Valley Fog and Summit Sun

2013-10-16 16:48:57.000 – Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist

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Today was shift change day for summit staff.

Our shift began the day in the valleys below, and our trip to the base of the mountain included low-hanging stratus clouds, patches of fog, and periods of drizzle. We pondered how dense the fog was atop the summit, thinking we would not be met with anything but the thick, soupy variety of fog.

However, as we ascended the Auto Road, we noticed the fog was actually beginning to thin out as we approached the 4000 foot mark on the road. As we emerged at the 5-mile section, the clouds completely cleared, and we were left with a stunning view of the undercast beneath us! The early morning sunshine reflected off the many layers of clouds below, and the few layers of high clouds above, creating a brilliant sight as we approached the summit.

This was yet another great example of how different weather in the mountains can be versus conditions in the valley.

Mike Carmon,  Weather Observer/Meteorologist