Volunteer Thoughts 2014-04-09 06:17:08.000 - John Donovan,  Summit Volunteer NULL Completing my fourth Volunteer Week here on the Rockpile, I'm still amazed at all the new experiences there are to be had. On the second day of our shift, we had the pleasure of hosting an overnight trip for a group of climbers from faraway Denmark (Maine, that is). The group climbed up and down the mountain with warm beds and a great meal in between. The sunrises were spectacular, as were the sunsets. Weather changes constantly, as you would expect in New England, Winter to Spring and back to

2nd Ice Storm In Only 2 Days! 2014-04-07 20:22:03.000 - Tom Padham,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist NULL Only 2 days ago I wrote a comment about the ice storm we saw and how ice storms are a relatively uncommon event on the summit. Mother nature must have heard me and felt spiteful, because another storm is about to begin this evening, with snow, sleet, freezing rain, and even plain rain all possible by tomorrow. This storm will have more precipitation than its predecessor, along with a bit warmer air. The summit will likely see plenty of glaze ice from freezing rain, making

Back In Action 2014-04-06 16:22:42.000 - Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist NULL It's good to be back!After an unexpected absence for the first half of this shift, I re-joined my shift-mates this morning. No, it was not an impromptu vacation that kept me away, but a nasty illness. Sickness is something to very strictly and seriously guard against on the summit. For one, the altitude does have a noticeable effect on the body, often dragging out recovery time from illnesses. In addition, due to the close quarters in which we live, germs spread like wildfire, and I had no desire

Ice Storms 2014-04-05 17:45:13.000 - Tom Padham,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist NULL Freezing rain events on the summit are relatively uncommon, since in order for freezing rain to occur temperatures at the summit need to be below freezing while above the summit has a deep layer of above freezing temperatures. Most often this layer of above freezing air is shallow and the summit may see sleet or wet snow. Last night into this morning was an unusual freezing rain event due to the long duration of the freezing rain seen on the summit, and how cold the temperatures were with the freezing

Spring is Here? 2014-04-04 06:56:11.000 - Samuel Hewitt,  Summit Intern NULL Despite the occasional frontal boundary, high pressure has been in control over the last few days, resulting in very pleasant conditions. Temperatures Monday rose to 34 degrees, followed by 29 on Tuesday and 31 on Wednesday. When our shift arrived at the summit Wednesday, it was the first time since probably late October or November that we were able to step out of the snowcat without having to wear a hat, gloves, or our ski goggles. For the first time in months while walking up and down the tower,

Spring Is In The Air 2014-04-02 18:12:01.000 - Michael Kyle,  Weather Observer NULL All though the weather conditions might not be as tranquil as Weather Observer Rebecca Scholand was humorously referring to in yesterday's observer comment; spring is truly in the air here on the summit. Since today is shift change day, it was surprising to return to the summit and see the snow melting and temperatures in the mid-twenties. While I love experiencing Mount Washington's extreme winter weather, spring and summer bring a whole different type of extreme weather. Thunderstorm and severe weather season is quickly approaching us here

April 1st Weather And A View 2014-04-01 08:40:05.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist April 1st Weather And View Happy April 1st everyone! As I woke up this morning something about the weather didn't seem right. As I normally do, I walked outside for a cool blast of air in substitution for a cup of coffee, but was alarmed by the tranquil conditions and blast of hot air. Confused, I entered the Weather Room to inquire with our Staff Meteorologist Ryan Knapp. After discussing weather patterns and trends we have come to the conclusion that for the first time ever

Update from the Summit New Museum Project 2014-03-31 18:57:25.000 - Roger Pushor,  Weather Observer/IT Specialist Behind the sceens work This was my first week up on the Summit in a while and I got a chance to get down to the New Summit Museum to get some of the IT infrastructure put into place. All I could say is Wow, what a change since last time I was in the new space. The carpet is all in and looks fantastic. Most of the lighting is in place and just needs some final touches. This new Summit Museum was designed with

Avalanche in the East Snow Fields 2014-03-30 15:49:17.000 - Beth WIlliams,  Summit Volunteer Tuckerman Revine Today's weather was a striking contrast from the previous 100+ mph wind, -45F windchill days with full sun, very little wind and warm temperatures in the 20s, but I must cut to the chase: Patty and I witnessed and took pictures of the avalanche on the southeast snowfields of the summit cone yesterday. Here's the story: We went out for a short hike along the Tuckerman Ravine and Lion Head Trails to watch skiers climb then descend Tuckerman Ravine and the southeast snowfields of Mount

Fair Saturday; Sloppy Sunday 2014-03-29 15:49:47.000 - Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist Today's weather was actually enjoyable for a change. A ridge of high pressure cresting in allowed for generally fair skies, low winds, and temperatures right around freezing. In fact, it was the warmest temperatures the summit has experienced since February 21. While shoveling snow from the weather tower and the fire exits isn't fun by any means, when you have pleasant weather like today, it at least makes it enjoyable as you soak up some sunshine. While it would be great to have this fair weather linger into Sunday,