From Glaze to Haze

2015-05-15 14:31:28.000 – Mike Carmon, Co-Director of Summit Operations

Our shift’s arrival to the summit on Wednesday was shrouded in fog and caked in slippery glaze ice. It was not exactly the welcome we were expecting, but Mount Washington is not exactly known for its warm hospitality. Nevertheless, we braved the slick roads and low visibilities and made it to the summit in decent time (thanks to the chains on our tires).

 

It never ceases to amaze me when I witness the amount of glaze ice that can accrue on the summit after a single night of sub-freezing temperatures accompanied by fog. Towers, buildings, instruments, and all other surfaces were completely encased in chilly confines, giving us all a hankering for glazed donuts.

 

It would not take long for this shiny coating to loosen its grip on the summit paraphernalia, though. Temperatures yesterday climbed above freezing enough to begin the melting process, while today’s highs soared well into the 40s, eating away at the glaze with much efficiency. The sounds of large ice-chunks falling off of all the summit towers has been the proverbial theme song for the day today, which has struck quite an ominous tone during our weather observations. The crystal-clear horizon of the dry winter months has morphed into a more milky and hazy air quality, which will stick with us until snow begins to creep  back into our forecasts.

 

With the ice managing to melt as quickly as it did, the Mt. Washington Auto Road opened its gates to the public on Thursday morning, allowing ascents to the summit for the first time since October of 2014! With as long and brutal as this winter was, it was a welcome sight to see cars climbing Home Stretch–a scene signaling that summer has officially arrived for us summit-dwellers.

Mike Carmon, Co-Director of Summit Operations