Historical Posts Archives - Page 19 of 378 - Mount Washington Observatory

July 2019

Visiting the Jefferson Snow Patch

2019-07-12 05:29:57.000 – Ryan Knapp, Weather Observer/Staff Meteorologist

During our previous shift on the summit, my coworkers and I discussed where and when we would hike in our off-week. After discussing everyone’s schedules, it seemed as though Tuesday, 9 July would work out the best for most. As for the where we narrowed our decision down to the peak of Mt Jefferson via the Caps Ridge Trail. But if we were going to hike Mt Jefferson, we were all in agreement that we would add a side-journey down to the “Jefferson snow patch” on the eastern slope of Mt Jefferson. This large patch of snow is one that we can see from our office windows on any given clear day and is typically one of the last patches of snow to melt out from the previous winter season. As we headed down for the off-week, the patch was still in good shape as it lingered into early July thanks in part to the amount of snowfall received in the 2018/19 season (314.3 inches) and the cool/cold weather that persisted well into the start of June which aided in slowing down its melt-out period.

The Jefferson snow patch as viewed from Mt Washington on 11 July 2019

As Tuesday rolled around, a portion of our Seek the Peak team, the Cirrus Contenders, met at the Caps Ridge Trail Parking lot in the morning and then started our climb. As we were climbing up, we began to wonder whether or not the snow patch was still around. Just because it was present the week prior didn’t necessarily mean it would be there the day we were climbing especially since the days prior to our hiker were hot and humid. As we climbed, I shot my coworker on the summit, Adam, a text and he confirmed that it was still visible to him from the summit. After we hit the summit of Mt Jefferson, we got out the topo map and referenced some pics and figured out where it was located then proceed to rock-hop down to it.

Our Seek the Peak team the Cirrus Contenders

Looking at Mt Washington from the summit of Mt Jefferson

Zoom in on the NHSP Sherman Adams Building where MWO leases space

It was kind of surreal to finally be stepping foot on the snow patch after viewing it from afar for so long and thinking, “I’m gonna hike over there” but then never following through on my thought. But this year, it was more than a though as I took action and finally hiked over to it. Once I reached it, I was snapping pictures every which way while my coworkers built a little snowman. We all got our snowman pics in, had a bite to eat then proceeded up and over the mountain back to our cars. As we were descending the Caps Ridge Trail, visibilities were decreasing as wildfire smoke from Canada started to flow in. By the time I got home, visibility at my house was down to 4 miles due to thick smoke/haze. If you want to learn more about the recent smoke/haze, you can check out my coworker’s blog post HERE.

Looking at Mt Washington from the Jefferson snow patch – for scale, note the three people in the upper right

Coworkers taking their pics of our little summer snowman

Snowman in summer on Mt Jefferson snow patch pointing out work

Ryan Knapp, Weather Observer/Staff Meteorologist

The White Mountains temporarily become the Smokey Mountains

2019-07-10 06:26:37.000 – Jay Broccolo, Weather Observer/Meteorologist

The past couple of weeks have been quite hazy, lowering visibility down to as short of a distance as 8 miles today and even lower in the valley areas. Today, the 10^th of July, could be even hazier, dropping visibility below 7 miles, which is mildly exciting for us because we can code a weather phenomenon that we normally do not get to see, FU, which is smoke (types with a smile). That also means the air is dense with particulates. The NWS defines Haze (HZ) as an aggregation in the atmosphere of very fine, widely dispersed, solid or liquid particles, or both, giving the air an opalescent appearance that subdues colors.” Essentially, anything in the atmosphere that is not in a gaseous state like; pollen, dust, sand, snow, volcanic ash, and currently, a combination of mostly smoke, higher humidity and of course, pollution. Hazy conditions tend to occur in the warm season because there is more water in the atmosphere in the form of water vapor. Partly because there is a much greater amount of evapo-transportation occurring, which is the transfer of moisture by organic life, i.e. trees, soil, and so forth. So how does all of these combine to give us haze?

Well, the reason why the increase in water vapor (humidity) is so important because most of the haze we see, especially on the east coast, is because of the chemical reactions that occur in the air between pollutants like Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), which originates from the burning of fossil fuels, other industrial processes, volcanic eruptions, and dah dum… wildfires. SO2 bonds with the oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H) in the water vapor and air to create various sulphur oxides (SOx) and can even precipitate as Sulphuric Acid (H2S04), if in liquid form. If less water is present, then as a solid in the form of ammonium salts, which if mixed with water can create Sulphuric Acid. Either way, they both act to scatter the light because the molecules are big compared to air and in different light spectrum, can appear differently. Sometimes, the bonds are created by oxidation reactions in which the sun helps the process along, a process called photo-oxidation. All of this is gross, I know!

This is what most of the haze in the Eastern United States is comprised off though. The Smokey Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina have observed a drop in visibility. During pre-industrial times, the lowest visibility is believed to be around 25 miles. Currently, a typical day is around 25 miles with lower visibilities in the upper single digits, also gross! I digress. This haze we are currently experiencing is not just sulphur oxides and other compounds, but also terpenes from the trees, nitrogen oxides (NOx), methane (CH4), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), water vapor, volatile organics, fine and coarse particulates, along with literally hundreds of other chemicals and fumes depending on what is combusting. I actually caught few of the larger particulates on the snowboard overnight. Combustion itself is a form of really fast complete oxidation, by combining oxygen with a fuel source, normally carbon and hydrogen (gasp, trees), and the removal of hydrogen, carbon, and other molecules as the heat breaks the bonds.

Having said all that, haze = bad, at least at these current conditions. Be sure to check the air quality and your local weather forecasts before setting out into the outdoors. I will leave you with the current ‘smoke map’ from NOAA, which can be found here https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/Products/land/hms.html

As always, thanks for reading! If you want more info or have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us on social media or via our contact us link on our website.

Jay Broccolo, Weather Observer/Meteorologist

Marty’s Trip to the Vet

2019-07-08 18:24:06.000 – Ethan Rogers, Summit Intern

Marty the cat, our world-renowned summit mascot, made his yearly trip off the mountain today. His annual trip to the veterinarian came today, and boy was it an interesting morning. Keeping a close eye on Marty’s health, who is now 14 years old, is an important job for those who work here on the summit. To get a cat off the summit of a mountain in the middle of a work week, there was a lot of planning and personnel involved. First, because Marty does not like going to the vet, much less going down the auto road to get to the vet, he had to be given weak tranquilizers to help him rest on the way down. It took 2 interns to corral him into the cat carrier, which he also does not particularly enjoy. He was taken down by Summit Operations Manager, Rebecca Scholand. The trip down the auto road also involved having kids keep an eye on Marty while he was in the cat carrier. Once back on the summit, Marty immediately hid back in the State Parks living quarters, presumably hiding from the summit personnel who took him to a cat’s least favorite place.

“Time for a PURRfect nap after this CLAWful day…”

Ethan Rogers, Summit Intern

Plant Terrarium 2 years on Summit

2019-07-06 17:33:32.000 – Adam Gill, Weather Observer/IT Specialist

I have been taking care of a carnivorous plant terrarium on the summit for several years now. I have always had the hobby of growing carnivorous plants and I wanted a way to continue that while I worked on the summit. I had an old fish tank that I have had since High School and have modified it to support plants. All I had to do was get a bulb that would support the light spectrum for photosynthesis. I have also got a timer that will turn on the light for 16 hours a day to simulate a full day of sun for the plants at the distance above the plants the bulb is located. I will use the rain water or snow melt water we get from the precipitation can to water the plants.

Carnivorous plants when they first arrived

This is the tropical pitcher plant that was originally brought up, it was the first plant to go in the terrarium and this picture was taken shortly after it arrived.

Carnivorous plants provide an extra challenge on the summit due to the lack of insects in the winter time. Carnivorous plants are unique in the fact that they thrive in poor soil so giving them plant fertilizer would end up killing them. To combat this, I do use a little bit of plant food and mix it with water and put it on the carnivorous sections of the plants so that the nutrients can be absorbed through the leaves like it would after catching an insect.

This is the terrarium today. The pitcher plant has gotten to be several times its size and can feast on many insects during its time outside on buggy days.

The other challenge is keeping the humidity up in the winter and then trying to keep it lower in the summer. With how dry it gets inside the building in the winter, sometimes down to only 1 or 2 percent humidity, the terrarium will dry out even though it is mostly sealed up. So combat that I usually will leave a pool of water in the base of the terrarium to supply the moisture and try and keep the humidity above 40%, which promotes growth of the carnivorous leaves on tropical carnivorous plants, specifically the pitcher plant. It has worked so far and I usually only have problems when we have very cold temperatures down around -30F and the heaters cranking. The other problem is too high of humidity for too long in the summer which could promote fungus growth or root rot which could kill the plants. In order to fix that, I lower the amount of water that I give to the plants and will open all the vents for the terrarium.

Every now and then if it is a nice day with low winds, I will put the plants outside since we get an insane amount of bugs invade the summit.

Adam Gill, Weather Observer/IT Specialist

Heat and Humidity on the Rise

2019-07-01 09:20:17.000 – Thomas Padham, Weather Observer/Education Specialist

After a cool and often rainy start to the summer season, it looks like the heat and humidity will be rising across the Northeast to start the month of July. For the summit of Mount Washington we really haven’t seen a truly “warm” day yet this summer, with our maximum temperature for the year so far sitting at just 60°F. Most summer seasons we typically reach the mid-upper 60s, with last year reaching 71°F; just one degree shy of our all-time record high of 72°F.

850 mb (roughly 5,000 ft) temperatures across the U.S showing very warm temperatures extending all the way north to near Hudson Bay Wednesday morning. Image courtesy of Tropical Tidbits.

Taking a look at the week ahead, there’s a very good chance the summit will see temperatures above 60°F. A ridge of high pressure centered over the center of the country is expected to build into the Northeast following one last shot of cooler air Tuesday, with warm and humid conditions likely lasting into the weekend. As of right now Thursday, July 4^th looks to be the warmest day, due to the least amount of cloud cover and lowest rain chances. Temperatures will likely climb into the low to mid-90s for the major cities of the Northeast, including points closer to home like Manchester and Concord, NH. For the summit of Mount Washington this will likely equate to readings in the mid-60s, just a few degrees shy of daily records.

Surface temperatures across the Northeast during the early afternoon Thursday reaching the upper 80s to lower 90s Fahrenheit. Image courtesy of Tropical Tidbits.

The humidity will also be pretty oppressive for the second half of the week and weekend. Dewpoints will climb towards 70°F by Friday and Saturday, providing added fuel for potentially heavy rain with any thunderstorms that develop and at least provide some relief from the heat.

Surface dewpoints across the U.S showing widespread uncomfortable readings in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit Saturday. Image courtesy of Tropical Tidbits.

For northern New England it looks like more lasting relief from the heat will arrive by Sunday, when a cold front hopefully sweeps out the very warm and humid air mass. Assuming this front makes it through the area, high temperatures will be in the upper 70s across the surrounding valleys, with much lower humidity and plenty of sunshine. Let’s hope this holds true, it could be great weather for a tune-up hike before Seek the Peak!

Thomas Padham, Weather Observer/Education Specialist

Breakfast of Champions

2019-06-29 16:09:04.000 – Anna Smith, Summit Intern

“Freeze-frying” an egg in -30°F (-34°C) temperatures.

Breakfast on the summit is whatever you make of it. Whether it is pancakes from last night’s “breakfast for dinner” (very convenient leftovers), a bowl of oatmeal and fruit (a personal favorite), or just a cup of Joe, hopefully it’s something that will get you through a full day of work and weather. Yet, one breakfast rises above the rest, figuratively and literally…

The Breakfast of Champions.

It isn’t necessarily the food itself that gets you going, nor the caffeine in your morning tea or coffee. What really wake you up, particularly in the winter, are the fierce winds and cold temperatures. A bowl of cereal? Hold on to your toast! Certainly, your brain will wake up as you rush around trying to catch the coffee in your cup. Make sure to watch your eggs or they’ll stick to the pan… as they freeze to it.

Many on the mountain have tried this breakfast, but thus far it has not received five-star ratings from critics. However, thanks to the Observatory, you can now watch and laugh hysterically as observers and interns attempt to start their mornings on the summit. Better yet, you can now do so from the comfort (and warmth!) of your own home. Rather than at Observatory itself, the many renditions of this morning meal are now available online for all to watch. Start with two friends trying a new cereal in “Rockpile Crunch,” or watch food and drink get blown away as observers experiment in the “The Home of the World’s Worst Breakfast.” And of course, we hope you have a chance to enjoy the original extreme breakfast from 1990, where the pioneers of this trend sit down on the Obs Deck in “Breakfast of Champions.”

Whatever the weather conditions, we wish you a good morning, flying cornflakes and all!

Link to original “Breakfast of Champions”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J37u_usbJHc

Anna Smith, Summit Intern

High Altitude Fitness

2019-06-28 14:38:11.000 – John King, Summit Intern

Work and bedtime may be the most common time spent at the Observatory in addition to some observation and synoptic times etc., but what about health time? In other words, how do we stay active?

As a part of being on the highest peak in the Northeast surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest, there are a number of short hikes to do while staying on the summit. To name a few: Lake of the Clouds, Clay Col, and the Alpine Garden. These hikes, among others are just outside out front door provide a great opportunity to get a breath of fresh air and even snap a few photos.

More close to our station is the Auto Road stairs. These wooden stairs are great replacement for a stair stepper. For those looking for a goal to hit, 17 trips to the top is roughly 1 mile. Just be mindful of the wind has you get to the last couple of groups of stairs!

If the weather does not allow for an outdoor activity, there is always some equipment here in the office. Within the building, there is a stationary bike that will satisfy your cardio needs as you look out into what is more likely than not a foggy day. In addition to some cardio, there are adjustable dumbbells for weight training in addition to a pull-up bar.

Although we may be on top of a mountain recording a vast amount of data, there are plenty of opportunities to be active while on shift for the week. If all other activities are not enough, there is always WIND sprints on the observation deck!

John King, Summit Intern

Instrumentation by the Decade: The 50’s

2019-06-26 07:38:03.000 – Charlie Peachey, IT Intern

The 50’s were another busy period of time in Mount Washington history. The U.S Army and Navy were working on a joint research project at the mountain. The notoriety of our rime icing and extreme conditions drew them to the summit to test their prototype jet engines and helicopters. Beginning in 1948, they set up a hanger on the lower parking lot of the summit for storing supplies and equipment (pictured below). Using the cog railway they were able to haul their massive jet engines and all the equipment up the mountain in preparation for winter. Before this research project, jet engines were practically useless during extreme cold weather conditions. Their air intakes would suck in freezing cold air and create rime ice. It was typically a matter of minutes before the engines would be choked off and stop working. They conducted pivotal research on jet engines and helicopters that helped save the lives of pilots by better preparing planes to deal with ice. Pictured below is one of the U.S Army’s first experimental helicopters landing on the summit of Mount Washington. The second and third photos are courtesy of the U.S Army.

Another important project the Army was working on was developing better clothing and gear for cold weather. It was not as glamorous as testing jet engines, but it proved to be just as crucial on the battlefield. In the November 1954 edition of the Mount Washington Bulletin, there is a quote from one soldier who remembered the bitter, winter cold of the Battle of the Bulge, the Nazi’s 1944-45 last offensive. He says ““If our making these tests now will keep some poor guy from freezing,” he says, “I’ll tackle Mt. Washington everyday for as long as I’m needed.” Their research was quickly proved to be valuable in Korea with the development and use of a five person arctic tent and insulated boots. Some of the other items they tested were pajama-type underwear, 10-man arctic tents, insulating liners for cold weather clothing, inverted gasoline lanterns, preventative sunburn cream and 200-pound capacity plastic, boat-type sleds.

The research done by the U.S Army also brought another vital piece of equipment to the summit; the Sno Cat. The Sno Cat was first used by the U. S. Army to make the transportation of equipment up and down the mountain easier. It is now used by summit staff to get up and down the mountain during the winter season. It is a crucial tool to keeping the observatory staffed and operational for half the year. Below is a picture of some of the first Sno Cats on the mountain and an original cartoon for a December, 1951 issue of the Mount Washington Bulletin.

With all the ongoing research projects at the summit, observers soon realized the need for more space at the observatory. They also saw the need to advance the technology to keep pace with the technological innovations at the time. With those ideas in mind the proposal to build a new observation tower came into place. They noted that, “times have passed that a rugged mountaineer in a little hut equipped with an anemometer and a thermometer can supply adequate scientific information” they now needed to keep pace with technology, “in the age of electronics and satellites”.

Charlie Peachey, IT Intern

Alpine Foliage

2019-06-24 09:00:31.000 – Benjamin Charles, Summit Intern

Here at Mount Washington we are home of the world’s worst weather, where we experience some of the harshest winters in the world with the combination of hurricane force winds of 100 mph and higher four out of the seven days of the week and extreme icing. It is hard to believe any wildlife at all would be able to withstand such extreme climatic conditions. The alpine zone found above tree line is one of the few living things able to survive every year. The alpine zone consists of various alpine foliage and flowers that are very beautiful, but also provide scientists an opportunity to study and learn more about living organism that are capable of surviving such extreme climatic conditions.

Due to the short summers on the mountain alpine foliage are typically very small, although when they do blossom they change the landscape from white Rocky Mountains to beautiful green mountain sides with colorful rainbow like patches of flowers. Due to the short summer alpine foliage will go dormant during the winter, meaning that what is typically seen above ground foliage will die back however the plants are still alive in the roots and core of the plant waiting for the winter thaw, to blossom. Although these plants are able to survive some of the harshest weather in the world, they find it difficult to survive foot traffic. So if you are out hiking this summer in the alpine zone please stay on the trail at a all times to preserve these delicate ecosystems.

Credit: Payson Welch

The picture above is a flower known as Diapensia Lappnica found along the Boott Spur trail on Mount Washington. After doing some background research I found Diapensia Lappnica is a common flower here and typically grows only a few inches above the ground, from June through July.

Photo by Ben Charles

This is a picture of Rhododendron Lapponicum, on the Alpine Garden trail on Mount Washington taken by yours truly. Rhododendron Lapponicum often are small at about four to 8 inches tall and grows from May through July.

Benjamin Charles, Summit Intern

All Cooped Up

2019-06-23 07:54:43.000 – Austin Patrick, Summit Intern

Events much like the weather are unique on top of the summit. For the past couple of weeks, we have seen many different groups come up and down the mountain. For the past two weeks, the Auto Road was filled with motorcycles visiting Mount Washington for the annual bike week that originates in Laconia. The annual Mount Washington Foot Race also took place last week. This saw a multitude of runners making their way up to the mountain with the goal to reach the top. This year even ended in the first-ever tie in the women’s race. This week also saw another group make their way up, but instead of bikers or runners, it was mini coopers.

Yesterday, the summit saw around 20 to 30 MINI’s make their way up for the annual Minis on Top event. The event first started in 2003 and ever since has been an ongoing event that not only celebrates the MINI, but also raises money for charities. As an intern on their third week, I have multiple experiences with the public, but this event was special to me. Everyone that drove up as part of this event was given a tour of the observatory and everyone was intrigued by how we work and live. After this, we all headed as a group to the deck and observed the sunset together. This was a memorable experience as me and the other interns and observers were able to have a nice conversation with the group and enjoyed an awesome view that ended our day. Summer has only just begun and there is so much more in store on top of the summit.

Austin Patrick, Summit Intern

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