Frdxplorer
11-07-2004, 07:08 PM
I was just on the Mount Washington Observatory website and it had a great description of the conditions. I have copied and pasted it here. Thanks Jeff De Rosa for a superb update. Sounds like alot of "fun" up there.
05:59 AM Sat Nov 06, 2004 EST
No more messing around. Winter is here, and it won't let us ignore its dominating presence.
When the wind blows 100 mph, we have fun with it. When winds jump over the observation deck at insane speeds approaching 150 miles per hour, we can't help but feel a bit uneasy.
The persistent screech of powerful winds as they slowly erode stable structures is ear-piercing. Harmless snowflakes turn into skin pricking projectiles. Summit Weather Observers uncontrollably flop around the deck like desert tumbleweeds.
It is ridiculous. It is humbling. It is awe-inspiring. Honestly, it is terrifying.
Last night, the building vibrated, as snow buried the summit. FOURTEEN INCHES of the white stuff fell. It is the sort of snow that slabs when touched with your dusty shovel. Due to blowing and drifting, there is not a uniform snow layer. Outside, we either walk on bare ground, or plow through eight-foot high drifts.
I love this. I love that it rained all day in the valley, so that when clouds peel away from the summit (if they ever do) a milk white mountain range will loom above the slumbering brown valley.
Winter is here, lest we forget.
05:59 AM Sat Nov 06, 2004 EST
No more messing around. Winter is here, and it won't let us ignore its dominating presence.
When the wind blows 100 mph, we have fun with it. When winds jump over the observation deck at insane speeds approaching 150 miles per hour, we can't help but feel a bit uneasy.
The persistent screech of powerful winds as they slowly erode stable structures is ear-piercing. Harmless snowflakes turn into skin pricking projectiles. Summit Weather Observers uncontrollably flop around the deck like desert tumbleweeds.
It is ridiculous. It is humbling. It is awe-inspiring. Honestly, it is terrifying.
Last night, the building vibrated, as snow buried the summit. FOURTEEN INCHES of the white stuff fell. It is the sort of snow that slabs when touched with your dusty shovel. Due to blowing and drifting, there is not a uniform snow layer. Outside, we either walk on bare ground, or plow through eight-foot high drifts.
I love this. I love that it rained all day in the valley, so that when clouds peel away from the summit (if they ever do) a milk white mountain range will loom above the slumbering brown valley.
Winter is here, lest we forget.