Meteorologists Ride Rare ‘Ice Wave’ on Mount Washington Summit–FREE READ

By: Jessica DeWeese | jessica@newsblues.com

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Mount Washington, infamous for its extreme weather, recently unveiled a rare natural spectacle—a massive rime ice formation that meteorologists turned into a subarctic surfing experience.

Perched atop New Hampshire’s 6,286-foot peak, observers at the Mount Washington Observatory braved freezing temperatures and howling winds to ride the icy wave.

“This rime ice wave on the top of our tower hasn’t formed in nearly two years, so it’s rare to see it this big,” the Mount Washington Observatory shared on social media.

Rime ice forms when supercooled water droplets in fog freeze instantly upon contact with surfaces in subfreezing temperatures. Mount Washington, shrouded in fog for about two-thirds of the year and averaging a chilly 27 degrees, provides perfect conditions for this phenomenon, with ice accretion rates sometimes reaching 9 inches per hour.

Weather observers Charlie Peachey, Alex Branton, and Alexis George took the opportunity to showcase their winter work atop the icy summit.

The observatory reminded viewers, however, that the summit’s brutal climate is no place for casual recreation: “Mountain weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme cold, so never dress like the observers in these photos when on the summit in winter.”

Mount Washington Observatory plays a critical role in collecting data for the National Weather Service, says Fox Weather. Weather observers face relentless conditions, often enduring high winds and temperatures well below freezing, to manually gather hourly data. Their work ensures the accuracy of weather forecasts and provides insights into one of the planet’s most extreme climates.

The summit holds the record for the highest wind speed ever recorded in the U.S.—a staggering 231 mph measured in 1934. Despite such challenges, the observatory staff maintains a 24/7 presence, often using Snowcat vehicles for transportation during winter’s harshest days.

Mount Washington’s iconic rime ice waves serve as a reminder of the peak’s unpredictable beauty and the resilience of those who study its extreme conditions.