What Season Is It?

2006-11-09 13:14:27.000 – Bryan Farr,  Summit Intern

Fog Bow

We seem to be on a record breaking streak here atop the northeast’s highest peak. However this record could have some mixed emotions set with it. We could come close to tying or break a record high for today. The old record is 48 set in 1943. An unusually warm airmass is being pushed well north, at the same time, cold arctic air is being held back thanks in part to the jet stream being pushed up north. Looking ahead at some of the week long models, we tend to stay on the mild side with only a few jarring cold shots lasting a less than 24 hours. Although models are not to live by, they are a good guidance. One of the meteorologists job is to interpret the model output and discern any discrepancies based on their own experience with that model and the location they are in.

As seen in today’s shot, just as the fog was breaking, a lot of our snow cover has melted away and we are left with a few snow fields and patches, nothing like it was 2 weeks ago. So far the first half of November is turning out to be uneventful, some quiet it good though. It allows us to get many of those outside tasks completed that may have been put on the “wait til spring” list.

We would like to emphasize however, do not let this lull in the weather lead you to a false sense of security about the mountain. Many of the summer trails are covered in deep snow and ice and can be dangerous without proper equipment. Weather conditions can change within a matter of hours. Daylight diminishes rapidly and depending on cloud cover, can be quite dark just after 4 PM. Lastly, the summit is closed. There are no public shelters or facilities to accommodate any hikers. If you reach a certain point while on the mountain, and personal or environmental conditions start to deteriorate, please turn around and head down to safety. Temperatures and wind speeds become much more severe the last 1000 feet of the ascent. For more winter conditions please utilize the US Forest Service Avalanche Bulletin located on our web site. Here you will find advisories and warnings to inform you about potential hazards around the White Mountains.

 

Bryan Farr,  Summit Intern

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