Meteorologists atop the highest peak in the Northeast, known for some of the world's worst weather, have taken advantage of recent icy conditions to engage in the rather unusual activity of subarctic surfing.
After days of subzero temperatures and strong winds, officials at the Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire said a distinctive layer of hoarfrost has formed across the summit.
Rime ice forms when liquid water droplets from fog collect on objects at subzero temperatures.
“The rime ice waves at the top of the tower haven't formed in nearly two years, so it's rare to see ice waves as large as these photos,” the nonprofit organization said on social media.
Atop an icy peak 6,286 feet above sea level, weather observers Charlie Peachey, Alex Blanton and Alexis George showcased the unique challenges and accomplishments of their winter work.
The observatory says Mount Washington, which is shrouded in fog for two-thirds of the year and has an average temperature of 27 degrees, offers the best conditions for rime ice. This ice phenomenon can sometimes increase at a rate of up to 9 inches per hour.
“Do not dress like the observers in these photos when you are on a mountain peak in winter, as mountain weather can change quickly and become extremely cold,” the observatory warns. are.
Mount Washington Observatory
The Mount Washington Observatory is a beacon of extreme weather data. This is where wind speeds of 231 miles per hour were measured in 1934, setting a record for highest wind speed in U.S. history.
Weather observers brave harsh conditions every day, manually collecting data hourly to support National Weather Service forecasts. Despite the challenges of freezing winds, they remain active 24/7 and often rely on snowcat transportation during harsh winters.
