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2007-05-21 14:22:42.000 – Kyle Paddleford,  Meteorologist

May 21st ?

A little winter weather came our way yesterday as winds turned to the northwest and ushered in cooler air on the backside of the departing low. Temperatures dropped below freezing and various precipitation types fell throughout the afternoon and evening. It was as if Mother Nature could not make up her mind. Rain changed to sleet, then snow, then back to a rain and snow mix, then more snow and sleet. I think I could actually write a whole comment on the many transitions that the precipitation went through, but I’ll save you the boredom and not venture on down that road. I’ll just say that it was a busy day observing as everything was changing on a time scale of minutes.

Wet snow fell in a somewhat slushy form and eventually froze to everything overnight as temperatures continued to fall. Light snow and freezing fog continued through the night with the summit picking up close to an inch of dense hard snow. I never thought that I would be deicing the tower during the second half of May. I guess this mountain always has ways to surprise and keep you on your toes. It was a welcomed surprise however, as this may be the most useful data that we have recorded in respect to ice accumulation on the large gray cylinders that are visible on our deck view cam.

Alan and Maria were probably the most surprised when they went to change the air filter on the air sampling machine for the AIRMAP program this morning. There was so much ice on the container that they could not pull it into the tower to get to the filter itself. After nearly an hour of determination, i.e. chiseling and chipping, they persevered. I should mention that this is usually a 10 minute job on a normal day. Again, more surprises.

The snow shouldn’t stick around for too long once the sun hits it tomorrow. So if you get a chance, take a look to see the snow capped peak one last time before the warmth returns. If you can’t see Mount Washington from where you live take a look at our webcams for some outstanding views and beautiful scenes no matter what time of year it is!

Kyle Paddleford,  Meteorologist