perfect opportunity to help students bring their projects to life! We’re teaming up with Conway Public Library, White Mountain Science, and Tin Mountain Conservation Center to offer a FREE STEM camp over February break!

Boston Outdoor Expo & Run Show

Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable weekend of fun, fitness, and family-friendly activities at the Boston Run Show and Boston Outdoor Expo on March 1-2 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. In addition to tabling on Saturday, Drew Bush, Executive Director, will give a presentation on extreme weather and the effects on outdoor recreation communities in New Hampshire. Receive a complimentary ticket for a limited time here!

Tuckerman Inferno Pentathlon

This year’s pentathlon harkens back to the Inferno’s historical roots as a summit-to-valley citizens’ ski race while retaining the modern Inferno’s five-stage adventure relay format. Compete individually, as a skimo/nordic dynamic duo, or as a relay team. All proceeds from this event support the Mount Washington Avalanche Center Foundation.

RETAIL CORNER

5 Gifts for Your Valentine 

The Frozen Pasta Coaster features the iconic photograph taken in 2022 on the summit and comes with a mini display easel!

The Tower with Aurora Magnet is carefully crafted with sustainable wood and features an awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis behind the Observatory.

Miir’s Rough Cut Mountain Bottle features Thermo 3D® double wall vacuum insulation, keeping any beverage hot or cold for hours on end (wide mouth, 32 oz.)

This Black Speckled Camper Mug is a great gift to share your Obs love with a loved one while staying cozy by the campfire.

It’s not too late to buy a 2025 Mount Washington Observatory Calendar! Views From the Top of New England and Nimbus on Mt. Washington are still available through our selling partner— Shop them today to enjoy Observatory photography all year long.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: ASSA ABLOY

We’d like to thank ASSA ABLOY, the Official Sponsor of Mount Washington Observatory’s Access Needs. We appreciate ASSA ABLOY’s willingness to support our needs for new office doors in North Conway as well as future renovations to improve the quality of life and safety of our summit team. Learn more about ASSA ABLOY here.

IN THE NEWS

NBC10 Checks in During Recent Chill

NBC10 Boston’s Eli Rosenberg checked in with Weather Observer and IT Specialist Charlie Peachey on Jan. 22 about how the team stays warm in subzero temps.

Other Recent Stories about our Work

• Weather Observer & Education Specialist Amy Cotter spoke with WMUR on Jan. 30 when temps were nearing a record season low, and spoke about the snowy conditions during a recent rescue on Mount Washington.
• Summit Weather Operations Manager Mike Carmon also spoke about the recent cold on Jan.24 with WCVB Channel 5, offering some insights into how the team stays warm.
• News Center Maine also spoke with Charlie Peachey about working in the extreme cold.
• Weather Observer & Education Specialist Francis Tarasiewicz has passed the pen to Mike Carmon in our monthly Atop the Rockpile column for New Hampshire’s Union Leader. You can read Mike’s introductory write-up here.
• Mike Carmon recently joined the Everything Weather Podcast to discuss his journey into the world of weather, his experiences managing one of the most extreme weather stations in the world, and how he contributes to weather education and science communication with host Kyle David.