The sun rises over a partial undercast, viewed between a rime-covered railing on Nov. 26. Karl Philippoff photo. 

Dear *{{Informal Name}}*,

It’s been a week of brutal cold and high winds at the summit. Our weather observers measured a top wind speed of 142 mph on January 2, commencing five straight days of gusts exceeding 100 mph. The wind chill then plummeted to 49 below zero on January 8.

As we rally behind our summit staff and interns, we are so grateful for all that you do to make our work possible. Your incredible support during our Year-End Campaign helped us exceed our $340,000 goal by nearly $35,000 – raising the staggering total of almost $375,000 from 2,275 supporting members.

Thank you so very much! These vital funds sustain our core operations throughout Mount Washington’s harsh winter. Moreover, they ensure our continued investment in technology, research, and education – and onward growth into a true international hub for research and learning.

In this newsletter, we are excited to highlight our volunteers, the unsung heroes who provide critical support across summit operations, educational programs, events, fundraising, and so much more.

With a shared passion for weather and science, our volunteers not only support logistics at the summit but also create a home-like atmosphere, providing engaging conversation and encouragement, and fostering camaraderie in the remote and rugged mountain environment.

Below, you’ll meet Sue and Mike Zlogar, who have been with our organization for 20 years, helping us solve challenges in the face of countless winter storms.

As we begin the New Year, we are emboldened by your incredible support and the unwavering dedication of our volunteer community. This essential combination enables our staff to persevere on Mount Washington while expanding our partnerships and programs, such as those featured below.

Thank you for all that you do. I wish you all the very best as you begin 2025.

Sincerely,

Charlie Buterbaugh

Director of External Affairs

DECEMBER WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS

Highest Temperature

41 °F 

Lowest Temperature

-15°F

Fastest Wind Speed

116 MPH

Precipitation

9.43 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.

VOLUNTEERING AT MWOBS

Meet Mike & Sue Zlogar

For 20 years, the Zlogars have dedicated their time, skills, and care to the Observatory. From renovating bunk rooms to collecting stories and baking cookies at elevation, they’re an essential and steadfast part of our community. Learn about their volunteer journey in this new video.

Celebrating Community Builders

Learn more about the Zlogars’ volunteer experience in this new impact story as they reflect on their time at the summit, favorite memories, and what keeps them coming back year after year.

Investing in our Volunteers

With support from a NH Volunteer Mini-Grant, we are equipping volunteers with new iPads to support their work. This technology will ensure volunteering is as enjoyable as it is impactful. Above, volunteers Mark Asaro, left, Peter Fisk, Marie Kapsar, Hank Dresch, Karen Franke, and Kim Henry sort 500 pairs of Gordini gloves and mittens for school students in need, making sure they’re prepared for winter field trips to the alpine zone with MWOBS educators.

OBS UPDATES

Staff Share their Work at AMS

Director of Weather Operations Jay Broccolo, left, and School Programs Coordinator Jackie Bellefontaine are attending the 2025 AMS Conference.

Our team is excited to participate next week in the world’s largest yearly gathering for the weather, water, and climate community, at the 2025 American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) Annual Meeting. Below are their presentation topics:

• School Programs Coordinator Jackie Bellefontaine will present “Authentically Connecting the Dots Between Weather, Climate, and the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.“ She will illustrate our development of unique virtual and in-person learning opportunities, which helped students and learners of all ages access data to forecast eclipse viewability.
• Director of Weather Operations Jay Broccolo will present “Assessing Extreme Snowfall Trends in the White Mountains of New Hampshire Using KMWN Data and CMIP6 Simulations.” This features a comparison between MWOBS observational data and historical snowfall climatology in the CMIP6 model ensembles, conducted by Fairfield University. Fairfield’s analysis considers global CMIP6-derived snowfall from 1980 to 1999. By comparing MWOBS data with CMIP6 outputs during this period, the study provides a critical verification step, particularly at the regional scale, offering insights into the reliability of future snowfall projections for the White Mountains region.
• Weather Observer/IT Specialist Charlie Peachey will present his research on Rain-On-Snow, characterized by liquid precipitation on existing snowpack. Utilizing MWOBS long-term climate data, initial results show rain-on-snow events have increased over the past 10 years. This research aims to evaluate when these events are most likely to occur and anticipate their environmental impact.

Francis Tarasiewicz Begins New Chapter

with the National Weather Service 

Weather Observer Francis Tarasiewicz heads outside on Jan. 6 for his last observation during his final shift at the summit. Photo by volunteer Carol Haney.

Over the past two and a half years, Weather Observer & Education Specialist Francis Tarasiewicz has made a significant impact on our work in education, communications, and mountain meteorology. We wish him all the best as he begins his next endeavor as a Meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Boston/Norton, MA office. Follow along with Francis on X at TheFrancast.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Science in the Mountains

Join Arthur DeGaetano on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 7:00 p.m. for an overview of the Northeast Regional Climate Center (NRCC) and a demonstration of tools that NRCC has developed using MWOBS data. You’ll also learn about current NRCC projects and datasets that further the economic efficiency and general welfare of institutions and individuals in the region. Register here!

New Year, New Adventures

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.

Tickets are FREE until the end of January using promo code MWO. MWOBS team members will be there presenting and tabling. We hope to see you!

CAREER OPPORTUNITY:

Finance Administrative Assistant

The Finance Administrative Assistant will provide finance and organizational support, handling bookkeeping tasks, special projects, and administrative support functions. The candidate will report to the Director of Finance and Administration, while also working with the Executive Director and other members of senior management team.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: Gordini Gloves

Thanks to our sponsor Gordini Gloves, we have 500 pairs of gloves and mittens to give to students in need when they join us for a winter field trip. Learn more about the The Little Glove Project. Teachers are invited to email education@mountwashington.org to coordinate your winter learning experience! *While supplies last.

IN THE NEWS

Cover Story Features Extreme Summit Commute

Have you picked up the newest Mt. Washington Valley Vibe? We are thrilled to be featured in their cover story, “Extreme Commuting on Mount Washington” by Lauren Clem (page 60). With awe-inspiring photography, this issue also includes articles about winter weather trends by MWOBS Weather Observer Amy Cotter, backcountry skiing safety by Jeff Fongemie of the Mount Washington Avalanche Center, and a historical homage to our partner Great Glen Trails in celebration of their 30th anniversary.

Other Recent Stories about our Work

• The Telegraph’s travel correspondent Chris Leadbeater recently featured the Observatory in “How to spend a night in the ‘world’s worst weather,'” highlighting upcoming winter EduTrips and a Q+A with Weather Observer Ryan Knapp.
• Curator Dr. Peter Crane recently spoke with History Channel’s Jesse Greenspan about the world record wind, sharing a comprehensive look at the Observatory’s early days.
• Director of Weather Operations Jay Broccolo weighed in on The Boston Globe’s Jan.8 write-up when wind chill on the summit was 49 degrees below zero. Summit Operations Manager Mike Carmon also discussed the sub-zero temps with WMUR.
• Reporter Edith Tucker penned an article about our forecasts being available through warning signs at higher summits trailheads.
• Charlie Peachey’s Rain-on-Snow research was highlighted in NH Bulletin’s “Rain on Snow: How climate change might be shortening New Hampshire’s winters.”

Thank you for reading this newsletter. Please send any feedback via email or call us at 603-356-2137. Mount Washington Observatory is a nonprofit research and educational institution. Our work in mountain meteorology and climate science relies on your financial support. Consider advancing our mission with a gift today.