Observer Comments
May 2012
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Chaotic Sky
This afternoon we were treated to a great display of Lenticular clouds. It was a truly chaotic sky at times with many distinct layers all stacked up on top of each other. Over time they would slowly change shape often resembling giant "flying saucers" in the process. At other times we saw altocumulus castellanus clouds mixed in with all the other mid-level clouds - a sure sign of turbulent conditions up above.
Looks like we'll be back in the fog soon enough though and the extended dry and clear spell, we have been lucky enough to experienced this shift, will soon be at an end. We should see plenty of rain tomorrow and with a cold front expected in the afternoon perhaps even a thunderstorm or two. The storm at the start of the shift was very impressive indeed - I wonder if we'll end the shift in the same way....?
Steve Welsh – Weather Observer/IT Specialist
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The Summit is Open for the Season
The Sherman Adams summit is bustling with excitement again today as visitors from all over make the ascent via the different modes of transportation. The Mount Washington Auto Road is now open to the top for the second day and I have seen car after car turning the corner to home stretch. The Mount Washington Cog Railway has made multiple trips carrying passengers in its historic cars and hikers have arrived from seemingly every trail head to reach the summit destination. With the warm temperatures, clear skies, and light winds I don't blame anyone for wanting to be here today, not even the plethora of bugs.
Last night I was able to get out for a hike after my shift was complete and made what will most likely be my first of many hikes down to the AMC's Lakes of the Clouds hut. Although the hut is not open yet it will be soon enough. I stopped briefly to feel the temperature of the water in the lakes and as expected they are still very cold. Not quite enough summer sun has warmed it yet, but with the temperatures the past few days the lakes are sure to start warming ever so slightly.
Rebecca Scholand – Weather Observer/Education Specialist
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Dawn
The sun rose at 5:08 am this morning, signaling the dawn of a new epoch.
I'm alluding to the unofficial start of the summertime here on Mt. Washington.
For the first time this season, the Mt. Washington Auto Road opened its asphalt in its entirety--up to the summit! The Sherman Adams building opened its doors to the public as well, allowing visitors to stream in from outdoors.
The weather could not have cooperated more, as temperatures soared to a maximum of 57F under plentiful sunshine, while winds hovered in the 5-20 mph range. This was more than enough to draw up scores of visitors from the Auto Road, the Cog, and the trails.
Opening weekend will conclude tomorrow with even more agreeable conditions, with record-breaking high temperatures a distinct possibility as the mercury soars into the lower 60s. A gust of wind will be difficult to come by on the summit tomorrow, as models are indicating winds averaging no more than 7 mph through the daylight hours.
It's weather like this that makes the moniker 'home of the world's worst weather' seem to be more of a misnomer. Considering, though, the long and arduous winters that we endure as year-round employees of the summit, this stretch of tranquility is more than a welcome change of pace. Being the night observer, I was able to get out this afternoon for a hike to Mt. Clay. If tomorrow's forecast holds fast, I will most certainly be making my way to some other nearby peak!
Mike Carmon – Weather Observer/Meteorologist
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View out the Office Windows
This was my first visit to New England's highest peak, and to the observatory hunkering bravely 6,288 feet above sea level. We arrived on Monday to a windy and fogged-in summit, which I was told was normal for this time of the year. For two whole days, I remained mostly inside, with the observation deck my only 'outside' place to venture. Limited in movement and visibility resulted in entertaining thoughts of being on a spaceship or in the hull of some ship far offshore. Needless to say, I was happy when the sky finally
cleared.
On Wednesday I gained an appreciation for the beauty and elevation that is the Presidential Range of the White Mountains. Vibrant green lichens covered the rocky rubble, and small alpine plant communities of deep reds and browns peeked up between boulders. In their shadows, the winter's snow pack could still be seen. Winds were calm, temperatures were in the low 50s, and the sun was bright. Only an occasional cumulus cloud restricted our otherwise uninhibited views for a hundred miles or more. It was an otherworldly paradise, and a perfect prelude to the thunderstorms that rolled in later that evening.
My lasting impressions of the weather on the summit are of rapid change. The front that produced the glorious weather and violent thunderstorms Wednesday evening moved through and was replaced by winds gusting into the high 60 mph range, temperatures in the low 20s, and rime ice everywhere upon daybreak. Not the best day to explore the landscape beyond the Mount Washington Observatory, but a perfect one in which to reflect on my time spent here.
Will Broussard – Outreach Educator
As the new museum attendant for the summer, I started my shift a few days early. With that being said, I had the opportunity to work on both shifts. As of this past Wednesday, I started working with the shift that I will be working with for the rest of the summer. I am excited to say that the museum is finally all set up and ready for a summer full of visitors to the summit.
I am thoroughly enjoying the time I am getting to spend up here getting to know everyone, including the volunteers. For the first time being above tree line, I had the chance to experience one of the most exciting things I think imaginable up here. We got to watch a thunder storm with some incredible lightning shows! All of which were extremely exciting to see and a bit scary at the same time! I cannot wait to see what else this summer has to offer up here at the home of the world worst weather.
Samantha Brady – Summit Museum Supervisor
Being a Summit volunteer is one of the best privileges that I have ever enjoyed. And to think that if I had never typed in 'Mount Washington' that day back in 2001 when I was surfing the Internet, I never would have experienced life on the summit that 'The Ob's' has made possible.
My wife Ramona and I left Vermont early last Wednesday and drove to the base of the Auto Road to meet Brian, Ryan, Roger, Chris, and Ken for the trip up. The van was loaded and we were on our way. Several times on our journey we could look down from the Auto Road and enjoy the views of the low lying clouds in the valleys. Ken called in at Home Stretch and we were soon offloading the van, working with the down-going shift to form a chain to make it easier. Our thanks to Candice and Bill, the down-going volunteers for a great in-briefing, which allowed Ramona and I to hit the ground running.
This was Ramona's first shift as a volunteer. She knew that I enjoyed my trips to the Ob's, especially working for and with a group of dedicated professionals, who do not merely survive on the Summit, but excel in the service they provide to the 'Weather' community, and the people who enjoy the Mount Washington area. She has had such a good time that she has started planning of our next shift. In addition to our volunteering we were able to have several nice walks around the Summit and I was able to get in a hike down to Lakes, over to Tucks and then back to the Summit.
When I tell friends that I am going to spend a week on Mount Washington at the OBs, they ask why I do it. I tell them that amongst other things, that I enjoy the weather. The most common follow-up question is what is 'good' weather on the Summit? I tell them that a good week on the Summit has some severe weather such as high winds, and some milder weather that allows you to get out and enjoy the hiking, skiing, photography, and other activities that are available.
The most enjoyable part of the day is sitting down to supper, enjoying the fellowship and camaraderie as we shared our days. It is truly an honor to be part of the Mount Washington Observatory. You can join the Mount Washington Observatory and visit the Ob's. You can volunteer and experience life on the summit. Take advantage of the educational opportunities and try one of the EduTrips. You will not regret it!
Steve and Ramona Hill – Summit Volunteers
While up here for my first 4 days, I've gotten to experience the life of living atop Mt. Washington. What it feels like to be outside in 76mph winds, panoramic views of spectacular sunsets, and the opportunity to get to know the crew I will not be working with, as I will be on the opposite shift come Wednesday.
They have all been very welcoming. At dinner we all gather together,while we talk about about our day, telling stories, getting to know each other or having a good laugh and it just makes you feel very comfortable with them. Not to mention the volunteers make incredible meals.
All in all, so far I am enjoying all of the excellent cooking by the volunteers and the laughter with the entire crew. As much work as we have to do up here 6,288ft in the sky, there is always time to laugh and play!
Samantha Brady – Summit Museum Supervisor
After our most recent cold snap at the end of last week, today, even more so than yesterday, looked and felt like
summer on more levels than one. When I started my observations this morning, it was relatively warm (in the 40's) and
the horizon had that summer time hazy look to it. In fact, visibility was only 35 miles most of the morning, which is
nothing compared to what our visibility can be when we're not in the clouds. This afternoon, we even had the first
chance at a thunderstorm for my shift so far this year. The storm ended up weakening before getting to us, and only
ended up being a quick shower, but it was close.
In addition to all that, it felt like summer because there were lots of people up today. With the decent weather, the Cog
ran three trains instead of the two they had originally planned on running. Although the Cog has been running, the Auto
Road isn't open to the summit yet. It still felt like a busy day though, since this was the first weekend of tourists (for my
shift) after the typical long winter hiatus.
Full blown summer weather and visitor levels will truly be here in no time. Of course, who knows what will end up
happening on the weather side of things between now and then!
Brian Clark – Weather Observer/Education Specialist
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Lenticulars building south of the summit.
As a new comer to the Mount Washington team, the past few days have been phenomenal for this intern. Coming up to the summit on the auto-road this past Wednesday provided some excellent views of the surrounding scenery with a slight undercast dancing along the surrounding mountainsides. After reaching the summit, meeting the crew, and familiarizing myself with the observatory, my week began.
Following Wednesday, the summit was enveloped in a seemingly ever thickening layer of fog. While helping out with tasks around the station, as well as tagging along with observers during a few of their hourly measurements, temperatures continued to fall and wind speeds began to increase. As a meteorology student who just came up to Mount Washington from a school in Florida; this was a chilly, shocking, yet refreshing twist to what I'm used to. No matter how often you study different climes that exist simultaneously in the classroom, nothing quite compares to sunning yourself on the beach with friends, then a little over a week later walking across a frozen observation deck in thick fog with winds forcefully scraping past your body.
Come Friday, the windows of the observatory were caked in a nice layer of rime ice, while fog and wind ripped by just outside. Early in the morning, I went outside to the top of the observation tower with one of the observers, Roger, to clear the instruments of ice and remove one of the anemometers as conditions were becoming unfavorable for the particular device. The experience was one of a kind; taking a crowbar and beating a part of the metal rail getting it to vibrate enough to crack the ice enough so you could peel it away from railings and instruments. Eventually, the fog lifted providing the summit crew with a view of a fantastic sunset. One of the observers, Ryan, and I went to the observation deck and began to furiously take photos in the wind. His experience taking pictures in those kinds of conditions really showed in his results (one of the photos is on the facebook page).
Today was quite windy with mostly clear skies for the majority of the day. The summit was visited twice today by a pair of diesel cogs bringing quite a number of people with them. It nice to see families and friends coming onto the observation deck battling against winds that were flitting in and out of the lower end of what would be found in a category one hurricane. Everyone that was out there was smiling, if not, the wind was pushing the skin on their face into something that would resemble a smile. A few lenticular clouds have been popping up over the Presidentials this afternoon making a wonderful sight. As put earlier this week by one of our observers, 'It's really beautiful here when it's beautiful'.
Christopher Gregg – Summit Intern
I have a love-hate relationship with transition seasons. I love fall, because of the colors of the leaves, the cool, crisp air,
and the prospects of the forthcoming winter season. I hate (well, more like dislike) fall because it's difficult for me to
deal with the anticipation of the upcoming ski season. As for the transition season we're in now, spring, I love it because
even I need a break from the snow and cold. The warmer weather also allows me to get back into soccer and golf,
among other outdoor activities. Oh, and I absolutely love spring skiing on Mount Washington. I dislike spring because of
the mud, the bugs, and because I do ultimately have a hard time letting go of winter some years.
Regardless of which transition season we're talking about, when it comes to our operations here at the Observatory, I
have never been a big fan of the difficulties with transportation that come along with spring and fall. Putting chains on
the tires of the four-wheel drive van halfway up the mountain can be a time consuming process. When we have to do it
for a few shift changes in a row, it's not a big deal. But, when we have to do it for a couple months in a row, it becomes a
bit of a pain, so to speak.
Given that, I know that the time of year when we can drive to the summit without any problems is coming very soon,
although the snow and ice of the last few days may make it seem further off than it actually is. In reality, it is the middle
of May, and the average daily temperature continues to rise every few days. Soon enough, the snow and ice of the
winter will be an occasional memory of the past, and the relative ease of transportation of the summer season will arrive
before I know it!
Brian Clark – Weather Observer/Education Specialist
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Sling Psychrometer/Psychrometric Wheel Calculator
The first Cog trains for the season were up this past weekend with plenty of tourists who want to visit the highest point East of the Mississippi and North of the Carolinas. With those visitors will come one very common question of the Observers on the deck when they're doing their observations - What are you doing with that thing you're spinning around in your hand???
The 'thing' is a sling psychrometer which is made up of two thermometers one with the bulb covered with a muslin wick that has been wetted in distilled water before the Observer brings it out onto the deck and starts spinning, or 'slinging', it.
So you ask - Do Observers do this 'slinging' just as a form of exercise for their hands and arms or is there a purpose to coming out once an hour and spinning this thing around in the air??? Well there is a purpose - As the sling psychrometer travels through the air, water is evaporated from the wick on the 'wet bulb' thermometer; and just like when you get out of the shower and feel cool as the water evaporates off of your body, the thermometer is cooled by the evaporation that is caused as the air passes over it. After a few minutes, the Observer notes the temperature reading of both thermometers and goes back inside to record this information as part of the hourly observation that's sent to the National Weather Service and made available to the public once an hour.
From these two temperatures, we know the outside air temperature and we can calculate the dew point and humidity using either a psychrometric wheel calculator or a computer program. Because it's so much faster and easier, we almost always choose the computer program. Over the past couple of days, I've learned to use the psychrometric wheel calculator to validate the output from a new version of one of the programs we use to do the calculation we use here on the summit.
If you can make it to the summit this year, please visit the Mount Washington Museum where you'll see this and other interesting weather instruments along with information on the natural surroundings. If you're a member of the Mount Washington Observatory, ask one of the Museum Attendants about getting a free, behind the scenes tour of the Observatory, including a chance to get one of the best views on the summit on a clear day - at the top of the instrument tower.
Roger Pushor – Weather Observer/IT Specialist
Growing up, we are taught that there are four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. And most people would associate these seasons with the weather or plant life. In spring, flowers and leafs on trees return and things start getting warmer. Summer is hot and can bring severe weather. Fall bring cooler nights and a change in the foliage color. And winter brings the cold and usually snow or ice. Now, while these all hold true for calendars and educational purposes, depending on where you live, there are several more localized seasons that are a subset to the big four. And having lived in New Hampshire for the past seven years, I have learned a few that make sense to people I talk to locally but if I mention them to my friends out west or down south, you're usually asked "What's that?" or are provided with a similar facial expression.
Some of these seasons are as follows: mud season, "meh" season, black fly season, "goofer" season, swimming season, leaf peeper season, ski season, the January thaw, back country ski season, and so on. So what defines each season? Mud season is a subset of spring. In early spring there is snow but as this melts and things warm up, it creates mud. And I thought I knew mud as a kid in California, but New Hampshire's mud season has to be experienced to be believed. After the mud season tapers off, meh season takes over. It's that period in spring where it's not really warm enough to do summer stuff nor is it cold enough to do winter stuff. It's just "Meh!" Then, as things warm up, the black flies hatch, starting that season. Now, I've heard the state has somewhere near 40 species of flies. While most are just the annoying type that swarm you when outside, there is a handful that bite; the kind of bites that leave welts and bruises. You would think bug spray would help, but it doesn't. When you go out during this season, you have to be prepared to look like you got in a street fight. Most days on the summit, we don't have to worry much about this season. But like Rebecca mentioned earlier this week, on certain days, they swarm upslope and attack. Not a fun season at all.
"Goofer" season is kind of a rolling season but it peaks in summer. This is when the mountain communities are swarmed by...let's say, severely underprepared individuals. If you're "hiking" in flip flops, you're a "goofer". If all you have is a 20oz bottle of water for an 8 mile hike, you're a "goofer". If you ask one of us where to hike to to see the president's faces (no joke, this is common), you're a "goofer". And while most just provide us with good dinner conversations; some are so unprepared that they need rescuing. Luckily, the rescuing subset is a small group. So, now that you are aware of this term, try not to be one. As summer starts to end, swimming season lasts for about the month of August. This is the one month span that allows for swimming comfortably in most watering holes. Some holes have a longer period, but where I live up north, it's one month. Then comes leaf peeper season where you give yourself more time to get around because inevitably you'll get stuck behind the one car going 25mph in a 55 mph zone with no passing allowed. Fun times! This is followed by another meh season as the leaves are gone and there isn't any snow on the ground. But once it does snow, skiing (and winter activity) starts and usually continues through winter. January thaw (or sometimes February) is a warm period where it feels like spring in the middle of winter. I usually like this short span. Then as winter draws to a close, back country skiing peaks with perfect corn conditions and mostly stabilized slopes that are melting leading back into mud season...
While I'm sure there are several other seasons I could talk about, these are the key ones around here I have learned over my years out here. And I'm sure I will learn more as time goes on. And in case you are wondering what season we are in, I would say it's going to be meh (whoa, kind of sound like an N'sync song that I remember the top 40 stations used to play; but I digress). The weather is mild, not too warm, not too cold. The trees are generally bare but are finally getting their neon green and flowers are starting to sprout again. The sedge is a mix of browns and green. And the weather is non-descript. There's just nothing significant to report per say. But, luckily this season is a short one, and with the summit getting ready to open again, it will quickly be replaced by all the ups and downs that summer and it's "sub-seasons" bring. Now we just have to wait it out and play the waiting game...
Ryan Knapp – Weather Observer/Meteorologist
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Marty
Spring really has sprung here on the top of the Rockpile. Outside today there were flying, biting insects, and some birdsong was heard. It has been a wonderful week to be a summit volunteer. We have now been here in winter, summer and spring, and all were very different. This has been the most fun!
We came in the drizzle and fog but warm temperatures of last Wednesday. We made a stop to put chains on the van before attempting the unpaved section of the road, and arrived in fine style. The next days were warm and though some of them started off in the fog, we got some sun in all of them. The hikers were out in force, and the Cog Railway made it's first trips of the season on the weekend. The strong winds for which Mt. Washington is famous were in hiding. Each day we managed a few hours outside, taking walks and short hikes.
Inside, it was relaxing. Rebecca, Mike and Steve were the crew on our last trip up, so it was fun to be with them again. The winter interns have left and the next group has not yet started so it was a small group. And, of course, Marty was in his element. He is looking and acting both happy and healthy these days. He got some practice in for his role as summit ambassador by chatting up the tourists on the deck. He has become quite the ham, even posing for photos. When Candace took the photo you see here, she took several shots of him asleep in his spot on the couch. Then he awoke and just laid quietly until he finally turned over, fluffed out his tail, and looked at her as if to say 'There, this is my best side, take the picture now!'. So, she did!
Candace & Bill Rapf – Summit Volunteers
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Bugzilla on Mount Jefferson
Today on the summit we received some visitors that we don't typically see on the summit. It is only on the calmest of days when the temperatures are warm that we seem to get these visitors, but when they are here they are everywhere. I am talking about bugs.
Today's conditions were perfect for their arrival on the summit. The winds were low, calm in fact at some points, a rare occurrence, and the temperatures rose from the lower-30s to the mid-40s during the day. As they buzzed around it looked like snow was falling through the rays of sun as it reflected off their wings. Besides the bugs the ravens also seemed to be enjoying the day. Because it was so calm you could hear them flapping their wings as they flew past the summit. Marty even went out for a little sun today and rolled around on the deck happy as could be.
Good thing everyone was enjoying the weather today as tomorrow will be very different with lots of rain expected.
Rebecca Scholand – Weather Observer/Education Specialist
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Rising Supermoon
Being the night observer last night was a special treat. Not only was it a nearly calm, comfortable, and clear evening, a special event called the Supermoon took place.
Lots of times, a phenomenon such as this is hit-and-miss on the summit due to the frequency of fog obscuring the sky. However, high pressure did its job last night in keeping skies clear, allowing the moon to shine quite bright.
Night was day, as the incredibly bright and brilliant moon moved into a special alignment with earth during the full moon phase--a scenario that happens once every year.
Although of poor quality, I snapped this shot of fellow observer Steve Welsh gazing upon the bright white celestial body. With the longer exposure, the moon has the appearance of the sun.
In fact, throughout most of last night, I stepped out to perform observations, forgetting for a moment about the supermoon, and thought 'Wow, dawn is coming way too early!'. Of course I'd then look up at the moon and instantly remember the event in progress, then subsequently contemplate how lucky I am to be the night observer.
Mike Carmon – Weather Observer/Meteorologist
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People, people, everywhere!
They're all around...the signs of summer...
With the Sherman Adams State Park Building set to open soon to the public, our rope is up to remind visitors that you need the accompaniment of MWO staff to enter the Observatory.
In addition, ropes are up on the deck as a reminder to deck-dwellers that sensitive scientific equipment lies within, and again, no public entrance here.
Marty has been donned with his summer season collar, as a reminder to folks that he indeed belongs on the summit, and he is not a mountaineering stray!
The landscape is nearly snow-free, thanks to warmer temperatures and plenty of spring rain.
The sun's rays are noticeably stronger, even when partially obscured by clouds and patchy fog. This is due to the more direct angle of the sun overhead as the summer solstice approaches. With less atmosphere to penetrate, more of the sun's radiation makes it to the surface.
More fog. Due to increased moisture content and instability in the air during the summer, fog is more prevalent this time of year.
Our RM Young Anemometer is in place on the tower. Although it is used periodically in the winter months, it cannot stand up to any significant icing, so it is primarily deployed during the summer months, when lighter winds render the pitot-static anemometer less accurate.
Taller clouds. Again, with increased instability in the air, clouds are generally allowed to grow to more sizable heights in the summertime. It's a sign that thunderstorm season is on the way!
The Cog made its first two trips to the summit this season.
Summer hikers are scattered across the rocks.
Marty has begun to re-embrace his role as summit mascot, ensuring he lives up to his infamous re-purr-tation.
Mike Carmon – Weather Observer/Meteorologist
Today the weather has been quite different here on the summit. Rain and fog have once again confined us to our summit home. Only venturing out to get the precipitation can and read the thermometer. I will admit I am a little excited that we are receiving rain on the summit and in the valley. With the small amount of rain we have been receiving lately the fire danger in the valley has been high and consequently prevented the ability to have a fire in the backyard. The deficit of Smores is taking its toll.
Besides the rain aiding in lowering the fire danger the rivers are benefiting too. With the lack of snow to melt the river levels have been lower, but the rain that we are receiving will help. Looking at the USGS Discharge charts for the Ammonoosuc River it is evident that we are below the 72 year median daily discharge represented by the triangles. Hopefully with rain on the horizon the rivers will return to normal.
Rebecca Scholand – Weather Observer/Education Specialist
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Summer Deck
It's been a really pleasant day up here with just a light breeze, some patchy fog, a nice undercast and very mild temperatures. The sun is noticeably stronger now and has been rapidly melting away the last remaining patches of snow.
Marty and I took the opportunity to get outside this morning and enjoy the great weather. While he explored the rocks I started on getting things ready for the rapidly approaching summer season. The winter shovels have been put away (hope I haven't jinxed anything here) and the instrument area of the deck has been roped off in anticipation of the first passenger Cog train of the season this weekend.
It's hard to imagine that our winter isolation will soon come to an end and we'll be welcoming lots of Cog and Auto Road visitors through our doors once again. Must say I'm looking forward to some summer weather too - it's been a while since I've seen towering cumulus and a summit thunderstorm light show.
Steve Welsh – Weather Observer/IT Specialist
Today is May 1st. A day set aside in many parts of the world to recognize the efforts of the worker.
During the past seven days I had the opportunity to volunteer here at the Observatory. The MWO workers certainly deserve that recognition.
Kim Henry, the volunteer coordinator, gave me a thorough orientation after I accepted her invitation to be here. Although orientations are crucial, what helped to allay the little anxiety I felt was a phone call the night before my departure on the 24th from Joe Kayan a veteran of 3 stints here as cook, dishwasher and housekeeper. His helpful advice confirmed Kim's directions and provided first hand insights for what was expected during my stay here.
Our drive up was uneventful but it was interesting to see the drainage bars created by the Auto Road crew that are necessary to prevent extensive washouts in the roadway during the spring thaw.
Our driver was none other than Ken Rancourt, the stalwart of weather observations on Mount Washington for over 32 years. Over that time Ken has established and improved the daily routine for successful and safe weather observations.
Halfway up we stopped and installed chains on all four wheels. Even though the road was generally clear, there were patches of ice that necessitated their use.
Driving us the remainder of the way was meteorologist, Ryan Knapp. After all, someday there will be the need for someone other than Ken to transport the workers to the top. That duty is certainly in capable hands with Ryan. A graduate of San Jose State, Ryan is a quiet, unassuming observer who is always willing to answer questions and explain the significance of the many instruments, screen displays and the natural phenomena that occur each day; sometimes each hour or less.
The very first team member I met was Roger Poshur who, I think, suspected I was a poseur sneaking through the gate by tailing him as he entered. Roger is an easy going guy who refers to himself as an old man. Joe and I reminded him that we consider him a pup since we are both over 60 and he is only 55. Roger's expertise is the IT field having worked for over 30 years at one of the largest national banks. The amazing aspect is that Roger is self-taught; a characteristic that I always find admirable. Along with his electronic capabilities, he also performs readings and observations.
Later in the week we had the good fortune to be joined by Brian Clark, the shift leader. A graduate of Penn State, he is a highly qualified meteorologist who is always willing to patiently answer the simplistic questions of a neophyte cloud gazer.
During our week here we have experienced a wide array of weather. On Thursday, Joe and I were fortunate to have clear skies with 120 mile visibility as we trekked to Mount Jefferson. However, the next day ushered in the start of three days of high winds and accelerated ice pellets. On Friday we experienced the force of steady 85 MPH winds on the observation deck. We both had the same comment as we re-entered the tower: boy, were we happy that we did not have to hike down (or up for that matter) in these conditions. We both noted that the force of the wind actually made us feel as if it were taking our breath away; along with sapping our energy within a few minutes. At dinner that night Ryan shared an insight that he believed most people cannot accurately assess the true speed of the wind. I, too, based on my own experience; also believe this to be true. What is more disconcerting is when people are told that the wind is, say 60 MPH at the summit but because of their inaccurate sense of how that feels decide to, nevertheless, proceed to the top. If they are not inclined to prudently turn back when necessary they could jeopardize their ability to safely return.
Saturday was more of the same with a -20 wind chill followed by slightly less wind on Sunday. With this slight lull, Joe and I decided to hike to Tuckerman Junction, over the Southside and Davis then up the Crawford. As we started over Southside, we realized it would be very tough going to reach the summit because of the force of the wind and opted to make a beeline back to Tuckerman where we found ourselves in a bit of a lee. Onward to the summit where we were greeted by an 89 MPH gust.
Monday dawned with diminishing winds and Joe and I ventured down Tuck's, across the Alpine Garden and up Nelson Crag; a beautiful, serene day.
Tuesday, a day of general cleaning in the staff's quarters, found the summit shrouded in thick fog which was just as well for us. Later we assisted Roger with acquiring dimensions at the former helipad for an upcoming installation.
The summit of Mount Washington is an exciting, dangerous place but fortunately for a hiker like me, I can rely on the expertise of observers such as Brian, Ryan and Roger to provide the invaluable forecasts that enable me to make a rational decision whether to hike or return on another day. Witnessing them perform these forecasts was a much appreciated opportunity.
Joe Egan – Summit Volunteer
OUR PARTNERS
22:07 Tue May 22nd
Marty
Last Wednesday, my friend John and I found ourselves on the rather long drive from Pennsylvania to New Hampshire. We do this drive quite a few times a year with other good friends to hike in one of our favorite places on Earth, The White Mountains of New Hampshire. But this trip was to be different, very different. For this was to be the week when our time had come to volunteer on the summit of Mount Washington for the first time. We both have been members of the observatory for quite a few years now, but have never given much thought into spending a week on the summit, helping the wonderful, professional crew that works up there with whatever needs to be done. Whether it be cooking, cleaning or helping with maintenance, we were ready to do anything they needed.
Our week began with a drive up the Auto Road to the summit with the crew that would spend the next week performing activities such as monitoring and reporting the weather, conducting Distance Learning programs, and hosting EduTrips to name a few. Once we arrived, we off loaded all our equipment and supplies, then help the down going crew with theirs.
From the first day, this was to be a very special week. Normally, the summit is in the clouds 60% of the time, but the weather forecast was showing generally clear weather right through early the next week. The only exception was to be on our first night. Thunderstorms were in the forecast for the evening, and Mother Nature did not disappoint us. Shortly before sunset, we were called up to the weather room to watch the storms advancing from the west. What a beautiful sight to see lightening far off in the distance from this altitude. But the best was yet to come. Once darkness had arrived, we turned out the lights and waited for them to roll over the summit. And oh boy did they, with two direct lightening strikes to the summit. I for one had never experienced lightening up that close. All I can say is WOW!
The rest of the week was fantastic! We enjoyed 'Bluebird Skies' right through Monday afternoon. In between the work to be done, we were able to get in two hikes, one to Mount Monroe to the south, and the other to Mount Clay to the north.
What a great week! We cannot thank the awesome crew made up of Steve, Mike, Rebecca, Samantha and Marty enough for being such welcoming hosts. I know we will be back again in the not too distant future. And as mentioned in a previous comment by the two volunteers just before us, it is truly an honor to be part of the observatory. You too can join the Mount Washington Observatory and enjoy all of the great opportunities they offer such as tours of their 6,288' observatory, Edutrips, member discounts on merchandise, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and my favorite, the annual Seek the Peak hike-a-thon. You will be glad you joined!
Bob Domeracki & John Zimmerman – Summit Volunteers