Storm Summary…

2007-02-15 08:37:21.000 – Jim Salge,  Observer

Staff in the blizzard conditions…

THE NEW PRESI CAM IS LIVE!!!
Thanks to those who joined today and through our membership drive.

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The past 24 hours of weather have brought a myriad conditions that might take a lifetime to experience in a ‘normal’ location. Winds blew from every cardinal direction, shifting from west to south to east back to north and northwest. Speeds yesterday were ever changing as well. Light in the morning, up to hurricane force by evening and then an eerie calm around midnight. Shortly after, we topped out at 117mph! Temperatures reached 20 degrees early yesterday morning, but have fallen off 40 degrees during the storm.

And then the snow! Moderate swirling winds at midday allowed the snow to form one huge drift over the entire summit area, and snowdepths were briefly incredible on the peak. An ever moving snowpack though, 8 foot drifts at a certain location migrated hourly, leaving scour…and this morning, all the snow is on it’s way to the ravines…quickly. Snowfall totaled around 15 inches at the peak, due to small crystalline structure of the snowflakes, but down low…Gorham to Pinkham Notch average 2 feet!

During the height of the snowfall yesterday, the crew began work on this week’s Obscast, and a teaser has been provided to show what conditions were like. To see the full video, set to premier on Sunday, make sure you activate your MWO member account. Signing up is easy!

Not a member yet? Your support of the non-profit Mount Washington Observatory takes on increased importance this week. We are only 22 new members away from reaching our goal, and turning on our new Presidential Camera. With the summit expected to clear as early as tomorrow evening, it’d be great to see the first shots of the newly snowy summit as it clears.

Please support the important observational, research and educational work of the Observatory, and enjoy some great member benefits!

AND ENJOY THE SNOW!!!

Jim Salge,  Observer