The Good and the Bad of New Snow 2012-01-06 22:52:59.000 - Brian Clark,  Weather Observer/Education Specialist Things are starting to look much more like they should around here for this time of year, which makes me a happy observer. Although after 5 winters the novelty of riding in the snow tractor has definitely worn off, it was very nice to have to use it for shift change on Wednesday, even if it was only from near the 2 mile mark on the road.Since arriving in that snow tractor, the first two full days of our shift (yesterday and today) have

I'm Back - Part V 2012-01-05 16:28:16.000 - Rebecca Scholand,  Operations Assistant Excited to be back May 12, 2010"To start, let me introduce myself, I am Rebecca and am one of the new summit interns. Arriving at the observatory, I had trouble believing that this is where I would be spending my summer."January 5, 2011"This is not Florida, and I could not be happier! After this past summer as an intern I knew I needed to come back. Starting as one of the new winter interns I am extremely happy to resume working for the Observatory again. All I can

Snow Tractor and Lenticulars 2012-01-05 00:19:58.000 - Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist Lenticular clouds to our south today. Last week, our last shift of 2011 marked the first time we got to use our snow tractor for shift change. While it wasn't a full top to bottom ride down (we left it at 2 mile park due to lack of snow at the base), it was still a ride never the less. And much like raking leaves or shoveling snow for the first time each season, riding the snow tractor is something I look forward to doing for the first time

Volunteering 2012-01-03 23:12:56.000 - Ed O'Malley,  Summit Volunteer Sunset I arrived at the Mt. Washington Observatory for the first time in late October 2007. That was my first time on Mt. Washington, and also my first volunteer week here at the Observatory. Until May 2007, my only knowledge of Mt. Washington was of its reputation for extreme weather, and the occasional sighting of a 'This Car Climbed Mount Washington' bumper sticker. At that time, something in the media brought the Observatory to my attention, and led me to apply to volunteer at the summit. I have always enjoyed the winter

Weekly Weather Summary December 25-31 2012-01-02 14:42:12.000 - Rick Giard,  Weather Observer / Education Specialist Weather Dec. 26-31 WEEKLY WEATHER SUMMARYDecember 25-31The big weather story this week was a return to more typical winter conditions. Despite the continued early-season deficit of snowfall and precipitation in general, temperatures are trending overall toward seasonal normals and wind speeds are increasing as well. Importantly, precipitation occurred on six of seven days and included some of the frozen varieties daily. Winds at hurricane force or greater blew on four days, and gusts exceeding 100 MPH roared on Wednesday and Thursday, having just missing the

And then there were three... 2012-01-01 21:17:24.000 - Steve Welsh,  Weather Observer/IT Specialist New Year 2012 Happy New Year! I hope everyone had an enjoyable and safe evening yesterday, we certainly did up here on the Rockpile. In fact I'm still recovering from all the excellent food and good company - it truly was an amazing meal and a great New Year's Eve celebration. For those that are interested in seeing what they missed the menu can be found here. All the dishes were amazing but I think my favorite three would have to be theTuna Tataki, the Maine Filet

A Message Of Thanks 2011-12-30 20:54:38.000 - Scot Henley,  Executive Director NULL Friends, I want to take this moment to simply say 'thank you'. All of us on the staff and each member of our Board of Trustees truly, passionately believe in this unique cause. We know how important it is for the Observatory to be a vibrant, healthy institution and we are well aware of what this organization means to its members, donors, volunteers and fans. We are proud of our work, and even prouder of the fact that thousands of you choose to support us financially. Thank you.

Windy and Cold 2011-12-29 17:22:41.000 - Steve Welsh,  Weather Observer/IT Specialist NULL What a day, or should I say night, it's been. After Mike called in sick (hope you're feeling better soon) I found myself standing in for him on the night shift this week. I always find the first few days adjusting to the the different routine plus lack of sleep hard and last night was no exception especially coupled with the coldest, windiest conditions of the season so far. Being out in the dark hanging on to the tower de-icing when it's blowing well over a hundred and

Volunteer Comment 2011-12-27 19:07:45.000 - Annette and Jon McKenney,  Summit Volunteers NULL Greetings from the rock pile! My husband and I choose to celebrate the holiday a little differently this year and signed up as volunteers for the Mount Washington Observatory during Christmas week. This was not an easy decision since we've hosted our families' holiday festivities for the past 13 years. However, we saw the volunteer week as an opportunity to experience winter above the clouds, surrounded by nature's beauty and extremes, and in the true spirit of the holiday to 'give a little back'.This is the time of

A Sequel Worthy of Reading 2011-12-26 18:26:09.000 - Ryan Knapp,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist NULL Today's comment is a sequel to a comment I wrote back on June 23rd, 2011, which was a sequel to a comment former observer, Jim Salge wrote back on June 22nd, 2006. So, if Hollywood has taught us anything over the years, it's that sequels are rarely as good as or better than the originals. But there are a few exceptions; 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back', 'The Godfather 2', and 'Terminator 2' come to mind. But for every one good sequel, there are an endless supply