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2011-05-06 08:15:30.000 – Stacey Kawecki,  Observer and Meteorologist

winter’s wonderland

Upon arrival on Wednesday (which occurred sans snow tractor – the first time this season!), the summit looked like summer. The rocks were squashing beneath my boots in mud, the big snow pile next to the A-frame had completely diminished, and it was raining, a lot. True to Mount Washington form, winter will not go gently into that good night. Upon waking yesterday, temperature had taken a trip south of the freezing point, winds were surprisingly calm and we were treated to that rare event on the summit – vertically falling snow. The rocks looked like big chocolate cakes, covered in marshmallow fluff. It snowed all day.

Upon waking this morning, the snow had ceased, temperature had fallen into the teens, and winds were howling at 70 mph. A thin cloud sat atop the summit like a fashionable beret. That cloud is gone now, and we can see snow-capped peaks all the way into Vermont! Winds are starting to diminish and temperature is on its way back towards the freezing point. The winter wonderland won’t last very long – by tonight, temperature should be above freezing and tomorrow we’re looking at rain again.

The continuously and drastically changing weather is one of the many reasons why I absolutely love this mountain. In the morning, it will feel like winter. By evening, the snow might be completely gone and the tasty drinks with pink umbrellas will come out. It is definitely not time to put away the snow pants.

Stacey Kawecki,  Observer and Meteorologist