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Mount Washington

Mount Washington, known to the Abenaki people as Agiocochook (meaning "the place of the Great Spirit"), is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States, rising to an elevation of 6,288 feet (1,917 meters) in the Presidential Range of New Hampshire's White Mountains.^[1]^[2] Located within the 60.3-acre Mount Washington State Park at its summit and surrounded by the expansive White Mountain National Forest, the mountain features rugged terrain sculpted by ancient glaciation and intense frost action, with rocks primarily consisting of metamorphosed schists, gneisses, and quartzites formed 300–400 million years ago during the Paleozoic Era.^[2]^[3] The mountain's prominence dates back to Native American reverence for its spiritual significance, with the first recorded European ascent achieved by settler Darby Field in 1642, guided partly by Indigenous knowledge and motivated by legends of summit gems.^[4] European exploration intensified in the 19th century, leading to the construction of the Mount Washington Auto Road in 1861—the oldest man-made attraction in the United States—and the Mount Washington Cog Railway in 1869, the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway, which revolutionized access to its summit.^[5]^[6] The summit developed as a hub for tourism and science, highlighted by the Tip-Top House, built in 1853 as the oldest surviving mountaintop hotel in New England, and the Mount Washington Observatory, founded in 1932 to study its notorious weather (though systematic observations began in 1870–1871).^[2]^[7] Renowned for harboring "the world's worst weather," Mount Washington experiences extreme conditions due to its location at the convergence of weather systems, high elevation, and the Presidential Range's topography, resulting in over 100 days annually with winds exceeding 75 mph and an average summit temperature of 27.1°F (-2.7°C).^[8] The observatory recorded the highest surface wind speed in history—231 mph (372 km/h)—on April 12, 1934, a gust that underscored the mountain's role in advancing meteorological understanding.^[9] This harsh climate supports a unique alpine ecosystem, including Arctic flora relics from post-glacial periods, while the mountain draws over 350,000 visitors annually (as of 2023) for hiking, scenic views extending up to 130 miles on clear days, and educational exhibits at the Sherman Adams Visitor Center and observatory museum.^[3]^[2]^[10]

Geography

Location and extent

Mount Washington is situated in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains in northern New Hampshire, United States, within the White Mountain National Forest. Its summit coordinates are approximately 44°16′14″N 71°18′12″W. At an elevation of 6,288 feet (1,917 meters), it stands as the highest peak east of the Mississippi River and in the Northeastern United States. The mountain primarily lies in Coos County, with the summit located in the unincorporated township of Sargent's Purchase; portions of its lower southern slopes extend into adjacent areas near the Carroll County line.^[11] The mountain's extent encompasses a prominent massif rising sharply from surrounding valleys, with its base elevations around 1,500 feet (457 meters) in nearby notches. It forms a central hub of the Presidential Range, bounded by notable topographic features that define its regional context. To the southeast, Tuckerman Ravine descends steeply as a glacial cirque, offering dramatic relief and serving as a key access point for climbers. On the western flank, the Great Gulf Wilderness adjoins the mountain, encompassing rugged terrain along the West Branch of the Peabody River and providing protected backcountry extending westward. Proximate to the south, Pinkham Notch—a glacial pass along New Hampshire Route 16—separates Mount Washington from the Wildcat-Carter-Moriah Range, facilitating major access routes like the Auto Road and hiking trails while framing the mountain's southern boundary within the national forest. These surrounding features highlight Mount Washington's role as a focal point in the 800,000-acre White Mountain National Forest, influencing local hydrology and ecosystems through its elevational gradient and exposure.

Physical characteristics

Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 feet (1,917 meters), is composed primarily of metamorphic rocks formed during the Acadian orogeny, a phase of the Appalachian mountain-building event approximately 400 to 360 million years ago.^[12] The summit consists of the Littleton Formation, featuring schists and quartzites derived from Devonian-age marine sediments that were deeply buried, folded, and metamorphosed under high temperatures (500–600°C) and pressures (3,000–4,000 atmospheres).^[12] These rocks include quartz, muscovite, biotite, plagioclase, and accessory minerals such as sillimanite, garnet, and tourmaline, with aligned pseudoandalusites up to 15 cm in length visible in outcrops.^[12] Intrusions of granite and quartz monzonite from the late Devonian New Hampshire magma series occur lower on the slopes, adding coarser igneous elements to the predominantly metamorphic profile.^[13] The mountain's landforms reflect intense glacial erosion during the Pleistocene, shaping steep cirques and ravines that define its rugged profile. Prominent examples include Tuckerman Ravine, a classic U-shaped cirque on the southeastern flank, and Huntington Ravine, one of the steepest in the eastern U.S. with a headwall rising about 1,400 feet (427 meters).^[14] These features, carved by local valley glaciers, contrast with the gentler slopes and are flanked by sub-peaks such as Mount Clay (5,533 feet or 1,686 meters) to the north and Mount Monroe (5,372 feet or 1,638 meters) to the south, both part of the Presidential Range's ridgeline.^[15] Above the treeline at approximately 5,000 feet (1,524 meters), the terrain transitions to exposed alpine tundra, a barren expanse of rocky plateaus and boulder fields resistant to further erosion.^[16] Hydrologically, Mount Washington serves as a divide for three major watersheds, with its slopes feeding the headwaters of the Ammonoosuc River to the west, the Peabody River (tributary to the Androscoggin River) to the northeast, and the Ellis River to the southeast.^[17] Streams originate from snowmelt and springs in the cirques, cascading through ravines like the Ammonoosuc Ravine with multiple waterfalls. The alpine tundra above treeline supports sparse vegetation adapted to harsh conditions, including the krummholz zone of stunted spruce and fir trees near 4,500–5,000 feet (1,372–1,524 meters).^[18] Rare alpine species thrive here, such as Bigelow's sedge (Carex bigelowii), a low-growing grass forming dense mats. Wildlife includes moose (Alces alces) roaming lower slopes and peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) nesting on cliffs, contributing to the ecosystem's biodiversity.^[19]^[20]^[21]

Climate and weather

Overview and records

Mount Washington, located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, experiences a severe alpine tundra climate characterized by high winds, low temperatures, and rapid weather changes, making it one of the most extreme weather sites in the United States.^[22] The annual average temperature at the summit is approximately 28.0°F (-2.2°C) based on 1991–2020 normals, contributing to persistently cold conditions year-round.^[8]^[23] This harsh environment is exacerbated by frequent fog, with the summit shrouded in fog or clouds more than 60% of the year, often reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile for over 100 days annually.^[24] The mountain holds the world record for the highest surface wind speed measured at a staffed weather station: 231 mph (372 km/h), recorded on April 12, 1934, by observers at the Mount Washington Observatory.^[25] Temperature extremes further underscore its reputation, with the lowest recorded reading of -50°F (-46°C) on January 22, 1885.^[26]^[27] These records highlight the mountain's capacity for sudden and dangerous shifts, where calm conditions can quickly give way to life-threatening gales and subzero chills. Seasonally, winters are particularly brutal, with snow cover typically persisting from November through May, accumulating to an average of 281.8 inches annually.^[28] Summers offer little relief, as average daily high temperatures hover around 50–55°F (10–13°C), rarely exceeding 60°F on most days despite occasional peaks into the low 70s°F.^[22] The extreme weather is largely attributable to the mountain's topography, which funnels winds from surrounding valleys to amplify speeds at the summit (detailed in Physical characteristics).^[8]

Precipitation patterns

Mount Washington receives approximately 91.2 inches (2,320 mm) of annual precipitation at the summit based on 1991–2020 normals, primarily in the form of snow during the colder months.^[29]^[23] The average annual snowfall stands at 281 inches (7,100 mm), making it one of the snowiest locations in the northeastern United States.^[23] These figures are derived from long-term observations, with precipitation measured as liquid water equivalent to account for both rain and melted snow. Precipitation distribution is heavily skewed toward winter, where about 80% of the annual snowfall occurs from November through April, driven by frequent storms that deposit the bulk of moisture during this period. Nor'easters, intense extratropical cyclones along the East Coast, contribute the majority of this accumulation, often delivering several feet of snow in a single event due to the mountain's position in the storm track.^[30] Additionally, local microclimates in the eastern ravines, such as Tuckerman and Huntington, amplify snowfall totals through orographic lift and wind redistribution, leading to snow depths far exceeding summit measurements—sometimes reaching 40 feet in leeward areas.^[31] This moisture regime plays a key role in avalanche formation, particularly in Tuckerman Ravine, where annual cycles of heavy snow loading and subsequent instability create persistent hazards. Avalanches occur regularly during the spring thaw, fueled by winter precipitation buildup. The accumulated snow also supports renowned ice climbing conditions, as repeated precipitation layers form thick ice columns and frozen features in the ravines.^[32] Data on these patterns come from the Mount Washington Observatory, which has recorded precipitation since 1931 using manual gauges that capture both liquid and solid forms, with frozen precipitation melted to determine liquid equivalent for consistent analysis.^[33] These measurements provide critical insights into the mountain's role in regional water resources, as summit snowfall contributes to downstream runoff in the Connecticut River watershed.^[34]

History

Early exploration and naming

The Abenaki people, indigenous to the region encompassing present-day New Hampshire, referred to the mountain as Agiocochook, meaning "home of the Great Spirit," viewing it as a sacred site inhabited by powerful spiritual forces.^[35] They considered ascent to the summit forbidden, believing it to be the dwelling place of divine entities such as the storm spirit, and instead utilized the surrounding White Mountains for seasonal hunting, gathering, and travel routes.^[36] This reverence underscored a broader cultural perception of the peak as mythical and untouchable, deterring any attempts at permanent settlement due to its extreme weather and spiritual significance.^[37] European awareness of the mountain began with the first recorded sighting by Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524, who observed the prominent peak from his ship off the Atlantic coast during his voyage along the North American shoreline.^[38] Over a century later, in June 1642, English settler Darby Field achieved the first documented non-indigenous ascent, guided partway by two Native Americans from the Saco River area, though he completed the summit climb alone using rudimentary equipment. Field's expedition, motivated by curiosity and possibly a search for rumored features like a lake of gold, challenged indigenous taboos and marked an early instance of colonial intrusion into the sacred landscape.^[39] By the late 18th century, scientific interest prompted further exploration, including a 1784 geological expedition led by Reverend Manasseh Cutler, a Congregational minister and botanist from Massachusetts, who ascended the peak with a party that included fellow clergyman Jeremy Belknap.^[40] During or shortly after this survey, which aimed to study the mountain's rocks, flora, and elevation, Cutler proposed naming it Mount Washington in honor of George Washington, the Revolutionary War hero and future U.S. president, formalizing the European nomenclature that persists today.^[41] This renaming reflected growing colonial mapping efforts but overlooked the indigenous heritage, as the mountain's harsh conditions continued to preclude settlement.^[4]

19th-century development

In the late 18th century, the naming of the Presidential Range, including Mount Washington, laid the groundwork for its recognition as a significant natural feature, with Reverend Manasseh Cutler and Reverend Jeremy Belknap formalizing the names during their 1784 expedition, honoring U.S. presidents starting with George Washington, who was a general at the time.^[41]^[4] This nomenclature reflected growing American interest in the landscape as a symbol of national identity and sublime beauty, aligning with emerging Romantic ideals that celebrated untamed nature.^[41] Scientific curiosity further propelled the mountain's development in the 19th century, particularly through meteorological efforts. The U.S. Army Signal Service established the first year-round weather station on the summit in 1870, marking a milestone in systematic high-altitude observations and providing foundational data on extreme weather patterns.^[7]^[42] These observations, continued into the 1880s, contributed to early understandings of atmospheric phenomena and underscored the site's value for national weather research.^[43] Tourism infrastructure emerged to capitalize on the mountain's allure, exemplified by the construction of the Tip-Top House in 1853 by Lancaster resident John Spaulding as a competing summit hotel to the nearby Summit House.^[44] Built from local stone to withstand harsh conditions, it symbolized the era's push toward accessible wilderness experiences, accommodating visitors seeking panoramic views despite rudimentary facilities.^[45] Though a 1908 fire destroyed most summit structures, the Tip-Top House endured, becoming the oldest surviving building at the peak and a testament to early hospitality ventures.^[45]^[44] The post-Civil War period saw a surge in tourism to Mount Washington, driven by economic recovery and the Romantic movement's emphasis on nature's grandeur as an escape from industrialization.^[46] Visitors, including artists and writers, flocked to the White Mountains for their dramatic scenery, boosting local economies through hotels and guided excursions that highlighted the sublime terror and beauty of the peaks.^[47] This influx transformed the area from a remote wilderness into a premier destination, with annual visitor numbers rising sharply by the 1870s.^[48]

Recreation and access

Hiking and trails

Mount Washington features an extensive network of hiking trails, primarily within the White Mountain National Forest, offering various routes to its summit at 6,288 feet. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has maintained many of these trails since 1919, contributing to a system exceeding 50 miles of paths in the Presidential Range vicinity.^[49]^[42] One prominent route is the Appalachian Trail segment from Pinkham Notch, spanning approximately 8.1 miles with significant elevation gain through rugged terrain above treeline.^[50] Another popular path, the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, ascends 4,250 feet over 4.2 miles one way from Pinkham Notch, featuring a moderate grade initially but culminating in a challenging headwall scramble near the summit.^[51] The Lion Head Trail, often combined with Tuckerman Ravine for a loop, covers 8.6 miles round trip with the same elevation gain, involving steep exposure and Class 3 scrambles on loose rock slabs.^[51]^[52] Trails vary in difficulty, with many rated strenuous due to elevation gains up to 4,500 feet and rocky, root-filled surfaces that demand sure footing.^[51] Ascents typically take 6 to 8 hours for fit hikers, depending on conditions and route choice.^[53] Preparation essentials include sturdy boots, trekking poles, ample water, layered clothing for rapid weather shifts, and navigation tools like maps from the AMC's White Mountain Guide.^[54] Seasonal considerations are critical: summer hikes benefit from alpine wildflowers, such as diapensia and rhodora along the Lion Head Trail, while winter ascents require mountaineering gear like crampons, ice axes, and helmets due to ice, wind, and avalanche risks.^[55]^[56] Brief exposure to severe weather hazards, like sudden storms, underscores the need for monitoring forecasts from the Mount Washington Observatory.^[51]

Cog railway and Auto Road

The Mount Washington Cog Railway, the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway, was conceived by inventor and businessman Sylvester Marsh following a perilous hike in 1857 and officially opened to passengers on July 3, 1869.^[57]^[6] Marsh's innovative rack-and-pinion system, known as the Marsh rack, features a central toothed rail between the standard tracks that engages with a cog wheel on the locomotive, enabling safe ascent on grades too steep for conventional adhesion railways.^[58] The 3-mile track climbs the western slope from a base elevation of approximately 2,700 feet to the 6,288-foot summit, achieving an elevation gain of about 3,600 feet with an average grade of 25 percent and a maximum of nearly 38 percent in sections like Jacob's Ladder.^[59]^[60] Since 2008, the railway has operated biodiesel-powered locomotives alongside historic steam engines, reducing emissions while preserving the experiential authenticity of the journey, which takes about 45 minutes uphill.^[61] The Mount Washington Auto Road, completed in 1861 as America's oldest man-made tourist attraction, provides an alternative vehicular ascent via a 7.6-mile private toll road that winds through diverse ecological zones from the base in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire.^[5] Engineering challenges during construction included carving a path up the steep eastern flank, resulting in an average grade of 12 percent and numerous hairpin turns to manage the 4,685-foot elevation gain.^[62] Originally a gravel surface, the road was fully paved by 2022, enhancing drivability while maintaining its narrow, winding character that demands careful navigation.^[63] Guided tours, lasting 2 to 3 hours and led by expert drivers, offer narrated insights into the mountain's geology, history, and flora, accommodating those without personal vehicles.^[64] Both transport systems operate seasonally, with the Auto Road open from mid-May to late October (weather permitting) and the Cog Railway running year-round, though with reduced winter schedules to an intermediate station at 4,000 feet from November to April.^[65]^[66] Together, they accommodate around 300,000 visitors annually, providing accessible alternatives to hiking trails for summit access.^[67] The ascent record on the Auto Road, set in 2021 by rally driver Travis Pastrana in a modified Subaru WRX STI, is 5 minutes 28.67 seconds.^[68]

Infrastructure and facilities

Weather observatory

The Mount Washington Observatory was established in 1932 as a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing understanding of weather and climate through summit-based observations.^[7] It began operations at the summit in October 1932, following earlier intermittent weather monitoring efforts dating back to the winter of 1870–1871 by the U.S. Signal Service.^[7] The founding team, including Joseph B. Dodge, Robert S. Monahan, Salvatore Pagliuca, and Alexander McKenzie, secured funding from research grants and private donors to set up a permanent weather station in the former Stage Office building.^[7] By 1935, the observatory had initiated hourly meteorological recordings, which continue uninterrupted to this day, providing one of the world's longest high-altitude datasets.^[7] The observatory's research emphasizes continuous collection of weather data to study atmospheric phenomena, including boundary layer winds and their interactions with the mountain's topography.^[69] Key investigations explore how upslope flows alter boundary layer heights, influencing local wind patterns and temperature extremes.^[69] It also serves as a critical site for climate change research, documenting indicators such as reduced snowpack duration and earlier snowmelt, with studies showing statistically significant shortening of the snow season since the 1930s.^[70]^[71] These efforts contribute to broader understandings of high-elevation climate trends, including declining thawing degree days and shifts in seasonal precipitation.^[71] Housed in the Sherman Adams Summit Building since 1980, the observatory functions as an alpine research station equipped with advanced instrumentation for real-time data collection and analysis.^[7] It includes the Extreme Mount Washington Museum, which opened in 1973 to educate visitors on regional weather extremes, and a research library archiving nearly a century of records.^[7] A staff of 8–10, primarily rotating weather observers and specialists, maintains 24/7 operations, supported by public education programs such as summit tours, classroom outreach, and webinars on meteorological topics.^[72]^[73] Among its achievements, the observatory holds the global record for the highest non-tropical wind gust at 231 mph, recorded on April 12, 1934, which informed aviation safety standards.^[7] It has produced influential publications, including contributions to the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society on long-term summit climate records and operational milestones.^[74] These works, alongside partnerships with the National Weather Service, have advanced boundary layer meteorology and high-altitude climate monitoring.^[74]

Communication towers

The summit of Mount Washington hosts several communication towers that broadcast FM radio signals across New England, with historical facilities also supporting television and other transmissions. These installations leverage the mountain's 6,288-foot elevation to achieve extensive coverage, reaching parts of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond.^[75] The towers serve FM radio, cellular services, and amateur radio repeaters, providing essential connectivity in a region with challenging terrain.^[76] The development of communication infrastructure on Mount Washington began in the late 1930s, with the construction of the first tower in 1937 by inventor Edwin H. Armstrong for an experimental high-frequency AM station, W1XER. This facility transitioned to FM broadcasting in 1940 as W39B, marking one of the earliest full-scale FM installations in the United States, though operations ceased in 1948 due to high maintenance costs and limited receivers. Post-World War II expansion revitalized the site, with the launch of WMTW-TV in 1954 using a new 1,000-foot tower and 105,000-watt transmitter, which provided the first television service to northern New England until the station relocated to Baldwin, Maine, in 2002. A major setback occurred in 2003 when a fire destroyed several transmitter buildings, though key antennas survived.^[77]^[76]^[75] Key facilities include FM radio stations WHOM at 94.9 MHz, operating with up to 48 kW from a multi-bay antenna in a protective radome, and WPKQ at 103.7 MHz, which rebroadcasts country music from WOKQ with a directional array. These stations maintain auxiliary antennas on legacy structures like the 1937 Armstrong tower for redundancy. Amateur radio repeaters, such as W1NH on 146.655 MHz, are operated by the Mount Washington Observatory Amateur Radio Club, supporting two systems for emergency and recreational communications across the region. Cellular services are also provided from the summit, enhancing coverage for surrounding areas despite the site's remoteness. Maintenance access relies on the cog railway or Auto Road during limited seasons.^[78]^[75]^[79] Environmental challenges dominate operations, as the towers must endure extreme conditions including wind gusts up to 231 mph and temperatures dropping to -20°F in winter. Ice buildup is a primary concern, with structures designed to support loads from up to six feet of rime ice accumulation; foundations and antennas incorporate reinforcements to prevent collapse during severe storms. De-icing procedures are routine for equipment integrity, though the site's inaccessibility often necessitates specialized crews.^[75]^[77]

Safety and incidents

Notable fatalities

Since records began in 1849, over 160 fatalities have been documented on Mount Washington as of 2025, with the majority resulting from hypothermia or exposure to extreme weather and falls from cliffs or icy terrain.^[80] According to a comprehensive tally maintained by local historians and based on the "Casualties of Mount Washington" poster, falls account for 44 deaths, while hypothermia and weather-related exposure have claimed 33 lives; heart attacks follow with 23 incidents.^[80] Avalanches have resulted in 17 recorded deaths, often involving skiers or climbers in ravines like Tuckerman or Huntington.^[81] Early fatalities highlighted the mountain's unpredictable weather as a primary trigger, as seen in the death of 23-year-old Lizzie Bourne on September 13, 1855, who succumbed to exhaustion and exposure during a sudden storm near the summit despite being just steps from the Tip-Top House; her body was later buried near the site, marked by a memorial plaque.^[80] In a tragic group incident, four members of an Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) outing froze to death in a snow hole during a 1939 winter expedition, underscoring the risks of inadequate shelter in whiteout conditions. Another notable exposure case involved a solo hiker buried by an avalanche on March 15, 1967, who perished from trauma and hypothermia after being caught alone in the Gulf of Slides area.^[81] Falls in steep ravines have been particularly deadly for backcountry skiers and hikers. On June 3, 2001, 22-year-old Hillary Manion from Ottawa, Ontario, died after falling onto rocks while skiing "The Chute" in Tuckerman Ravine, a popular but hazardous ice-covered slope.^[80] Similarly, in a 2015 incident, a climber plunged from a cliff in Tuckerman Ravine, suffering fatal injuries from the 300-foot drop amid spring corn snow conditions. Avalanche-related falls claimed Thomas Burke, 46, and Scott Sandberg, 32, on November 29, 2002, when an early-season slab swept them into the Great Gulf while hiking.^[81] In July 2025, 79-year-old William Davis from Jacksonville, Florida, died from exposure after wandering off the summit trail following a cog railway ascent, located after a multi-day search on the southeast side of the mountain.^[82] Fatalities peaked in the 1930s through 1950s, with multiple deaths per decade as tourism and unguided ascents surged before advanced weather forecasting and gear became widespread; this era saw over 50 incidents, compared to fewer than 20 in recent decades.^[80] Rescue operations have evolved significantly, with AMC volunteers providing on-site support since the late 1920s through trail crews and trained hut staff who assist in searches during storms.^[83] The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department coordinates most efforts, deploying conservation officers and helicopters for high-risk extractions, as in numerous winter incidents where hikers are airlifted from ravines.

Risk factors

Mount Washington's extreme weather conditions pose significant risks to hikers, primarily through hypothermia exacerbated by severe wind chill. The wind chill temperature, which accounts for the cooling effect of wind on exposed skin, is calculated using the formula developed by the National Weather Service:

\text{Wind Chill (°F)} = 35.74 + 0.6215T - 35.75(V^{0.16}) + 0.4275T(V^{0.16})

where T is the air temperature in °F and V is the wind speed in mph.^[84] This index highlights how winds exceeding 50 mph can rapidly lower perceived temperatures, leading to hypothermia even in summer months when air temperatures may hover above freezing.^[85] For instance, at 20°F with 40 mph winds, the wind chill drops to approximately -19°F, accelerating heat loss and increasing the risk of core body temperature falling below 95°F.^[85] Other environmental hazards include slab avalanches, particularly wind slabs and hard slabs forming in ravines such as Tuckerman and Huntington, where new snow is transported and deposited by high winds.^[32] These can release during spring or after storms, burying or injuring climbers and skiers; records indicate 17 avalanche-related deaths since the 1800s.^[81] Lightning strikes are frequent during summer thunderstorms, with events recording up to eight direct hits on the summit in a single storm, posing electrocution risks to those above treeline.^[86] Dense fog, enveloping the summit over 60% of the time annually, reduces visibility to less than 100 feet, heightening disorientation and the chance of falls or straying off trails.^[87] Human factors amplify these dangers, as many incidents stem from underestimation of conditions by unprepared hikers lacking appropriate clothing or experience.^[88] On average, 25 rescues occur yearly for backcountry activities, often involving hypothermic individuals caught in sudden whiteouts or solo travelers without support.^[89] These risks have led to over 160 fatalities since 1849, with hypothermia and falls accounting for a substantial portion.^[80] Prevention strategies emphasize preparation and adherence to guidelines from the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and New Hampshire Fish and Game. Hikers are encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe Card, which funds search-and-rescue efforts and promotes awareness of essentials like layered clothing, navigation tools, and emergency plans.^[90] Real-time weather apps from the Mount Washington Observatory provide critical forecasts to avoid peak hazard times.^[91] Essential gear includes crampons for icy terrain in winter or shoulder seasons, along with microspikes for traction on frozen paths, to mitigate slip risks in fog or snow.^[92]

Cultural impact

Artistic depictions

Mount Washington has inspired numerous artistic depictions in visual arts, particularly during the 19th century when its dramatic landscape captivated the Hudson River School painters. Thomas Cole, a founder of the Hudson River School, visited the White Mountains in 1827 and created "View from near the Summit of Mount Washington, N.H." in 1828, portraying the mountain's rugged peaks and expansive vistas to evoke the sublime beauty of American wilderness.^[93] Similarly, Benjamin Champney, a prominent figure in the White Mountain School of artists, produced numerous works featuring Mount Washington, such as "Mount Washington from the Intervale, North Conway" (1865), which highlighted the mountain's seasonal transformations and pastoral surroundings, contributing to the romanticization of New England landscapes.^[94] These paintings not only documented the terrain but also influenced broader landscape art movements by emphasizing nature's grandeur and the interplay of light and atmosphere.^[95] Photography emerged as another vital medium for capturing Mount Washington's majesty, beginning with 19th-century lantern slides that projected its features for public audiences. Early photographers in the White Mountains, including those from North Conway studios, produced glass lantern slides around 1900-1920 depicting the summit, ravines, and trails, preserving views like the cog railway ascent and winter snowscapes in collections such as the Daniel Noel White Mountain Collection.^[96] Iconic black-and-white images further immortalized the mountain's perils, such as photographs of avalanches in Tuckerman's and Huntington Ravines, which illustrated the dramatic forces shaping its eastern slopes.^[97] A particularly renowned photograph from April 12, 1934, shows the Mount Washington Observatory battered by the world-record 231 mph winds, symbolizing the peak's extreme weather and human resilience.^[98] In the modern era, the Mount Washington Observatory maintains live summit webcams, providing real-time visual documentation of conditions that continue the tradition of photographic observation.^[99] These digital images, streaming views from the observation deck and tower, offer contemporary artists and viewers dynamic perspectives on the mountain's ever-changing environment. Exhibitions of these artistic works are housed in institutions like the Appalachian Mountain Club Library & Archives, which holds over 20,000 images and artifacts related to the White Mountains, showcasing the enduring influence of Mount Washington's scenery on landscape art.^[100]

In literature and media

Mount Washington has inspired numerous literary works that capture its formidable presence in the White Mountains, often emphasizing themes of human endurance against extreme nature. Anthologies such as Mount Washington: Narratives and Perspectives (2017), edited by Mike Dickerman, compile over twenty historical and contemporary essays, poems, and accounts from writers including Thomas Starr King and Julius H. Barnes, highlighting the mountain's allure and dangers from the 19th century onward.^[101] Similarly, Nicholas Howe's Not Without Peril: 150 Years of Misadventure on the Presidential Range (2009, tenth anniversary edition 2019) profiles tragic expeditions and survival tales, drawing on diaries and reports to illustrate the peak's lethal weather patterns.^[102] Poetry has also evoked the summit, as in Anna C. Brackett's 1877 verse "Sunrise on Mount Washington," published in Harper's New Monthly Magazine, which romanticizes the arduous ascent and panoramic dawn views.^[103] In film and broadcast media, Mount Washington frequently serves as a backdrop for documentaries exploring its meteorological extremes and human stories. The 2019 short Stories from Mount Washington, directed by Bill Millios and based on Dan Szczesny's book, profiles the mountain's residents and observers through interviews and archival footage.^[104] Jacqueline Goss's The Observers (2016) offers an experimental portrait of the Mount Washington Observatory staff, blending daily routines with philosophical reflections on weather monitoring amid isolation.^[105] PBS productions like Windows to the Wild: Winter on Mt. Washington (2010) depict the harsh alpine conditions via on-location footage from the observatory's snowcat, underscoring the peak's role in weather research.^[106] Rescue narratives gain cinematic treatment in 109° Below (2024), an Arc'teryx film recounting the 1982 search-and-rescue operation that claimed volunteer lives during a blizzard, emphasizing themes of sacrifice.^[107] Podcasts have amplified Mount Washington's lore through survival accounts, often tying into its reputation for peril. Backpacker's "Out Alive" series features "A Rescue Gone Wrong" (2023), narrating Joe Lentini's experience in the 1982 incident and its lasting impact on search protocols.^[108] In popular culture, the mountain's nickname "Home of the World's Worst Weather" permeates trivia, weather apps, and media, originating from a 1940 Life magazine article and officially adopted by the Mount Washington Observatory.^[109] This moniker appears in apps like Weather Underground and The Weather Channel, which reference summit data for forecasts, and in trivia contexts such as Guinness World Records for its 231 mph wind gust in 1934.^[110] Recent publications from the observatory address climate change at the summit, including the 2021 peer-reviewed paper "Climate Trends on the Highest Peak of the Northeast: Mount Washington, NH" by Elizabeth Burakowski et al., which analyzes 85 years of data showing statistically significant warming and reduced snow cover.^[70] Ty Gagne's The Lions of Winter: Survival and Sacrifice on Mount Washington (2024) recounts the tragic 1982 rescue operation and its impact on volunteer efforts.^[111] The observatory's triannual newsletter Windswept features articles on these shifts, such as impacts on alpine ecosystems, linking historical extremes to contemporary environmental narratives.^[112]

References

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100+ Things To Know About NH's Mount Washington
Agiocochook is a Native American name for Mount Washington. Today, there aren't many places you'll find the name, though one exception is a crag located ...
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Mt. Washington State Park is a 60.3-acre park on the summit of the Northeast's highest peak, with a visitor center, cafeteria, and gift shops. It offers hiking ...
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[PDF] The Geology of New Hampshire. Part I
The striking "crows-foot" pattern seen on some of the rocks of Mt. Washington are produced by these reformed minerals (silli- manite, staurolite, etc.) and ...Missing: geography | Show results with:geography
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Primary Source Set - Mount Washington | Moose on the Loose
In 1642, Darby Field of Durham became the first European to climb the mountain. He may have been motivated by rumors that there were gems at the summit. When ...
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History | Mt. Washington Auto Road
First opened on August 8, 1861 as a carriage road. AMERICA'S OLDEST MAN MADE ATTRACTION. a herd of sheep standing on top of a mountain
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Cog Railway - White Mountain History
The first official passenger trip to the summit took place on July 3, 1869. · The Cog Railway's founder and president, Sylvester Marsh, was pushed aside by Lyon ...
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Our History - Mount Washington Observatory
Oct 21, 2023 · The Mount Washington Observatory was founded in 1932, but the history of weather observation on Mount Washington goes back to the winter of 1870-1871.
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[PDF] Mount Washington - About its Weather - NH State Parks
An average wind velocity of 35 mph, coupled with an average temperature of 27.1 F (-2.7C) makes for extreme wind chill conditions. Why is the weather so severe?
[9]
Mount Washington in NH | Footpaths, Auto Road & Museums
Mount Washington is justly famed for its weather extremes. The highest surface wind speed ever observed by man - 231 miles per hour, was recorded there on April ...
[10]
[PDF] Cross Sections - NH Department of Environmental Services
The very top of Mt Washington is composed of upside-down Littleton Formation. The rocks remain in this orientation until the Cow Pasture where the first of two ...
[11]
[PDF] Structure and Metamorphism in the Mount Washington Area, New ...
The Mt. Washington area of New Hampshire contains the highest peaks . in the northern Appalachian Mountains. The metamorphic rocks belong to four strati- ...
[12]
[PDF] Bedrock and Surficial Geology of New Hampshire's White Mountains
Culminating with Mount Washington (elev. 6288 ft.), the range contains the most extensive alpine zone in the eastern U.S. as well as rugged and remote ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[13]
In the Zone: Exploring the Ecozones of the White Mountains
The plants in New Hampshire's alpine zone are true tundra flora, similar to the plants in the Arctic Circle. They grow close to the ground to cope with the ...
[14]
[PDF] 12/18-12/19 2023 Mount Washington ROS: A Case Study
The Mount Washington Summit marks an intersection between three watersheds, Headwaters Ammonoosuc River, Peabody River-. Androscoggin River, and Ellis River.
[15]
[PDF] Natural Communities of New Hampshire
The bare summits of the higher peaks and the steep “gulfs” or cirques carved into their flanks ... Mountains, occur in southern New Hampshire only as isolated ...
[16]
Something Wild: Atop Mt. Washington - NHPR
Jul 28, 2023 · New England's highest peak is unforgiving above treeline. But for some species of flora and fauna, the alpine zone provides exactly what ...
[17]
[PDF] Alpine - NH Fish and Game
In New Hampshire, alpine tundra habitat occupies 0.13% (5,436 acres) of the state, with the highest concentration occurring in the Presidential Range (Sperduto ...
[18]
Peregrine Falcon - NH Audubon
Since the early 1980s, NH Audubon staff and dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly to restore the Peregrine Falcon population in New Hampshire.
[19]
Mount Washington Weather Archives
Jun 5, 2024 · The following tables provide the “normal” weather conditions on Mount Washington for each month, averaged over the period of 1991-2020. Also ...Missing: facts elevation
[20]
Fog - Mount Washington Observatory
Fog is white, has high humidity, and can reduce visibility to zero. It's made of tiny water droplets, and the summit is in fog over 60% of the year.
[21]
Remembering the Big Wind - Mount Washington Observatory
Eighty-nine years ago today, Mount Washington Observatory, in its second year of existence, recorded a world-record wind speed of 231 miles per hour – a ...
[22]
Highs and lows - Mount Washington Observatory
The lowest temperature ever recorded on the summit since our records started was 47F below zero recorded on January 29, 1934. The lowest temperature I have ...
[23]
Mt Washington NH Snowfall Totals & Snow Accumulation Averages
Mt Washington's summit has at least an inch of snow on the ground for most of November through April. Typically, on 62 days a year the snow covering the top of ...
[24]
[PDF] Estimation of Flood Discharges at Selected Recurrence Intervals for ...
Apr 8, 2008 · For example, the rain gage at 6,262 ft on Mount Washington receives an annual average of 102 in. ... States average monthly or annual ...
[25]
Normals, Means, and Extremes - Mount Washington Observatory
Aug 29, 2022 · The following tables provide the “normal” weather conditions on Mount Washington for each month, averaged over the period of 1991-2020.
[26]
[PDF] Extreme precipitation trends in New England
Depending on the storm track, nor'easters can bring snow, rain or a mix of both to New England. Large snow accumulations in New England have been associated ...<|separator|>
[27]
[PDF] avalanche terrain and conditions in the presidential range, new
Yearly snowfall on the summit of Mount Washington averages 645 cm. Average annual snowfall at lowland stations in the area is about 287 cm. On average, at ...
[28]
DANGER ZONES MT. WASHINGTON By Dougald MacDonald
Each season averages 280 inches of snow, and wind-blown snow can pile up to depths of 10 to 40 feet in the east-facing ravines. Yet warmer temperatures can also ...
[29]
100 FAQs About Being a Weather Observer on Mount Washington
27. What is the most difficult part about living on Mount Washington? Long stretches of fog and/or other elements of bad weather can be mentally and physically ...
[30]
[PDF] Climate Trends on Mount Washington, NH
Temperature metrics. Mean annual and seasonal temperature trends show all seasons are warming on Mount Washington with some variations in the rate of change ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[31]
An Interview with Abenaki Chief and Elder Paul Bunnell
Sep 13, 2021 · Agiocochook means “the home of the great spirit.” That is an Abenaki name—the one we use today. Which other pieces of history were erased by ...
[32]
The Wobanadenok – Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative ...
Dec 6, 2018 · The mountain was named after the Native American Chief Chocorua. There are several folk legends about this mountain and this personage.
[33]
Abenaki Land in Mt. Washington Valley, NH | Spring
The White Mountains offered a space for hunting that was migratory and opportunistic, but certainly not permanent. With this information, it's tough to assume ...
[34]
What Do You Know About New Hampshire's Mount Washington?
4. Historical Role ... In 1524, explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano first sighted the peak of Mount Washington from an Atlantic Ocean vantage point aboard his ship.Missing: sighting | Show results with:sighting
[35]
In Climbing Mt Washington, Darby Field May Have Sought Lake ...
Jan 28, 2017 · In the history of mountain climbing in New England, the first ascent of Mt. Washington happened in 1642 with Darby Field as the climber.
[36]
Manasseh Cutler - History of Early American Landscape Design
Sep 8, 2021 · Manasseh Cutler (May 13, 1742–July 28, 1823) was a systematic botanist, horticulturist, and naturalist. He established an extensive network with other learned ...Missing: survey | Show results with:survey
[37]
How the Presidential Peaks Got Their Names
Mount Washington's original name, given by the Abenaki Indians ... There was an unsuccessful attempt by the New Hampshire State Legislature to rename Mount ...<|separator|>
[38]
The Shared History of AMC and the Mount Washington Observatory
” In the winter of 1870, Dartmouth ... The next year the U.S. Army Signal Service established a full-time weather station on the summit of Mount Washington.
[39]
The Mount Washington Observatory - NOAA VLab
Dec 2, 2019 · ... Washington Observatory proves the lasting legacy of the original Signal Service station and a timeless dedication to meteorological observation.
[40]
Fire On Mt. Washington - White Mountain History
The next year, 1853, a Lancaster resident, John Spaulding, built the Tip Top House to compete with the Summit House. ... Mt Washington Observatory and are ...
[41]
[PDF] 2. Location - NPGallery
The Tip-Top House on Mount Washington is the oldest existing building at the Summit, having survived since 1853 the vicious storms, winds, and fires that ...
[42]
[PDF] The story of Mount Washington - Internet Archive
Mount Washington. Here they made camp in a meadow at the junc¬ tion of the Ellis and Peabody rivers, not over half a mile from the pres¬ ent site of the ...
[43]
Unit 13 Plan: Tourism and New Hampshire - Moose on the Loose
The Cog Railway opened in 1869 and not only brought visitors to the famed summit of Mount Washington but became a tourist attraction itself. ... In the decades ...
[44]
Tourism grows in 1869 — The Mount Washington Cog Railway
By 1869 there were hundreds of hotels and inns in the region (two of them on the summit), and the most luxurious of them were known as Grand Hotels.Missing: 19th | Show results with:19th
[45]
Guide to the AMC Trail Crew Association Papers, 1914-2009
The AMC Trail Crew dates to 1919 and is charged with trail and shelter maintenance in the White Mountains. The Association, formed to maintain a sense of ...
[46]
New Hampshire - Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire's famous White Mountains is rugged and inspiring, offering more miles above treeline—15.2—than any other Trail state.
[47]
Top Trails for Hiking Mount Washington According to White ...
The four most commonly hiked routes are the Tuckerman Ravine and Lion Head Trails from the East, and the Ammonoosuc Ravine and Jewell Trails from the West. If ...
[48]
Mount Washington via Lion Head Trail, New Hampshire - AllTrails
Rating 4.8 (1,690) ... Wildflowers · Wildlife. Suitability. Dog friendly · Dogs on leash · Kid friendly · Partially paved · Stroller friendly · Wheelchair friendly. Points of interest.
[49]
The Presidential Traverse Itinerary - Appalachian Mountain Club
After passing the Cog Railway on the Gulfside Trail, take the Trinity Heights Connector to the summit of Mount Washington. Enjoy the view (or the unique ...Your Itinerary · Pre-Trip: Joe Dodge Lodge · Day 1: Joe Dodge Lodge To...
[50]
A Beginner's Guide to Hiking in the White Mountains
Before you head north to the White Mountains, read our hiking tips to help beginners enjoy the amazing experiences its trails offer.
[51]
Lion Head : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost
Two prominent trails ascend Mount Washington at Lion Head. The Tuckerman ... wildflowers during the spring and summer months. Hermit Lake Lake. During ...
[52]
Lion Head Winter Route - Synnott Mountain Guides
The standard route for ascending Mt. Washington in winter is the Lion Head winter route. Your day will start at the Pinkham Notch visitor center.
[53]
Sylvester Marsh and the railway to the moon
In 1857, not long after relocating to the Boston area, Chicago businessman Sylvester Marsh needed some exercise. Just two years earlier, ...
[54]
Mount Washington Cog Railway | ASCE
... Sylvester Marsh is credited for launching the Cog Railway and bringing Aiken's ideas to fruition. In 1858 Marsh applied to the New Hampshire Legislature for ...
[55]
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mount Washington Cog ...
Do you run trains year-round? Yes! However, the Mount Washington State Park at the summit closes for the winter from mid-October thru early May.
[56]
The Cog Railway - Mount Washington Observatory
Jan 26, 2025 · “The Second Greatest Show on Earth!” That's what showman P.T. Barnum proclaimed in 1869 as he stepped down off the train and marveled at the ...
[57]
Historic Cog Railway gets new biodiesel locomotive
Sep 7, 2008 · Gov. John Lynch helped the Railway dedicate a new, biodiesel, locomotive on Saturday, then played engineer and drove the train.
[58]
Road Records - Mt. Washington Auto Road
Below are some of the record times posted for climbing the Auto Road, on foot, by bicycle, and in automobiles.Missing: engineering descent
[59]
History made: The Mt. Washington Auto Road paved top to bottom
May 27, 2022 · Opened on August 8, 1861, the Mt. Washington Auto Road is the oldest man-made and continuously operating tourist attraction in North America.Missing: engineering descent
[60]
Guided Tours - Mt. Washington Auto Road
2-Hour Guided Tours offer a unique opportunity to learn the true nature and history of Mount Washington. ... Limited Time Only! From $75.00.Missing: length descent 2014
[61]
Hours and Dates of Operation | Mt. Washington Auto Road
Operation of the Auto Road is always weather permitting. Early Season May 16–May 23, 9:00am – 4:00pm. May 24 – June 13, 9:00am – 5:00pm. June 14 – August 24, 9 ...All Activities · Hiker Shuttle · Sunset Guided TourMissing: Cog Railway
[62]
The Mount Washington Cog Railway
The first-EVER Mount Washington Cog Railway is one of the world's great rail adventures, and an exhilarating journey through history, technology and nature.Directions · FAQs · Purchase tickets! · Live from marshfield: the cog...Missing: founding | Show results with:founding
[63]
The fight over the future of Mount Washington
Sep 8, 2022 · Receiving nearly 400,000 visitors annually, Mount Washington is an economic driver in the region. But those numbers have led to congestion at ...Missing: seasonal | Show results with:seasonal
[64]
Subaru Driver Travis Pastrana Smashes Mt. Washington Hillclimb ...
Jul 18, 2017 · Pastrana sped to the summit of the sinuous 7.6 mile Mt. Washington Auto Road in an amazing 5 minutes 44.72 seconds, over 24 seconds faster than ...Missing: descent 5:45<|separator|>
[65]
The Impact of Mount Washington on the Height of the Boundary ...
Both thermally and mechanically forced upslope flows helped shape these differences by altering the height of the boundary layer with respect to the mountain ...
[66]
Mountain Washington's Response to Climate Change Now ...
The new study also adds insights about climate indicators at Mount Washington and Pinkham Notch from the 1930s through 2018, including snow season start and end ...
[67]
Evidence of Climate Change Declines with Elevation Based on ...
Jan 19, 2018 · Mount Washington, New Hampshire, has the longest northeastern US mountain climatological record (1930s to present), both at the summit (1914 m) and at Pinkham ...
[68]
About Us - Mount Washington Observatory
### Summary of Facilities, Staff Size, Public Education Programs, and Museum (Current Operations)
[69]
Staff and Trustees - Mount Washington Observatory
Mission Statement Our History Mount Washington Observatory is a private, nonprofit, member-supported institution with a mission to advance understanding of ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[70]
The Mount Washington Observatory—50 Years Old in - AMS Journals
... Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society ... Cover 4. AMS Publications. Journals · BAMS · Monographs · AMS ...
[71]
Mount Washington, NH: A Look Back - Fybush.com
Feb 20, 2003 · The Armstrong tower that dates back to 1937 is at right, with the WMTW auxiliary antenna on top (it seems to have survived the fire without ...
[72]
Mount Washington, NH: The TV Years, 1954-2002 - Fybush.com
Feb 6, 2002 · Mount Washington was used for early FM radio, then TV (WMTW-TV) from 1954, reaching a large area, and live weather reports. It was also used ...Missing: communication | Show results with:communication
[73]
Building a Radio Tower atop Mount Washington - The Text Message
Feb 12, 2019 · In 1940, the Yankee Network submitted a request to the FCC to change W1XER from an experimental high frequency broadcast station to FM. Image of ...
[74]
RabbitEars.Info
### Extracted List of Broadcast Stations and Towers on Mount Washington, NH
[75]
W1NH Repeater – Gorham, NH - RepeaterBook.com
W1NH On-Air Open. 146.65500 (-) MHz 100.0. Gorham • Mt Washington • Coos County • New Hampshire. Updated 2025-10-16.
[76]
Mount Washington's fatalities - New Hampshire Magazine
May 9, 2019 · Alexander Cusick, employee of the Cog Railway, was killed August 23, 1900, while descending the railway on a “Slideboard”. John M Keenan, age 18 ...Missing: notable history
[77]
New book documents all who have died on Mount Washington
May 5, 2018 · Thirteen perished in avalanches, 28 succumbed to hypothermia, and 10 lost their lives in skiing accidents. Together, these are only a fraction ...
[78]
Avalanche Deaths a Tragic Part of Mount Washington History
The first two people who died in an avalanche-related incident on Mount Washington were Philip Longnecker, 25, and Jacques Parysko, 23, who died in January of ...
[79]
Rescue in the White Mountains | Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)
AMC staff have a long history of participating in search and rescue efforts dating back to the late 1920s. Because they are stationed close to trails in the ...
[80]
Understanding Wind Chill - National Weather Service
The wind chill temperature is calculated using the following formula: Wind chill (ºF) = 35.74 + 0.6215T - 35.75(V^0.16) + 0.4275T(V^0.16) · Wind chill ...
[81]
Cold Risks - Mount Washington Observatory
Frostbite and hypothermia are two incredibly large risks when exposed to the extreme cold, and should be warded against during every second of exposure.Missing: hiking formula
[82]
Detecting Lightning on the Summit - Mount Washington Observatory
Jun 30, 2016 · During the thunderstorm in which this data was captured, there were 8 lightning strikes that hit the summit with rapid fluctuations between + ...
[83]
Health and Safety - Mount Washington Observatory
Mar 26, 2023 · Cell Phone Use: Mount Washington Observatory cannot guarantee cell coverage during your visit. We recommend turning your cell phone to ...
[84]
Mount Washington Can Kill. Here's How to Hike it Safely. - Backpacker
Jul 3, 2025 · The peak averages 25 rescues each year and has claimed over 150 lives since recordkeeping began in 1849. Victims range from woefully ...<|separator|>
[85]
Incidents & Accidents - Mount Washington Avalanche Center
Every year, on average, 25 people who are injured while climbing, skiing and mountaineering on Mount Washington require some type of assistance from rescue ...
[86]
Hiking Safety | State of New Hampshire Fish and Game
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is authorized to sell voluntary Hike Safe Cards for $25 per person and $35 per family. It covers the calendar year ...
[87]
Mount Washington Observatory
The Mount Washington Cog Railway. Ride the Cog to the Summit of Mount Washington, New England's highest peak located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.Current Summit Conditions · Higher Summits Forecast · The Cog Railway · Visit Us
[88]
Mount Washington Gear List (Winter) - The Peak Seeker
Dec 18, 2013 · Recommended for a Mount Washington winter climb ; Crampons – these are an absolute must. ; Ice Axe – again, this piece of gear is an absolute must ...<|separator|>
[89]
View from near the Summit of Mount Washington, N.H.
Artist: Thomas Cole (American, born England, 1801–1848). Thomas Cole, View from near the Summit of Mount Washington, N.H., 1828. Toggle full screen. Zoom inMissing: 1827 | Show results with:1827
[90]
Benjamin Champney Gallery | White Mountain Art & Artists
Mount Washington from behind White Horse Ledge, North Conway by Benjamin Champney. Mount Washington in Winter from the Intervale by Benjamin Champney.
[91]
https://mountwashington.org/
[92]
Guide to the Daniel Noel White Mountain Collection
... lantern slides depicting the White Mountains region. Accession included original glass plate transparencies from the studio of noted North Conway ...
[93]
Mount Washington Avalanche | Nightmare on Mount Washington
From its base, Huntington Ravine rises before the eye in a grand and desolate semicircle of steep rock. Odell Gully is on the left, its narrow entrance marked ...
[94]
Record Gust, Human Grit: 90 Years of Big Wind
The record wind on Mount Washington was 231 mph, the fastest ever recorded at a staffed, non-automated station, and the highest natural wind velocity ever ...
[95]
Webcams - Mount Washington Observatory
Sep 24, 2025 · Cannon Mountain Webcam. A view from the near the summit of Cannon Mountain – Franconia Notch State Park. Cranmore Meister Cam. A view of ...Observation Deck CameraTower CameraWildcat CameraNorth View CameraWest View Camera
[96]
Library & Archives | Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)
The AMC Library & Archives hold 140 years of historical documents, books, and memorabilia, including over 2,000 books and 20,000 images, and are searchable ...Missing: artistic Washington
[97]
https://newengland.com/yankee/magazine/mt-washington-avalanche/
[98]
https://mountwashington.org/record-gust-human-grit-90-years-of-big-wind/
[99]
"Sunrise on Mount Washington" by Anna C. Brackett
In 1877, New England Magazine published her wonderful poem, “Sunrise on Mount Washington.” Anyone who has climbed Mt. Washington can certainly sympathize with ...
[100]
Stories from Mount Washington (2019) - IMDb
A documentary which explores some of the characters of Mount Washington in New Hampshire. The film by Bill Millios is based on journalist Dan Szczesny's 2018 ...
[101]
'The Observers' Film By Jacqueline Goss
The feature is a full length film portrait of the Mount Washington Observatory. ... Our weather station is located on the summit of Mount Washington in New ...
[102]
Windows to the Wild | Winter on Mt. Washington | Season 5 - PBS
Oct 20, 2010 · Host Willem Lange witnesses firsthand the whipping wind, snow and bitter cold of Mt. Washington from the safety of the Weather Observatory's snow-cat.
[103]
Arc'teryx Presents: 109° Below - YouTube
Oct 21, 2024 · ... BELOW", an Arc'teryx film, tells the gripping true story of a 1982 mountain rescue on Mount Washington ... Full documentary: The Edmund Fitzgerald ...
[104]
267: The Tragedy on Mount Washington That Changed Search and ...
Apr 15, 2025 · The Lions of Winter: Survival and Sacrifice on Mount Washington. Ty takes listeners behind the scenes of the tragic 1982 search and rescue ...
[105]
A Rescue Gone Wrong - Backpacker Magazine
Dec 14, 2023 · In 1982, a daring rescue mission changed Joe Lentini's life forever. What began as a noble effort by Mountain Rescue Service volunteers took an unforeseen turn.
[106]
The World's Worst Weather - Mount Washington Observatory
Mt Washington is at the confluence of three major storm tracks, allowing severe storms to regularly hit it. Such storms can bring winds in excess of 100 miles ...Missing: 102 source
[107]
Mount Washington: Home to 'the world's worst weather' with record ...
Mar 14, 2025 · Storms hit the summit every three days on average in the winter, bringing high winds and huge amounts of precipitation, according to the ...
[108]
Windswept - Mount Washington Observatory
Windswept is published three times a year, featuring updates about the Observatory's work and stories about the mountain's weather, personalities, news, and ...Missing: 2020s | Show results with:2020s