Observer Comments
October 2013
On Monday, October 7th, 5 members of the Appalachian Mountain Club's Construction Crew arrived for a week of disassembly and demolition of the Mount Washington Observatory Summit Museum, ahead of the planned opening of Extreme Mount Washington in the spring of 2014.
From Monday to Thursday these hardy men and women have been working to take down the last vestiges of exhibit staging areas, casing, retail structures, and the triple flight staircase leading to them all. At the end of each day they share dinner with the Observatory Staff and sleep in the guest quarters inside the Observatory's living space. A week into deconstruction, and the museum bears little resemblance to its busy, people-packed former self. Images of the demolition process may be viewed on our Renovation Photos page.As work begins we still have just over $40,000 left to raise on the project's $825,000 budget. Help us bring this important project to completion by making a tax-deductible donation of any amount on ExtremeMountWashington.org Thanks again for your support!Will Broussard – Outreach Coordinator
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My Protector In A Moat Of Clouds
Working on the summit and being one of the few females, I frequently find myself as 'one of the guys'. While I might act like one the guys from time to time, my mind still tends to have girlie daydreams. This morning was no exception as I walked out onto the observation deck for my first observation. Looking out to the horizon, the day was just beginning as light filtered over the horizon. Below me, a sea of clouds obstructed the valley's below my castle. From the top of the tower with longer hair, I could be Rapunzel stranded by a moat of condensed water vapor. This morning there was an added flare to this vision. With few mountain tops poking through the clouds, I was protected by an alligator. What more could a weather observing Princess ask for?
Rebecca Scholand – Weather Observer/Education Specialist
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A guest this afternoon looks over a sea of clouds.
Reading over our Facebook comments and emails, there seems to be some confusion concerning our operating status as well as others directly around us during the Federal Government Shutdown we (the United States) are currently experiencing. So, let me hopefully clear up some of that confusion by pulling together all the available resources I can find for the summit and surrounding mountain community - most of which remain open amid the Federal Government Shutdown.
Let's start with us - we are open and are not affected by this shutdown. The Mount Washington Observatory is a private, nonprofit, membership based organization. It generates funds through several methods: membership fees, educational program fees, museum admissions and Museum shops sales, scientific research projects, the National Weather Service contracts, daily radio shows and scientific or educational grants, all of which contribute to administrative and operating expenses. We also are grateful for corporate support from such organizations as Eastern Mountain Sports, Subaru of America, the Mt. Washington Auto Road, The Mount Washington Cog Railway, Vasque and other companies. Much of our support comes from individuals who join us as Observatory members. Except for compensation for services rendered, or as a component of special, specific projects, the Observatory receives no Federal or state support.
Next up, the Mount Washington Observatory leases space within the Sherman Adams building of New Hampshire State Park. The New Hampshire State Park system, like most state parks around the country, is not part of the government shutdown. The Mount Washington State Park, as of this weekend, remains open to the public. Some parks within their system are closed due to the season and not because of Federal funding. For a complete rundown of the operating schedules within the New Hampshire State Park system, you can check out their website here.
Next up, motorized transportation up to the summit. Regarding the Federal Government Shutdown, the Mount Washington Auto Road home page states, "As a completely private entity, we will remain open and unaffected by the shutdown." So, for their operating schedule, you can head here. Similarly, the Cog Railway's home page states, "The Cog Railway is OPEN - Not affected by shutdown - All scenic byways, dramatic vistas, and Mount Washington summit are OPEN!!" So, for their operating schedule, you can head here.
As far as trail, hut, AMC visitor centers, lodge, campgrounds, etc. information, the Appalachian Mountain Club put together a great blog article, similar to this one, outlining what is affected and what remains open during this shutdown period. It can be found here. Additionally, they have been updating a list of what remains open or closed amid the Federal Government Shutdown. It is available here. The only information that appears to be missing from that page is the status of the trails and facilities of the Randolph Mountain Club. While a statement about the Federal Government Shutdown wasn't readily available on their website, you can refer to their website for more information and for further contact information.
So, hopefully this and the available links above help clear up some confusion during this period of Federal Government Shutdown. If I happened to miss anything, my advice would be to check out the website for any given location, organization, etc. and don't assume something is closed. So hopefully some or all of this information will provide a bit of assistance so that you can still get out and enjoy the outdoors this holiday weekend and beyond.
Ryan Knapp – Weather Observer/Meteorologist
I have been working on the summit since December of 2005, and in that time I have seen my fair share of sunrises and sunsets. After viewing each one, I will typically make a mental note how it rates on a scale from 0 to 10; zero being a foggy sunrise/set and a 10 being something that leaves me and others speechless. With the summit in the fog over 60 percent of the year, I have witnessed several "zeroes." I have also witnessed plenty of "ones" - those days where the sky is perfectly clear or the clouds are on the opposite side of the sky making for little to no color apart from the sky going from black to blue or the other way around. A two or three would be those days where we might get a hint of color but it is a narrow spectrum, a small highlighted area, or it is all short lived. The mid-range (4 to 6) varies and can include an undercast with some color above, clear skies above and the undercast highlighted, intermittent fog with clouds above, etc. They are scenes that are average and something I have seen numerous times before. The upper ratings in my spectrum (7-9) are those rises and sets that have widespread color, a large spectrum, and that last a long time.
Lastly there are those perfect tens - those days the sky erupts in color from top to bottom in all directions for an hour before and an hour after. And adding to it all are those unique weather occurrences setting it all apart - a partial or total undercast, virga draping down in different colors then the clouds above them, a rainbow or double rainbow, a light pillar, a fading or start of an Aurora, blowing snow, rime ice glowing, or perfectly calm and quiet conditions. These are the kind of scenes that are just so unusual, so beautiful, and so phenomenal that I have to wake people up or drag them outside with me just to make sure I can share the moment and make the surreal seem just slightly more normal.
These are my ratings; however, I always remind guests and new employees that these ratings are purely MY ratings and they are on a sliding scale of sorts the longer I work here. When I was first starting out here, everything I saw was a perfect ten. The views, the colors, and the weather - it was all new, unique, and like nothing I had ever seen before. I would photograph everything thinking it was the bee's knees. At times, I look back at my picture catalog and wonder why I took over 100 pictures of a perfectly clear sky when now and days I typically only take about a dozen images. It's not that a clear sky day isn't beautiful to me anymore, it is just that I believe that with time I have realized that I don't necessarily need to photograph it all to remember it all; it's more quality over quantity. Therefore, it doesn't matter if a sunrise or sunset is a zero or a 10 to me or anyone around me. Now and days I look at the world around me and try to find those things that stand out and will help me remember the moment. So this Columbus Day weekend, hopefully you can get out and witness/experience some moments of your own.
Ryan Knapp – Weather Observer/Meteorologist
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Observation Deck
It was once again, another beautiful day on the summit with blue skies, plenty of sunshine and unmistakable views of the Appalachians. Seeing how the weather has been so cooperative within the last few days, families and friends have made the trip to the summit to take pictures and enjoy the sights. Unfortunately however, as we all know, weather is always changing. As the coastal low over the Atlantic continues to move northeast, clouds will return over the summits this evening, continuing into the night. In addition,the Geophysical Institute has forecasted for some weak auroras during the night. Thus, If conditions are just right, there is a slight chance of seeing them in the night sky along with some detailed constellations in the background.
Pratik Patel – Summit Intern
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Aurora from October Second.
If you are an avid follower or frequent checker of our Facebook page, you may have viewed a few of our Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights) images over the past year or so (on a side note, you do not need a Facebook username or password to view our content; you only need one if you intend to 'Like' or leave comments on any content). While we like to share these images, they always generate a ton of questions. So, I will answer five of our most common questions.
1. When are they coming? The Mount Washington Observatory is a weather station. We do not measure or forecast Aurora Borealis or any other space related activity. None of us are remotely certified or degreed to do so either. The only way we know activity is going to occur is by monitoring sites like NOAA POES Auroral Activity Map, solarham.com, or spaceweather.gov or several other sites available with a simple Google search. While websites help us keep an eye out for them, most of the time, we are caught off guard when they occur just as much as any other untrained person in the region.
2. Can you notify us when they are happening or going to occur? Unfortunately, since none of us know how to forecast these events, the best we can do is point you to the websites mentioned above. Additionally, if you have a smartphone, there are several 'apps' available that can assist you in receiving notifications. And if you happen to have a Facebook or Twitter account, there are several 'space weather' related sites that can keep you well informed. The best we can do is post information to our Facebook page as we observer them.
3. When is the best time to see them? They are best viewed when it is dark and the darker the better. So get away from city lights or any light source in general. While they can be seen with a full moon, the less moonlight there is the better. Winter tends to have better viewing opportunities however, they can be seen during any month of the year at our latitude. And they occur more often during years of solar maximum (which we are currently in apparently).
4. Where is the best place to view them? Mountain tops help as they give you a further viewing horizon. But, anywhere you have a long stretch to the north can work too. So a large field or really long north to south stretching lake can be great places to view them in our experiences. And the further north you are, the better your chances. And while it should go without saying, the Northern Lights in our hemisphere are typically only seen to the north (they would have to be really, really strong for us to see anything to the south of our location).
5. Are they as vivid as they look in pictures? Sometimes and to some individuals. Some people I have been out shooting with can see the full spectrum while others only see select colors. So don't be disappointed if they don't look exactly like they do in the pictures you have seen.
I hope some of these tips help you in possibly viewing them and we will continue to share them when we can view them.
Ryan Knapp – Weather Observer/Meteorologist
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New Precipitation Can Stand!
Every six hours here on the summit, an observer ventures outside to collect the
precipitation can. Once inside, a specially incremented ruler is used to determine how
much precipitation has fallen over those six hours. When frozen precipitation is in the
can (i.e. snow or ice pellets) it is first measured, before being melted in order to
determine its liquid water equivalent.
At the Observatory, we use a standard rain gauge to measure precipitation. An 8-inch
diameter aluminum cylinder, which stands 24 inches tall, is placed inside a custom stand
to keep it upright. During the winter, a taller gauge (about 33 inches) is used in order
to handle our heavy snowfall events. The standard rain gauge is commonly found at most
National Weather Service offices as well as other human-operated stations.
Other types of gauges include the tipping-bucket and weighing rain gauges. The weighing
gauge can be found at most automated surface observing stations, usually located within
the vicinity of an airport. A large cylinder rests on a scale, which measures the weight
of the accumulated water. The device sends a signal to a computer, which can trace a chart
to determine the intensity of the precipitation throughout the day. The gauge is extremely
sensitive and would not fare well in the extreme weather conditions we see here at the
summit!
The time came this summer for us to replace and make some modifications to our old
precipitation can stand. We are very lucky here at the Observatory to have so many friends
and volunteers to give us a hand with some of our unusual needs.
J.R. Higgins Associates is one of these great volunteers. After coming up on a cold rainy day a few months ago, we were provided with some amazing high tech computer designs of our future stand. We were able to view 3D drawings, make modifications, and design a stand that would be perfect for the summit during all seasons. Last week, the final product was installed at the summit, and we couldn't be happier!
Samuel Hewitt – Summit Intern
It has been a week since we began deconstruction of the legendary Mount Washington Museum ahead of the planned opening of Extreme Mount Washington in the spring of 2014.
On Monday, September 30th, Director of Museum Operations Bill Grenfell and Director of Education Michelle Cruz began the careful process of boxing and cataloging the exhibits, including the original heated number 2 anemometer, the Northern Presidential panorama, and multiple historical dioramas. With utmost care, each were moved safely to a climate-controlled storage facility in North Conway. Exhibit Fabricator John Mitchell and Curator Peter Crane were on hand to help break down, catalog, and transport the items between summit and valley. By Friday, October 4th the former museum space was empty except for exhibit casing and carpeting, with retail fixtures also removed.
On Monday, October 7th, 5 members of the Appalachian Mountain Club's construction crew arrived for a week of continued disassembling of exhibit casing, stairway walls, and large debris removal. Stay tuned to our Project Updates blog as we continue the demolition and reconstruction process this fall, winter, and spring.
As work begins we still have just over $40,000 left to raise on the project's $825,000 budget. Help us bring this important project to completion by making a tax-deductible donation of any amount on Extreme.MountWashington.org
Once again, we thank you for your support!
Will Broussard – Outreach Coordinator
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Lenticulars Undulating in the Twilight
I had an interesting first night on the summit on Wednesday. With winds gusting in excess
of hurricane force and the summit remaining in the clear, each observation was a struggle
against the wind. When we're in the clear, observations involve walking the length of the
deck to check conditions to our east. It was easy to get out of control walking across the
deck with the wind, and it took all my strength to walk into the wind to get back to the
tower.
Two nights after, I was wandering around the deck, pondering how it is possible to have
nearly calm winds on the summit of a mountain. It's quite incredible how mountain weather
can change so dramatically, going from completely calm to winds that can easily overpower
you. Whether you're going out for a day hike or doing an extended backpack expedition in
the Whites, checking the weather before you
leave and constantly re-evaluating your surroundings can reduce the risk of weather catching
you by surprise.
Mike Dorfman – Weather Observer
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Observer Fitzgerald demonstrates good bowling form
Another work day on top of the Rockpile is just about complete, which has this Observer considering what is on the docket for tonight's summit activities. We often get asked the question, 'what do you all do for fun up here?' to which there are several answers depending on who you ask.
For those of you who do not already know, as Observers at the Mount Washington Observatory we work around the clock, 24-hours a day, with each Observer working a 12-hour shift. For the day Observers, we generally work 5:30AM until 5:30PM, while the night Observers take the other 12 hours. Speaking from a day Observer's prospective, when 5:30PM rolls around we are generally ready for some relaxation and fun, but this obviously means different things to different people. With weather usually being the limiting factor, usually we don't get to pick which days we get to recreate outdoors. For me, this means I absolutely try to take advantage of some of the nicer days by hiking down to Lakes of the Clouds, doing a half-loop of the summit cone on the West Side Trail, or enjoying the views on Nelson Crag or at the headwall of the Great Gulf Wilderness.
When darkness or foul-weather engulfs the summit, Observers are likely to be found reading on the couch, playing music, arguing while watching hockey (about the Bruins, Devils or Rangers most likely), enjoying Monday Night Football, or what has been the activity of choice lately: Nintendo Wii Bowling. Observers and Interns alike have been locked in heated Wii Bowling competition for a couple months now, often averaging numerous games each night (unless Jeopardy is on).
While it may seem a little silly just how intensely we play Wii Bowling, it may go without saying how important extra-curricular activities are up here at our weather station. While eight days at a time can be a long period away from friends and family, our hearts definitely go out to the researchers who live in even more remote locations (i.e. Antarctica) who are likely much better at Wii Bowling or whatever their game of choice is.
If you'd like to become a member, or already are a member of the Observatory, and are interested in volunteering a week of your time to see more of what it's like to live and work up on Mount Washington, visit our Volunteering Link!
Brian Fitzgerald – Weather Observer/Education Specialist
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Soothing Music!
A few years ago, I composed an observer comment that discussed music and how it relates to my job up here.
During this early morning, as I was performing one of my daily quality checking routines, a classical piece of music popped up on my iPad playlist. The piece was from the New World Symphony No. 9 'Finale', composed by Antonin Dvorak; a personal favorite of mine. It is not often that I turn to classical music, but since it is known to have a calming influence, I decided to give the tune a shot as a tone-setter to what promises to be a busy shift week.
Marty just so happened to be in the weather room at the time as well, taking a load off on the weather desk. With the many fluctuations in the music, through the crescendos and decrescendos, I began to notice that our furry friend had become mesmerized by the waxing and waning sounds. In fact, he seemed to have slipped into a peaceful 'trance' of sorts, and I immediately snapped the above image.
Now that's a calm kitty!
Mike Carmon – Weather Observer/Meteorologist
Sunday, September 29, 2013 marked the Mount Washington Museum's final day of operation.
Since 1973, the summit museum has served as the primary public face of Mount Washington Observatory atop the 6,288 foot peak. Featuring hand-made exhibits about the mountain's fascinating human and natural history, it has welcomed as many as 100,000 visitors each summer. We recently learned that these figures make it the most visited museum in the entire state of New Hampshire.Unfortunately, after so many years of service, the museum's dusty artifacts and aging exhibits make it a grossly outdated experience. The decision was made to invest in this important cultural cornerstone, and the Observatory began laying the groundwork for an entirely reimagined mountaintop educational offering. In the spring of 2014, Mount Washington Observatory will cut the ribbon on Extreme Mount Washington: an all-new, interactive educational experience that will provide visitors an appreciation for the mountain's world-famous tagline, "Home of the World's Worst Weather."In the meantime, much work remains to deconstruct the historic Mount Washington Museum, and prepare the space for its new life.As the final visitor exited the exhibit floor on Sunday, a procession of Observatory staff and trustees filed in. They had come to mark the end of an era; to commemorate the Mount Washington Museum's storied, 40-year history.Executive Director Scot Henley and Curator Dr. Peter Crane recounted stories about the museum's founding in the Yankee Building, and the move to its current location inside the Mt. Washington State Park Visitor Center.Dr. Crane led a guided tour of the exhibits, humoring and educating participants with interesting details omitted from the interpretive plaques. For many employees, this would be the last time they stepped foot inside the historic space. It was both and exciting and bittersweet occasion as we talked over the plans for each artifact, and the future of the museum as a whole.In the coming months, successive blog posts will outline the progression of the summit museum's total transformation. Stay tuned for updates and pictures as we deconstruct the current exhibits, begin demolition, perform site preparation, and finally install the new exhibits next spring. It will be a fascinating series of complex tasks performed under the very tight constraints of weather and transportation logistics.As work begins we still have just over $40,000 left to raise on the project's $825,000 budget. Help us bring this important project to completion by making a tax-deductible donation of any amount on Extreme.MountWashington.orgThank you for your support!Will Broussard – Outreach Coordinator
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Mount Washington Summit At Night
I have been living on the summit for three years and this past week has been one of the most tranquil. Day after day the weather remained calm and clear with incredibly crisp views. On one night, I was lucky enough to have a friend spend the night on the summit and visit with us. The bonus to this is my friend is an incredible photographer and captured the beauty of the summit in ways I could never explain. Looking at the images captured through his lens renewed a spark of enthusiasm for this mountain I call home. With hundreds of thousands of visitors, it is so few that actually get to see the crisp clear nights that make Mount Washington so awe inspiring. Besides our overnight EduTrips, it is nearly impossible to spend the night on the summit this time of year once the nearby Appalachian Mountain Club's higher huts close. Being able to share images of the night sky that capture the beauty of my home is special. A special thank you goes to my friend Chris for capturing all these awesome images.
Rebecca Scholand – Weather Observer/Education Specialist
OUR PARTNERS
17:13 Tue Oct 15th
Practicing My Purrrrple Steel Pose
Meooow from the summit. I know it has been a while since I talked to you last, so I wanted to check in. Life on the summit is wonderful as usual and I am enjoying the tranquility of the building as the season changes. While I love the bustle of a summer's day, the fall allows me to purrrrsue some of my extra curricular activities like mousing, eating, and sleeping. Not to worry though, I still makes my rounds of the building while it is open. I wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to meet my fans. I have also been working on a new pose called Purrrrple Steel; however, I haven't purrrrfected it yet.
Marty – Summit Cat