Flying Sauces 2012-05-21 16:49:41.000 - Steve Welsh,  Weather Observer/IT Specialist Chaotic Sky This afternoon we were treated to a great display of Lenticular clouds. It was a truly chaotic sky at times with many distinct layers all stacked up on top of each other. Over time they would slowly change shape often resembling giant "flying saucers" in the process. At other times we saw altocumulus castellanus clouds mixed in with all the other mid-level clouds - a sure sign of turbulent conditions up above.Looks like we'll be back in the fog soon enough though and the extended dry and clear

Warm Temperatures, Light Winds, and Clear Skies 2012-05-20 16:23:49.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist The Summit is Open for the Season The Sherman Adams summit is bustling with excitement again today as visitors from all over make the ascent via the different modes of transportation. The Mount Washington Auto Road is now open to the top for the second day and I have seen car after car turning the corner to home stretch. The Mount Washington Cog Railway has made multiple trips carrying passengers in its historic cars and hikers have arrived from seemingly every trail head to reach

The Commencement of Summer 2012-05-19 23:21:59.000 - Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist Dawn The sun rose at 5:08 am this morning, signaling the dawn of a new epoch.I'm alluding to the unofficial start of the summertime here on Mt. Washington.For the first time this season, the Mt. Washington Auto Road opened its asphalt in its entirety--up to the summit! The Sherman Adams building opened its doors to the public as well, allowing visitors to stream in from outdoors. The weather could not have cooperated more, as temperatures soared to a maximum of 57F under plentiful sunshine, while winds hovered in the

First Week on The Summit 2012-05-18 16:45:12.000 - Will Broussard,  Outreach Educator View out the Office Windows This was my first visit to New England's highest peak, and to the observatory hunkering bravely 6,288 feet above sea level. We arrived on Monday to a windy and fogged-in summit, which I was told was normal for this time of the year. For two whole days, I remained mostly inside, with the observation deck my only 'outside' place to venture. Limited in movement and visibility resulted in entertaining thoughts of being on a spaceship or in the hull of some ship far

Lightning Show 2012-05-18 00:01:44.000 - Samantha Brady,  Summit Museum Supervisor NULL As the new museum attendant for the summer, I started my shift a few days early. With that being said, I had the opportunity to work on both shifts. As of this past Wednesday, I started working with the shift that I will be working with for the rest of the summer. I am excited to say that the museum is finally all set up and ready for a summer full of visitors to the summit.I am thoroughly enjoying the time I am getting to spend up here getting

Volunteer Notes 2012-05-15 23:12:34.000 - Steve and Ramona Hill,  Summit Volunteers NULL Being a Summit volunteer is one of the best privileges that I have ever enjoyed. And to think that if I had never typed in 'Mount Washington' that day back in 2001 when I was surfing the Internet, I never would have experienced life on the summit that 'The Ob's' has made possible.My wife Ramona and I left Vermont early last Wednesday and drove to the base of the Auto Road to meet Brian, Ryan, Roger, Chris, and Ken for the trip up. The van was loaded and

Comments from my first 4 days... 2012-05-14 18:21:41.000 - Samantha Brady,  Summit Museum Supervisor NULL While up here for my first 4 days, I've gotten to experience the life of living atop Mt. Washington. What it feels like to be outside in 76mph winds, panoramic views of spectacular sunsets, and the opportunity to get to know the crew I will not be working with, as I will be on the opposite shift come Wednesday. They have all been very welcoming. At dinner we all gather together,while we talk about about our day, telling stories, getting to know each other or

Summer Feelings 2012-05-13 23:54:33.000 - Brian Clark,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist After our most recent cold snap at the end of last week, today, even more so than yesterday, looked and felt like summer on more levels than one. When I started my observations this morning, it was relatively warm (in the 40's) and the horizon had that summer time hazy look to it. In fact, visibility was only 35 miles most of the morning, which is nothing compared to what our visibility can be when we're not in the clouds. This afternoon, we even had the first chance at a

Notes from a new Intern 2012-05-12 19:31:26.000 - Christopher Gregg,  Summit Intern Lenticulars building south of the summit. As a new comer to the Mount Washington team, the past few days have been phenomenal for this intern. Coming up to the summit on the auto-road this past Wednesday provided some excellent views of the surrounding scenery with a slight undercast dancing along the surrounding mountainsides. After reaching the summit, meeting the crew, and familiarizing myself with the observatory, my week began. Following Wednesday, the summit was enveloped in a seemingly ever thickening layer of fog. While helping out with tasks

The Woes of the Transition Seasons 2012-05-11 23:46:32.000 - Brian Clark,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist I have a love-hate relationship with transition seasons. I love fall, because of the colors of the leaves, the cool, crisp air, and the prospects of the forthcoming winter season. I hate (well, more like dislike) fall because it's difficult for me to deal with the anticipation of the upcoming ski season. As for the transition season we're in now, spring, I love it because even I need a break from the snow and cold. The warmer weather also allows me to get back into soccer