Backyard weather

[Old Hillwalker]

Looking out my window at the cloud bank that's Mt Washington it seems like I don't want to be on the trail today. At least not here:

http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/conditions.php

[hammock engineer]

Wow. -61 degrees with wind chill! I am happy where I am at today.

[4eyedbuzzard]

I am hoping gardenville is not literally "somewhere out there". The weather's been very "New Englandish" as of late.

[woodsy]

Good day to be on the inside looking out in this part of the world.
And an interesting report from the top of the rock:

08:59 AM Sat Jan 20th
The weather that we are expecting today on the summit is what we live for at the Mount Washington Observatory. Very high winds, temperatures that fall right through the day, and blinding blowing snow…the weather that backs up this mountains claim to the World’s Worst Weather. Already this morning, winds are sustaining in the 80+ mph range, and they will only increase this afternoon and peak during the overnight hours. Temperatures settling well below zero will have windchills reaching -60 to -80F. To follow the conditions today, I recommend this link.

While the staff is excited to observe, report and study this weather event today, we are keenly aware that this is precisely the weather that also leads to this mountains formidable reputation. We take extreme precautions before stepping foot out the door, and understand both safe areas and personal limits. And we don’t push them. Unfortunately, this mountain is known as a place to test the limits of individuals, and when they push them too far, the results are often devastating. Today, simply put, is NOT the day for any type of above treeline travel.

Instead it might be a good day to curl up with a good book that reminds us why it’s not a good day to trek on the Presidential Range. I highly recommend ‘Not Without Peril,’ but if you don’t have a copy on hand, this page is sobering. What these reports show is how fast the simplest problem can prove extremely dangerous on a day like today. If you roll your ankle at treeline at 3PM, you could end up spending the night out…and even with good gear and good preparation, you will be extremely hypothermic at best by the time rescuers, risking their lives themselves, can make it to you. Just things to keep in mind as you plan any winter hike.

Please respect the mountain today!



Jim Salge – Observer

[Tipi Walter]

Good day to be on the inside looking out in this part of the world.
And an interesting report from the top of the rock:

08:59 AM Sat Jan 20th
The weather that we are expecting today on the summit is what we live for at the Mount Washington Observatory. Very high winds, temperatures that fall right through the day, and blinding blowing snow…the weather that backs up this mountains claim to the World’s Worst Weather. Already this morning, winds are sustaining in the 80+ mph range, and they will only increase this afternoon and peak during the overnight hours. Temperatures settling well below zero will have windchills reaching -60 to -80F. To follow the conditions today, I recommend this link.

While the staff is excited to observe, report and study this weather event today, we are keenly aware that this is precisely the weather that also leads to this mountains formidable reputation. We take extreme precautions before stepping foot out the door, and understand both safe areas and personal limits. And we don’t push them. Unfortunately, this mountain is known as a place to test the limits of individuals, and when they push them too far, the results are often devastating. Today, simply put, is NOT the day for any type of above treeline travel.

Instead it might be a good day to curl up with a good book that reminds us why it’s not a good day to trek on the Presidential Range. I highly recommend ‘Not Without Peril,’ but if you don’t have a copy on hand, this page is sobering. What these reports show is how fast the simplest problem can prove extremely dangerous on a day like today. If you roll your ankle at treeline at 3PM, you could end up spending the night out…and even with good gear and good preparation, you will be extremely hypothermic at best by the time rescuers, risking their lives themselves, can make it to you. Just things to keep in mind as you plan any winter hike.

Please respect the mountain today!



Jim Salge – Observer
http://www.mountwashington.org/image...icon-16x16.gif

Hey, thanks a bunch for the info. I've been recommending "Not Without Peril" ever since I took it out with me on a long cold winter backpacking trip last year. I spent most of my time on an open bald at 5,000 feet and thought of the guys up there on the Cold One. All their stories make whatever I face pale in comparison.

[trlhiker]

Very cold now. -18 with 100mph winds.