West View Sunrise

[Bill O]

Can anyone explain those clouds over Bretton Woods in the West View sunrise movie this morning (1/23)? It seems like they are forming right over the peak of the mountain. Not sure if they are blowing snow or there is some big heat source, but it seems human induced.

[Brad]

Interesting question. It sure looks like it is "man made".

[Patrad Fischroy]

To me it looks as though it is on the upslope a little bit closer than the mountain peak. More like an updraft that gets to the point where condensation occurs.
Full disclosure - Of course this is speaking from a purely observational view with little real meteorological training, you know weather 101

[Bill O]

It has the look that it is being "fed" by something. Like a cumulus cloud sitting over a dark, field. It certainly could be some sort of drainage funneling the low level winds. But, in the early morning on clear nights the air tends to be sinking. Especially down mountains where the cold air is forming.

[Mike D]

My first inclination was that they were simply making snow. From a distance, blown snow and clouds often look the same, especially in timelapse.

[Bill O]

My first inclination was that they were simply making snow. From a distance, blown snow and clouds often look the same, especially in timelapse.

I think that is the leading suspect. I know some snow showers moved through overnight so the low levels were probably close to saturation and the snowgun were just enough to produce the clouds/suspended snow.

[Rich]

Would blowing snow continue down the valley for a few miles? Early on in the time lapse that appears to be the case. Then another "cloud" forms closer to the hotel, perhaps off the mountain?

On a different note, in the same video, watching Franconia Ridge wake up to first light is just FANTASTIC!! This new feature is soo much fun and the next best thing to being there! Gotta love technology!

-Rich

[Cliff]

Yeah that was definitely a awesome video! I just thought that Bretton Woods was making snow but I could be wrong. I just became a member of the observatory again after not being one for a while partly to see those other shots and vids and it was definitely worth it. Thanks to everyone who made it happen.

[Brad]

Yeah that was definitely a awesome video! I just thought that Bretton Woods was making snow but I could be wrong. I just became a member of the observatory again after not being one for a while partly to see those other shots and vids and it was definitely worth it. Thanks to everyone who made it happen.

And our thanks to you for joining back up! It is a great organization to support. And when they add member only content like the videos it is great for us all.

I see we are up to 105 new members on our way to 250! Thanks to you and the other 104. 145 new members to go. We want to see the Presidentials camera images!!!

[Bill O]

Same plume of clouds today in the same place.

Amazing sunrise with Belt of Venus as well this morning.