storm set a record for 24 hour snowfall in October

**Tuckerman** · 10-19-2005, 06:14 PM

This is kool

From Skipress
"Mt. Washington, NH (Ski Press)-While resorts in the Colorado and Canadian Rockies continue to see October snowfall, Mt. Washington, NH (home to the legendary Tuckerman Ravine), has already set a record for snowfall in a 24 hour period in the month.

As Observer Jim Salge’s notes below attest, it’s probably not time to try and get an early season run in on Tuck’s, but it could still be a sign of great things to come. Here is today’s report from the weather station at the summit of Mt. Washington:

“The summit crew performed an early shift change today, courtesy of a ride up on the State Park Snowcat. Leaves were still on the trees at the bottom, just past peak color in fact, but by 3000 feet there were none left on the trees, stripped in the storm’s high winds. At 3800 feet there was some snow on the road, and by 4300 feet we encountered full on winter conditions.

Hearing the reports of nearly 3 feet of snow I thought had prepared me for the sight of the snow covered summit, but I must tell you it’s amazing. There were avalanche fractures in Huntington’s Ravine. Glaze ice has encrusted everything, often to lengths of 3+ feet. The drifts are very large, already reaching the second story on the Yankee Building. A flagpole has been torn down under the weight of the ice, and I’ve never seen the deck like this. And the windows and webcams…they’re both quite opaque, hidden under feet of ice!

The storm set a record for 24 hour snowfall in October, at 25.5 inches, far eclipsing the old record of 17”. Now up to 34.4 inches for the storm. There’s certainly plenty of snow. However, those wishing to climb to see it this week should be prepared for full winter conditions above tree line. Crampons and ice axe are essential, and unfortunately the snow is pretty glazed over to make skiing rather un-enjoyable. If you do make it to the summit, beware of HUGE blocks of ice that are clinging to all the towers and buildings, as if one let go, you will be flattened.”"

With winds raging at 130+ MPH!

And heres a pic from the base

**Foggy_Goggles** · 10-19-2005, 08:30 PM

That's awesome! Mt. Washington is a crazy ass place.

**skier666** · 10-19-2005, 08:36 PM

Hell yeah! Got to go there one spring.

**Droopy** · 10-19-2005, 09:33 PM

I am so making it up there this winter

**iskibc** · 10-19-2005, 10:32 PM

She is one bad muthajunka. I miss that place. Used to love starting climbs in 70 degree bluebird weather and then summiting in whiteout conditions with single digit temps just a few hours later. Amazing weather indeed. Love the pics with the massive rhime coming off the building and equipment.