“New” Thermo-Shack

2010-06-15 21:32:50.000 – Rebecca Scholand,  Summit Intern

Currently in use at the observatory is a thermo-shack that was installed about 15 years ago and has received numerous beatings from the harsh Mount Washington winter and numerous coats of paint. The “thermo-shack”, for those of you who may not be familiar with it, is an outdoor protected housing for our minimum and maximum thermometers. In need of some serious repair I was called into action.

We had acquired a second thermo-shack from the National Weather Service last year that was in need of some repair but overall in excellent condition. So this week, I sanded, mended, primed, and painted our “new” thermo-shack to look good as new. With the excitement of replacing the old thermo-shack, Mike and I worked towards making the switch but an unexpected problem arose when we discovered the old thermo-shack was welded into its housing and some “un-welding” was in order.

After a few phone calls and consultations with the original builders of the housing it was concluded that a new housing would be made. So as it stands the “new” thermo-shack is waiting for a new housing that will be built by me. Now I am sure you are wondering just how this is going to be accomplished. Although I have welded back in high school I am in need of a serious refresher. This is where one of our snow tractor operators, Wayne Peterson, comes into play. Wayne has agreed to teach me how to properly and safely use his equipment to build the new housing. This will allow us to install the “new” thermo-shack and replace the one that is nearing the end of its life. All in all, I am extremely excited that there is welding in my future… and that there will be a “new” thermo-shack installed.

Rebecca Scholand,  Summit Intern