The Challenge of Winter Storm QPF 2012-02-25 00:28:48.000 - Rick Giard,  Weather Observer / Education Specialist Sounding Via PSU Vortex Anyone who spends much time outdoors in winter playing or working can tell you that snow, and frozen precipitation in general, comes in virtually infinite varieties. Each snow event occurs under slightly different conditions of temperature, humidity, winds, etc. Each frozen particle that forms takes on specific sizes, shapes and moisture content. Moreover, once that delicate snow crystal lands on a surface it immediately begins to change. Thus, one of the most challenging aspects of wintertime meteorology is QPF -

US Rep. Charlie Bass Visits the MWOBS! 2012-02-23 16:49:16.000 - Brian Fitzgerald,  Summit Intern Observer Steve Welsh shows wind charts to Mr Bass Today the Observatory played host to our own second congressional district U.S. Representative Charlie Bass. Battling through some challenging conditions, including falling snow, blowing snow and limited visibility, Mr. Bass and crew made it safely to the summit. Congressman Bass was given a first-hand look at the MWOBS facility after meeting several members of the summit staff and getting to know the day-to-day operations here on the Rockpile. After a quick tour MWOBS member and volunteer Hillary

Volunteer Observations 2012-02-22 00:16:02.000 - Katherine MacDonald,  Summit Volunteer Well, it's Tuesday evening and I'm going to be heading down the rock pile tomorrow. After another wonderful week of volunteering here at the observatory I do have to admit I'm ready to return home and see my family; but with only fondness in regards to my stay here. It has been an interesting visit. There was a group of science teachers here for an EduTrip last Friday into Saturday. Now there is a wonderful group of kids from Germany on the summit doing projects for their school. They and their

Notes From Half a Week on Top 2012-02-20 17:23:01.000 - Leslie Schomaker,  Summit Volunteer As trustee (treasurer) and Valley resident, I am often in the Observatories North Conway offices working with the low-level (as in altitude) staff. It was a special treat to spend 5 days on the summit as co-volunteer assisting the able 15-year volunteer Katherine MacDonald. More than ever, I am impressed by the professionalism of the staff and pleased to see their passion for the mission of the Observatory - making weather observations, science education and research.Joining us on Wednesday's weekly shift-change were Scot Henley (executive director)

Winter is flying by! 2012-02-19 23:46:07.000 - Brian Clark,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist NULL This winter really seems to be flying by. I can't believe the calendar is already pushing its way toward March! Although winters are not busy with tons of tourists around the summit like the summer season is, they are busy for us here at the Observatory in other ways, which certainly lends largely to the feeling of winter getting away from me. This winter has been especially busy for me on the mountain for two reasons: Distance Learning, and the various trips that we host.With regards to

Marty the Tour Guide 2012-02-18 18:20:42.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Operations Assistant Marty Showing Guests A Unique Wind Event Here on the summit we are in full swing trip season. With EduTrips, DayTrips, Climbing Trips, Media Trips, and more we rarely find ourselves lonely on the summit. Some nights there can be up to 17 people for dinner and not a bed left empty. Thanks to our volunteers the food is always great, beds always made, and living quarters always tidy. As for our Observers between hourly observations, routine de-icing of equipment and other daily work the added interaction with our

A new Mesonet site comes on-line 2012-02-17 23:08:37.000 - Roger Pushor,  Weather Observer/IT Specialist NULL In partnership with Cannon Mountain we have placed a new Weather Station at the top of the Cannonball Chair Lift that'll provide Temperature, Humidity, Wind and Icing data along with Webcam pictures for both Cannon Mountain and the Mount Washington Observatory. If you haven't visited the Mount Washington Regional Mesonet page lately you may want to take a look.It takes a lot of coordination and work to get a new Mesonet Weather Station up and running. There's a site selection process then working with the

Observer's Meme 2012-02-16 21:56:05.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Operations Assistant It seems that recently the hot posting item on Facebook has been "What People Think I do" memes about jobs, schools, states and more. With this being said I thought it was only appropriate for the summit Observers to stay up to speed with this trend. In the attached image "Meme" is our Mount Washington Observatory Observer's Meme. Even though it is comical, there is validity behind each picture.What Marty Fans Think We Do: Most followers are Marty Nation strong and wait for updates and pictures of our four legged fur

Weather Today was Meh 2012-02-15 23:48:29.000 - Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist How gray and dull today looked. Today can be described as...'Meh!' In trying to think of something interesting to write about, all I can think about is how plain and non-descript today was. One of our sayings up here when it comes to writing Observer Comments is, 'When all else fails, write about the weather', but even that was pretty plain as well. Today is what I would label a vanilla ice cream kind of day; and not that fancy, hand churned, rich and thick, creamy, yellowish type vanilla

Valentine's Day Winds 2012-02-14 23:38:53.000 - Rick Giard,  Weather Observer / Education Specialist Valentine Peak Winds It has been an extremely busy week on at the Observatory. Besides having had many overnight and daytime guests, we have also dealt with a number of weather and technical challenges. And, in the education area I have given eight hour-long distance learning programs to classrooms in NH, NY, and NJ. Mount Washington is a fascinating and exhilarating place to be a meteorologist and educator! However, after living and working up here 24/7 for an entire week, one does need some serious R&R. You