Undercast 2012-03-15 18:37:03.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Operations Assistant Undercast Picture From This Morning It is not very often here on the summit of Mount Washington that we are out of the clouds for an entire day with low winds and "warm" (25-30 degree) temperatures. Today was one of those day s but the best part was that the valley got to experience what we see most days. Being in the clouds about 60% of the year our most typical view is overcast and foggy. Today we have had an undercast all day meaning that the valley had overcast nasty looking

Mid-April in Mid-March? 2012-03-14 23:49:42.000 - Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist A shift in scenery on shift change. Today's talking point on the summit was the snow, or lack thereof I should say. When we came up on February 29th, it still looked like winter in the White Mountains. Snow, ice, and rime coated everything and while it may not have been as impressive as it was back in March of 2011, we at least looked and felt like winter here in the White Mountains, the Mount Washington Valley, and the Great North Woods; something I can't say for other parts

An Incredible Week on the Summit 2012-03-13 17:16:19.000 - Lou Milanesi,  Summit Volunteer Blazing Sunrise This is my second time volunteering on Mount Washington. This has been an incredible week. We have experienced 120 MPH winds and storms as a cold front moved through. Then at the other extreme we had crystal clear days with winds in only the mid-20s, and temperatures above freezing that were perfect for hiking. The views were magnificent.I truly want to thank the staff for being patient as they entertained my plethora of meteorological questions. It was a pleasure to cook for them and learn

Quality outdoor time with Marty 2012-03-12 17:24:26.000 - Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist Marty enjoying the outdoors In light of the mild weather as of late, Marty decided it was time to take his first jaunt outside for the season.It took a little convincing, but after getting him out the door to the observation deck, he promptly ran off into the sun, and began re-familiarizing himself with his outdoor mountaintop dominion.After jumping across the I-beams we have situated outside on the deck, he took a few moments to enjoy the warm westerly breeze that was present today.However, after a mere ten

Weekly Weather Summary March 4th - 10th 2012-03-11 21:17:21.000 - Rick Giard,  Weather Observer / Education Specialist NULL WEEKLY WEATHER SUMMARYMarch 4th - 10thAs is typical for the transitional month of March, this week featured both winter and early-spring-like conditions. The roller coaster ride of temperature swings provided variety, yet also presented challenges for facilities, crew and guests. Plans for driving a dogsled team to the summit at midweek were postponed by the period's most significant storm, which also created difficult trail conditions on Thursday for the upcoming overnight guided hiking group. On Friday conditions improved briefly to allow safe

Spring? 2012-03-10 13:51:27.000 - Steve Welsh,  Weather Observer/IT Specialist The 'Sub' Door This morning was very spring like with deep blue skies above, a scattering of clouds below, calm winds and a warm sun shining down on what little snow we have left. The snow pack really took a hit last Thursday when we saw rain and very mild temperatures up here. With more warm weather in the forecast and the possibility of yet more melting, and hence the chance for water to enter the building, I decided to make the most of the good weather and get outdoors with

Before and After the First March Thaw 2012-03-09 17:26:37.000 - Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist NULL It was beginning to look like March would save this peculiar winter.During the first five days of March, the summit crew measured a total of 19 inches of snow. Normally this wouldn't be a particularly momentous figure, but considering the scarcity of the white stuff this season, it was encouraging to see this much snow to kick off the month of March.However, the powers that be subsequently decided that this was unacceptable, and as a result, the snowy five-day period has been followed by temperatures

An break from the routine and deceptively inviting weather. 2012-03-08 16:29:10.000 - Brian Fitzgerald,  Summit Intern NULL Traveling to the summit of Mount Washington for work each week is easily the most interesting 'commute' I've ever had. Sure, we all drive to the base of the mountain, which seems normal enough, but each Wednesday during the colder months the Observatory's Snowcat chugs up the eight-mile Mount Washington Auto Road, affording spectacular views (when we're not in the clouds) for miles around. Today my trip up to the MWOBS was even more out of the ordinary as I hiked to the

As Our Volunteer Week Finishes... 2012-03-07 16:53:58.000 - Margaret Hanley/Dave MacKenzie,  Summit Volunteers NULL A very special week at the top of Mt Washington is coming to a close filledwith memories of a unique time with staff, visitors and the mountainexperience. My brother, David, who is on his third trip to the top tovolunteer, brought me along for my second time, my first winter trip. Weflew from California for this week helping out.Our trip up the mountain in the snow cat was delightful with the warm companyof Slim and a beautiful, cold day of views to the horizon in everydirection.

The Warmth Cometh 2012-03-06 23:45:36.000 - Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist MWO's version of the game of 'Cliff Hanger'. 'It IS March after all!' That seems to be today's unofficial motto around the summit. So why the reminder of what month it is? Why, the weather of course. With high pressure departing us and a warm front moving northeast over the next 36 hours, temperatures are going to be rising acting like...hmm, I need an analogy to best describe the situation...Alright, in college, I always had an hour break that coincided with the game show 'The Price Is Right' - the