A purple sunset captured by Weather Observer Charlie Peachey on May 4.

Dear *{{Informal Name}}*,

We’re commonly told April showers bring May flowers; however, for Mount Washington’s alpine zone, brilliant blooms are still another month away. That said, summit facilities at Mount Washington State Park will open to the public on May 23, bringing a new season of learning opportunities.

Once again, Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) will welcome visitors to our Extreme Mount Washington summit museum, with our exhibits detailing extreme weather’s impact on the mountain’s flora, fauna, operations, and history. For those seeking a “behind-the-scenes” look at MWOBS operations, weather station tours are available for Observatory members, the visiting public, and special groups. Tours are offered each day of the week (except Wednesdays) at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.

Also returning this year are several youth and youth educator programs, including the second year of our Storm Scouts Extreme Weather Camp for youth entering grades fourth through eighth. Campers have the option of attending one of two week-long day camp sessions in August. Run in collaboration with Conway School District’s Project SUCCEED, campers will use our North Conway Village classroom as basecamp for their learning adventures to our summit weather station, where they will learn about extreme weather and weather preparedness from our educators and scientists. Register soon, as space is limited to just 15 campers per session!

Finally, for youth educators, the MWOBS education team is excited for the return of our Peak Perspectives Professional Learning in Weather & Climate Education overnight program and Medical Training Overnight offered this July and August. Applications for K-12 educators wishing to participate in Peak Perspectives are being accepted through the end of the school year. Dates for our Medical Overnight program will be released soon for those wishing to earn Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications atop the rockpile!

We’re so grateful for all that your support enables us to accomplish in weather and climate education. Whether you’re a young learner, or young at heart, we look forward to hosting you at a MWOBS program this summer. Happy learning!

Best Regards,

Brian Fitzgerald

Director of Education

Thank You to Our Summit Partners!

APRIL WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS

Highest Temperature

54°F 

Lowest Temperature

-3°F

Fastest Wind Speed

122 MPH

Precipitation

5.23 IN

Complete monthly weather data can be viewed here. Check the Higher Summits Forecast for an extended weather outlook, and tune in to our Weekend Higher Summits Forecast discussion live on Facebook every Friday at 5:00 PM EST.

EDUCATION NEWS

Observatory Hosts Pilot Upward Bound Program

In a new collaboration with the University of Maine’s TRIO Upward Bound program, we hosted high school students for an overnight experience at the Home of the World’s Worst Weather. Learn about the impact of this project in School Programs Coordinator Jackie Bellefontaine’s new story.

RESEARCH INSIGHTS

MTI Magazine Features our Work with R.M. Young

Our team recently collaborated with R.M. Young on a case study in Meteorological Technology International, highlighting the resilience required from people and instruments on Mount Washington, and the partnership between our organizations spanning more than 20 years.

VOLUNTEER NEWS

Spring Blooms at Observatory Offices

Barbara Althen, left, and Bill Ofsiany work on our gardens in North Conway.

The gardens at our administrative office building at 2779 White Mountain Highway are bursting with color, thanks to longtime volunteers Bill Ofsiany and Barbara Althen, along with other volunteers. If you’re in the area, stop by soon to enjoy a vibrant display of tulips, daffodils, irises, and more! Read MWOBS Development Officer Wendy Almeida’s story about Barbara and Bill’s passion for gardening. Thank you to everyone involved in taking care of our natural spaces!

OBS UPDATE

Big Turnout at Tuckerman Brewing for Big Wind Day

A big thank you to everyone who joined us last month for the Big Wind Day celebration! Above, Executive Director Drew Bush and Board of Trustees President Erica Broman address the crowd while young innovators test their handmade towers against fan-force winds (below). Many thanks to our partners Tuckerman Brewing, Mt. Washington Auto Road, Cog Railway, and NH State Parks for commemorating this historic event with us. Check out this fun highlight reel from the evening!

To learn more about Big Wind Day, check out Weather Observer Alexis George’s recent blog post about measuring extreme winds on Mount Washington.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Extreme Weather Talk with Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust

Join the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust (ACT) and the Easton, Franconia and Sugar Hill Conservation Commissions for a talk on extreme weather events in our area led by Michael Carmon, MWOBS Manager of Weather Operations. Carmon will share data recorded on Mount Washington to help us understand recent extreme weather events and what they mean.

Science in the Mountains

Curious about the history of the Mount Washington Carriage Road and the Glen House hotels? Join our next virtual Science in the Mountains on Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. with guest speaker Howie Wemyss, former general manager of the Mt Washington Auto Road and partner in the new Glen House hotel. You’ll experience a richly illustrated journey from the earliest days in Greens Grant in the 1850s to the opening of the 5th version of the Glen House in 2018. Register here.

Dine-to-Donate: Flatbread Pizza Company, Portsmouth NH

From left: Volunteers Linda Denis, Kim Henry and Erika Valez

Join the Observatory team at Flatbread Pizza Company in Portsmouth, NH on Tuesday, June 3 from 4:00 to 9:00 PM to try your favorite kind of pie (or order a few for pickup). A portion of all proceeds will be donated to support our work in weather and climate science. Our staff will be on-hand to make special presentations on our 25th Annual Seek the Peak, hand out information to hikers, hold raffles, and give away free gear. You can find us at 138 Congress Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801.

The 3rd Annual LimmerFest, hosted by our partner Peter Limmer & Sons, takes place June 6-8! Join us for a weekend of hiking and history as we celebrate both National Trails Day and the legacy of Limmer Boots.

On Friday, June 6, MWOBS Curator Dr. Peter Crane will present “The History of Building Trails in the White Mountains (in Limmer Boots)” in the Observatory’s lecture space in downtown North Conway.

On Saturday, June 7, MWOBS staff members will be tabling at Ledge Brewing Company with a raffle and giveaways following the day’s group hike outings. There will be live music, Limmer Boots giveaways, and more. Visit the LimmerFest event page here for more information.

Dine-to-Donate: The Wildflower Inn, Restaurant and Pub, Lyndonville VT

Join us at The Wildflower Inn Restaurant and Pub in Lyndonville, VT on Saturday, June 7 from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. You will have chance to take in gorgeous views of the surrounding valley while sampling hearty meals, delectable desserts, homemade dressings, and handcrafted cocktails all made by scratch by renowned chef Anne Lachance. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to support our work in weather and climate science, and our staff will be on-hand with giveaways and Seek the Peak information. You can find us at 2059 Darling Hill Rd, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

 25th Annual Seek the Peak

It’s the 25th Anniversary Event! Seek the Peak returns on July 18-19 to celebrate outdoor adventure with the annual hike-a-thon and Après Hike Expo featuring live music, rock climbing wall, outdoor brands, great food, and much more. Register, earn gear, and join together in raising vital funds to support MWOBS’s forecasting, research, and educational programs. Sign up as an individual or create your team today. All donations this month are being matched up to $10,000! 

SEEK THE PEAK UPDATE

Nimbus Nabs Top Fundraiser for April

Nimbus, MWOBS Summit Cat and Chief Mouser, currently tops the individual fundraiser leaderboard for this year’s Seek the Peak at over $2,500! Help Nimbus reach his ambitious fundraising goal to maintain his status of King of the Mountain by donating to his page.

PREFFERED LODGING PARTNERS

If you’re planning a summer adventure to the Mount Washington Valley, we highly recommend our preferred lodging partners Cranmore Mountain Lodge and Fairfield Inn & Suites North Conway! Plus, they’re generously offering a special discount for Seek the Peak participants the weekend of July 18: Book now before they fill up!

IN THE NEWS

WeatherX Program Featured in National Science Teacher Association’s Connected Science Learning Journal

A new publication highlighting the Observatory’s work with WeatherX is featured in the National Science Teacher Association’s Connected Science Learning journal. The article, featuring Director of Education Brian Fitzgerald as contributing author, explores the development and testing of curriculum materials and Chat with a Scientist virtual programs, which enhance students’ understanding of weather science careers.

Other Recent Stories 

• In our most recent  Atop the Rockpile column in New Hampshire Union Leader, Summit and Weather Operations Manager Mike Carmon looks back at a mercurial April and the implications for forecasting, summit operations, and travel.
• WMUR shared photos from our summit team showing snow loss amid warm April temperatures.
• Visit White Mountains New Hampshire wrote a wonderful piece celebrating Big Wind Day and the Observatory’s history in collaboration with Executive Director Drew Bush.
• Mount Washington’s record was featured in msn.com’s “Top 10 Fastest Winds Ever Recorded on Earth.“