With Shoulder Season Comes Critical Transition in Operations

2021-11-08 18:34:34.000 – Sam Robinson, Weather Observer/Engineer

Shoulder season is underway for us at the Mount Washington Observatory and it can certainly be a hectic time of year, posing unique challenges in regards to transportation to the summit of Mount Washington. Although most folks are enjoying fall weather at low elevations, winter is starting to bare its teeth at high elevations.

As reported in my Oct. 25 Higher Summits Forecast, “a general 2 to 5 inches of snow is expected across the higher summits with higher amounts possible with upslope enhancement, and lesser amounts at lower elevations. Temperatures look to stay cold enough for snow to fall for a majority of the day but the air looks to warm enough to support a wintry mix or even a switchover to plain rain late. A brief period of freezing rain is even possible.”

The dynamic nature of the weather on Mount Washington, with its quick and unexpected changes of conditions, make the task of planning and executing transportation difficult. With the Mt. Washington Auto Road now being closed for the season, our snowcat has been transported by flatbed up to Winter Cut-Off (about halfway up the road) where it will be staged until the road is snow covered top to bottom. The staging of the snowcat prevents the lower, bare sections of road from being damaged by the metal cleats and carbide studs on the tracks. Before snow limits our mode of transportation to the snow cat, we also utilize our 4wd van and pickup truck equipped with tire chains. All of us observers (and interns) are trained on installing the tire chains to make for a quick installation in inclement weather if need be. Sometimes, weather conditions will require the use of all the different modes of transportation in one trip: van without chains to almost tree line, then van with chains up to the snowcat, followed by the snowcat the remainder of the way. Thanks to a super generous donation, we also received a new pickup truck the beginning of this year, which is equipped with a V-plow. The relatively new design of the V-plow is much safer for us doing snow removal, as it forces the snow to both sides of the truck and cuts through the snow, as opposed to a traditional straight blade plow. A straight blade requires the plow to be angled to push the snow out of the way, which can dangerously force the truck sideways on the narrow summit road.

Each new week can require a different setup depending on the scenario. And even after all the winter preparations have been completed, a warm spell can come and put us back to square one, with pre-winter conditions and a fully bare road. Luckily, our Director of Summit Operations Rebecca Scholand and our Technology and Operations Manager Pete Gagne are no strangers to dealing with shoulder season conditions and can prepare our staff for safe trips up to the summit. All of us snow lovers on staff are hoping for snowy weather to come quick and last long, which will allow us to utilize the snowcat from base to summit, leading to less hectic shift change days with less switching around of equipment and vehicles. In a few short months though, we will be right back to shoulder season again, this time in the spring. Thanks to all of our MWO supporters, the team can ensure our scientists maintain a lifeline to the summit while keeping watch at our weather station every hour, every day, no matter the harsh conditions.

Sam Robinson, Weather Observer/Engineer

Founding Day!

2021-10-14 15:25:42.000 – Mount Washington Observatory Staff, Weather Observers

Photo 1. Original four observers

 

 

Mount Washington Observatory Staff, Weather Observers

From Texas to New Hampshire

2021-09-28 03:30:42.000 – Adam Muhith, Summit Intern

Howdy, y’all! My name is Adam Muhith and I am proud to be one of the new interns for the Fall 2021 season. I recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in environmental engineering, and I am so excited to begin my career in environmental research up here. I can’t think of a better place to do it.

I’m from Houston, Texas, and this will be the first time I’ve ever spent a fall and winter out of state. I’m so excited to be here!  In just one week so far, I’ve been able to have an experience so unlike anything else. It’s cold already, the wind is stronger than anything I’ve ever seen, and the view of Mounts Clay, Jefferson, Adams, and Madison from the Observatory window take my breath away every time I look out (in the few moments we’ve had while not surrounded by fog). Yesterday we got a bit of a clearing, so I decided to take a quick hike while we had some spare time. It was a good hike, but I should’ve realized how challenging it would be to hike in winds that gusted up to 60 mph!

But it’s not all a brand-new experience for me. My grandparents live here in New Hampshire, so I’ve been incredibly lucky to have spent nearly every summer of my life up here in the Granite State. I owe all of my thanks to my grandfather, who, for longer than I can remember, has encouraged a love of the outdoors and hiking to me and really provide me the necessary knowledge and know-how to thrive in a camping setting. I’ve also worked at a summer camp for a while, and easily my favorite thing to do there is to lead camping trips. Our marquee trip is a three-day hike on Mount Washington and down the southern presidentials. I’ve spent countless hours trekking away on the Great Gulf Path, Crawford Path, a little time on Gulfside and Nelson Crag, but have yet to hit Tuckerman and Lion Head – I’m beyond determined to get to those soon. In my tenure as a hiker, I’ve hit all the presidential peaks except for Mount Madison, and getting to look out at the peak every time the fog clears does nothing more than make me want to spend every waking hour up here.

I’m not just a hiker though. If it can be made into a camping trip, I’m right there. Climbing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding – if it’s outdoors, I’ve gone on that trip, I’ve led that trip as a guide, and I’ll be doing it again next summer.

As my first week ends, I’m so excited to see what else Mount Washington has in store. So far, I’ve learned how to take a weather observation, helped change out precipitation cans, measured wind charts, given out weather reports to the AMC huts, assisted in the Extreme Mount Washington Museum, and helped the other observers up here with their daily work. Looking forward to this season, I’m super excited to get to experience some more extreme weather, and to hopefully assist with the other research projects happening up here. It’s going to be a great season.

Adam Muhith, Summit Intern

My First Week at 6288′

2021-09-14 23:49:45.000 – Sam Gawel, Summit Intern

My name is Sam Gawel and I am ecstatic to be up for my first week at the Mount Washington Observatory. I was born and raised in Detroit, but the White Mountains have always been a second home, as much of my family lives in or comes from the area. Just this summer, my family moved to Piermont, NH, and we couldn’t be happier for it. This has allowed me plenty of time to explore these beautiful peaks and valleys. I am a junior at Dartmouth College majoring in environmental earth sciences, but predominantly interested in meteorology and climate science. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, cooking, and watching my hometown Lions lose every Sunday.

Thus far, this internship has featured some pretty remarkable moments. The picture above is from my second night here, and features the most beautiful sunset that I have ever seen. Incredibly, I’m told by the observers that it gets even better. This week, I have also had the privilege of experiencing battering winds, including a peak gust of the week at 93 mph. Throughout all of this, I have had the opportunity to shadow these observers as they show me how to record observations of the surrounding weather conditions, as well as being introduced to the beautiful complexity of creating forecasts. I would say that I am most excited to learn more about this process, considering that it involves a plethora of data to effectively predict the future. This first week has not been overly intense, as the observers are easing us in as we learn more about our roles here and acclimate to the new environment.

In the short time that I have been here, I am blown away by the space and people which I am getting to know. The opportunity to pursue my interest in one of the field’s most interesting sites has been a dream already. I am looking forward to all that this internship has yet to teach and show me.

Sam Gawel, Summit Intern

Turning the Page for Windswept, the Bulletin of the Mount Washington Observatory

2021-08-25 07:36:19.000 – Charlie Buterbaugh, Development Coordinator & Windswept Editor

With each edition of Windswept, we gather perspectives. These connect our community through themes like Mount Washington Observatory history, life at our summit weather station, or the important meteorology and climate work carried out bravely by scientists who call this extreme environment home.

Bringing these and other storylines together for the past 14 years is an instrumental member of the Observatory family, Marty Basch. Since 2007, Marty has served as the editor of our bulletin, writing and assigning stories that open windows into the contemporary and historical role our non-profit plays in understanding Earth’s weather and climate. We’re fortunate to have benefited from Marty’s talents, witnessing his skilled production of Windswept during this generous expanse of time.

Marty recently decided to conclude his role as editor, opening a new chapter in his life and writing career. We’re grateful for his service and wish him our very best!

As Windswept’s new editor, I’m honored to have the chance to pick up where Marty leaves off. More on that in a bit. First, it seemed fitting to gather a few reflections from Marty, now that he’s no longer chasing a deadline in the wind!

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Marty Basch

CB: What did you enjoy most about editing Windswept?

MB: The feedback, passion and connection in Rockpile Nation while keeping members informed about the Observatory’s work. I always appreciated well-written and concise offerings from members. Scoring the cover photo was a big deal for some. Thank you for making the job easier.

The most joy came from watching observers and valley staff evolve as writers and photographers. Not everyone cares for it. Making aspects of weather easy to digest and visually appealing can be challenging. The process of getting ideas across clearly is a pain at times but when done well, we all benefit.

CB: What will you miss?

MB: That’s easy. The people. But I plan to continue our membership, donate and volunteer. You’ll still have to tolerate me occasionally.

CB: How did the experience of editing Windswept for 14 years impact your life/career?

I’m no weather geek and initially wasn’t sure this would work. But this was an opportunity to be part of a legendary piece of Mount Washington tradition and culture, which I value and appreciate greatly. The Observatory provides community. It educates. I was but a bit player in a highly professional, dedicated and bright group and am eternally grateful. 

CB: Are there any memorable snippets of Observatory life that you care to share?

MB: Sure, though I’m sworn to secrecy on some mile-high tales. Being part of the team hanging the Seek the Peak summit prayer flags Sept. 21, 2020 at sunrise is forever in my heart. That was a highlight from a personally demanding year.

I’ve volunteered on the summit twice in winter. Highly memorable was nearly making the 100 mph club on the observation deck. My wife Jan and I sustained 80-plus mph winds but it cost me my goggles which flew off my head. The most harrowing experience was coming down on a shift change with severe winds and zero visibility. They tied an observer to a rope in front of the snowcat so the driver could see! Jan couldn’t bear it and spent the time crocheting. Happy Hour was early that day.

CB: What are you looking forward to?

MB: My long stretch with the Observatory was as a part-time independent contractor and I appreciated the Observatory’s flexibility as I juggled writing projects, which continues. And bike. Lots. Since my wife might read this, I always look forward to spending time with her.

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Maybe we can coax Marty into writing a feature story for us now and again. Speaking of stories, our staff is working on some intriguing threads for the Fall/Winter edition, available this November.

We recently completed a Windswept survey to gather voices of our readers and help chart the publication’s future. One of the survey questions asked readers to select three topics they find most interesting. The top responses were: history of Mount Washington and the Observatory (selected by 74.5% of respondents), weather/meteorology (selected by 74%), and summit operations and observer life (selected by 72%).

Many readers wrote in comments to express their keen interest in specific topics. “I love to see personal stories about the people living there,” wrote one respondent. Another said, “Give me life at the top!”

We hear you!

Valuable insight also came from responses to the following question: “Do you think a new section focusing on Mount Washington’s changing climate would be valuable?” 70% said this would be highly valuable and 26% said somewhat valuable. Windswept has often featured articles about the Observatory’s climate research, but it’s clear that creating a section focusing on this area of interest will be important, supporting a key focus of the Observatory’s mission. We’re planning to accomplish this in 2022.

It was also great to see, based on responses, that our bulletin is read closely by a majority of our members. 80% of respondents said they read most or all of each issue, and 34% of that group said they do this within 1-2 days of receiving each edition. Completed by about 450 readers, the survey confirmed that Windswept provides our members with a valuable connection to the Observatory and Mount Washington. Yet another testament to Marty’s work.

Following are some of the verbatim comments submitted by readers:

“Each publication of Windswept offers glimpses into my past, memories of my past, all things happy. Your publication takes me on my virtual vacation, offering me both delight and education.”

“Our family reads every issue. It’s our personal connection to the weather and mountain. We appreciate the work and mission of all those working at and for the Observatory. Its mission is critical especially if we are to get serious as a country about climate change mitigation. The Windswept articles keep us current on the workings of and about the Obs. Thank you.”

 “Living a long way from NH yet having decades of experience hiking in the Whites, I highly value Windswept to keep me in touch, both about the Obs specifically and the Whites in general.”

“When stories get highly technical you usually do a decent job of explaining enough for the layperson to understand. Don’t ever deviate from this goal, it keeps the majority of people engaged.”

 “I appreciate Windswept as my way to stay close to MT Washington. Look for info regarding history of the mountain, first settlers, indigenous peoples, as well as current info from observers of weather and seasonal changes, changes over period of time and how we can best impact our environment.”

Having edited newspapers and magazines in the past (you can read my brief profile on our Staff page), I’m really excited to work on Windswept in service of the Observatory’s mission. If you have any story ideas or feedback, please don’t hesitate to send me a note at cbuterbaugh@mountwashington.org. I’m always eager to hear about a good story concept.

Charlie Buterbaugh

Charlie Buterbaugh, Development Coordinator & Windswept Editor