Wintry Weather on the Summit
2013-09-23 21:34:29.000 – Mike Dorfman, Weather Observer
Intern Tom Padham After De-Icing
Today was by far the most wintry day of my shift since late last spring. In addition to hourly observations from 5 PM to 5 AM, I also must make my way to the top of the tower every hour to make sure our instruments are ice-free. Each trip to the top of the tower results in jackets and rain pants becoming stiff with rime and subsequently melting, however my wonderful EMS gear kept me warm and dry through it all. Even while taking the observation, I had to stick my upper body, along with the snow board (a black cloth-covered board used to determine type of precipitation) into the wind, allowing even more ice accrual on my jacket.
One interesting thing that I noticed last night however is the presence of vapor trails coming off the corner of this board in high winds. Although not nearly as prominent, they reminded me of vapor trails instantaneously forming and disappearing behind plane wings. It was an incredible sight that I hadn’t seen anywhere else.
With wind speeds ramping up and fog clearing tomorrow, keep an eye towards the summit! You might even be able to see a little white!
Mike Dorfman, Weather Observer
I Haven’t Seen a Tree in 12 Days
I Haven’t Seen a Tree in 12 Days By Ryan Steinke A photo of me hiking Cathedral Ledge during my first off week. Hi everyone, my name is Ryan Steinke, and I
2025 By the Numbers
2025 By the Numbers By Ryan Knapp Mt. Washington from the Northwest on Jan. 6, 2026. January 2026 started off cold with temperatures well below normal, but as we approach mid-January, temperatures
Life as a Mesonet and Information Systems Technician
Life as a Mesonet and Information Systems Technician By Colby Morris Installing an automated weather station with MWOBS Director of Technology Keith Garrett (left). The instrument I am holding is a temperature sensor.
