Adventure On SI

Meteorologists Try 'Subarctic Surfing' On Mount Washington's 'Ice Wave'

Mount Washington is home to a unique 'ice wave' formation. Intrigued by this occurrence, meteorologists went to check it out for themselves in surfing style.

Maria Aldrich

White Mountains in New Hampshire
White Mountains in New Hampshire / Unsplash

Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, stands in New Hampshire at 6,288' tall. This mountain has an incredible historical background and continues to draw in visitors from all over due to its challenging terrain, extreme weather, and stunning views.

Mount Washington is widely known for its harsh winds that surround the mountain. In fact, for over 60 years, the mountain held the world record for the highest wind speed on Earth, reaching an astonishing 231 miles per hour in April 1934. It wasn't until 1996 that this record was broken in Australia during a storm.

These intense winds are the cause of the unique 'ice wave' that recently formed on Mount Washington's summit. According to Fox Weather, the combination of freezing temperatures and high winds resulted in what is known as rime ice.

"Rime ice forms when liquid water droplets from fog collect onto objects during below-freezing temperatures," Fox Weather wrote on their website. The National Weather Service explained that with rime, as opposed to frost, both the object and surrounding air need to be below freezing, with liquid drops present. For frost to form, only the object needs to be frozen.

Meteorologists Charlie Peachey, Alex Branton, and Alexis George are seen on the Mount Washington Observatory Instagram page 'surfing' the ice waves. According to their social media post, the 'ice wave' hasn't formed in two years, making this occurrence quite special considering its substantial size.

The Mount Washington Observatory reminds hikers of the extreme conditions that occur in the White Mountains. Prepare for your winter hikes by bringing the necessary equipment and clothingon each adventure.

"Weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme cold, so never dress like the observers in these photos when on the summit in the winter," they stated.

For Mount Washington weather updates, educational programs, and mountain webcams, visit the Mount Washington Observatory website.

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Maria Aldrich
MARIA ALDRICH

Maria Aldrich graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Wilderness Education. While earning her degrees, she learned the fundamentals of climbing, wilderness travel, and leadership in the backcountry. These skills built upon Maria's lifelong passion for the outdoors. Following graduation, she began working in the outdoor recreation field, serving individuals with disabilities to help them access outdoor pursuits including hiking, paddling, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. The following year, Maria moved to the Adirondack Mountains in New York State to continue working towards a life of adventure and writing. She has continued rock and ice climbing, hiking in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, and paddling through various rivers while documenting her experiences through writing. When Maria isn’t adventuring in the mountains, she can be found reading a book, fishing on a shoreline, or spending time with family.

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