fickle mountain weather

2008-03-06 17:04:41.000 – Stacey Kawecki,  Observer

Windy yesterday

Only twenty four hours ago we were all watching the hays chart in anticipation, awaiting the moment when winds would hit that daunting century mark. We were not disappointed, as gusts got up to 110 mph at the peak, and it was as suspenseful as watching the most recent Superbowl. At the dinner table, at random intervals, everyone could hear the gusts through the vents, and the more powerful the gust, the louder the roar from the table. Freezing fog, ice pellets and freezing rain dominated yesterday’s weather. However, upon waking this afternoon, the sun was shining brightly and the brilliant white tops of the surrounding mountains were reflected into my sleep filled eyes. Winds had calmed considerably and John Lind, Greg Carges, and I were able to take a leisurely and pleasant stroll around the summit. Yesterday at this time, the observers were battling with high winds and fast accrual of glaze ice on the instruments, tower, deck, everything. This is yet another of many examples of how quickly weather can change on the summit of Mount Washington. With high pressure in place overhead, a quiet night is in store for me, and another quiet day for the day shift tomorrow. Then, the storm will come…Today’s wind

Stacey Kawecki,  Observer