Mount Washington Observatory Observer Blog
Forecast Discussion is Key to Interpreting Complex Mountain Weather
Forecast Discussion is Key to Interpreting Complex Mountain Weather As a meteorologist, I’ve had opportunities to forecast for a wide variety of environments and audiences. From the roads of Vermont to the valleys of California and climbers ascending Mount Everest, I’ve learned a lot about forecasting. At least that’s what I believed before starting to predict the weather at New England’s highest summit. In my few months here, I’ve been humbled on several occasions when forecasting this mountain’s dynamic weather. Mount Washington has taken me to task. What I am going for here is not the sympathy of the
Returning to Mount Washington Observatory
Returning to Mount Washington Observatory Weather Observer & Education Specialist enjoys winter conditions on Sept. 24. Hello! My name is Alex Branton and I am a new Weather Observer & Education Specialist at Mount Washington Observatory. Although I am far from my home in Pensacola, FL, this is not my first time on the summit. Last summer, I was an intern here, and I fell in love with the job and the White Mountains. I am so excited to return and experience all the extreme weather Mount Washington has to offer. During September, I have experienced many “firsts” on
Septem-burrr!
Septem-burrr! 2022-09-25 20:07:59.000 - Ryan Knapp, Weather Observer/Staff Meteorologist The summit of Mount Washington has experienced freezing temperatures and rime/glaze ice three times (so far) this month. And with the recent cold snap, the summit also received some snow/sleet. When we posted images and videos about the cold, snow, and ice, a common comment each time was something along the lines of, “It seems early.” For valley locations around here, you would likely be correct. However, for mountainous terrain in NH, winter weather in September is common. In fact, for the summit of Mount Washington, September is the month
Meteorological Awe-tumn
Meteorological Awe-tumn 2022-09-20 15:08:56.000 - Sam Robinson, Weather Observer/Engineer September marks the beginning of meteorological autumn, which is my favorite season, especially on the summit. Variety is the theme for this season with a little bit of everything to be expected! We are just over half way through the month and we have already experienced a couple days reaching 60 degrees and a couple falling below freezing, with plenty of in between. Up on the summit, I have been lucky enough to already get a little taste of winter on two separate occasions. Very fittingly on the first day
No Granite on the Top of The Granite State?
No Granite on the Top of The Granite State? 2022-09-09 12:33:54.000 - Hayden Pearson, Weather Observer & Research Specialist While New Hampshire is known as The Granite State, there is actually no granite to be found on the summit of Mount Washington. This is a common misconception by many who visit New England’s highest peak. The majority of the bedrock that visitors see is in fact a Devonian metamorphic schist and quartzite of the Littleton Formation. This formation started out as eroded mud and sand deposits, at the bottom of an ancient ocean, which were then metamorphosed into the
Reflections on a Mount Washington Summer
Reflections on a Mount Washington Summer 2022-08-26 15:00:13.000 - Henry Moskovitz, Summit Intern Having concluded my summer internship at Mount Washington Observatory, I look back on a beautiful, exciting summer full of meaningful work, friendships, and laughter. I began my internship in early May with anxious excitement. This was an opportunity that I had dreamed about for a year and it was finally happening, but I felt nervous about fitting in and being comfortable in this new environment. Fortunately, Jay and Jackie (the observers on my first shift) helped me feel at home and got me working right away.
A Marine Biologist in the Mountains
A Marine Biologist in the Mountains 2022-08-15 14:34:28.000 - Naomi Lubkin, Summit Intern Summit Intern Naomi Lubkin on the observation deck. My first shift at the Observatory was a cold, clear day back in May, and what I remember most was the feeling of excitement and uncertainty. I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I knew I was ready to learn, work, and live on the highest summit in the northeast. Having grown up just a little ways down the road in Bartlett, NH, I’ve always been familiar with Mount Washington. Part of my
Understanding Weather as a Source of Empowerment and Awe
Understanding Weather as a Source of Empowerment and Awe Francis Tarasiewicz on the summit observation deck. “For thunderstorms, we either make them or break them.” “Our winds are typically strongest when they’re coming from the west.” “You really don’t start to get knocked over until winds get above 80 mph.” These are a few nuggets of wisdom that I have collected during my first shift on Mount Washington. Okay, let’s take a breath and rewind. Just how did this meteorologist who – between you and me – is scared of heights end up 6,288 feet above sea level?
Citizen Science Puts Weather Reporting in Your Hands
Citizen Science Puts Weather Reporting in Your Hands A distant shower falls over Mount Martha, NH (aka, Cherry Mountain). If you’re anything like me, you probably have an app or two dedicated to weather on your phone. Maybe you have a preferred app for weather forecasts, another for radar data, and yet another for satellite data. Or maybe instead of apps, you have several go-to websites bookmarked for various weather data. Weather information keeps us informed so that we can prepare appropriately for the weather ahead, short-term or long-term. With colder weather in the forecast, we
Dear Self, Mount Washington has A Lot to Teach You
Dear Self, Mount Washington has A Lot to Teach You 2022-07-26 12:34:31.000 - Alexis George, Weather Observer & Meteorologist I loaded my backpack with power tools and then I was ready. Ready to hike up Virginia’s highest peak to perform maintenance on one of Virginia Tech’s weather stations. Located in southwestern Virginia, Mt. Rogers is well known for its wild ponies, sweeping views, and most importantly, unpredictable weather. On this blistering hot day, it was hard to believe that just two weeks prior, the summit was shrouded in wind-driven snow, with gusts up to 50 miles per hour.
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