YOU THINK OUR WEATHER WAS BAD TODAY?

Written By: Scott Hetsko

Here's the forecast discussion today from Mount Washington (6,288 FT)

A strong Nor'easter will intensify as it slowly makes its way up the coast resulting in abundant precipitation and strong winds over the forecast period. Precipitation will be heaviest this morning and will fall as snow but as temperatures slowly warm to just below freezing this afternoon, some sleet or freezing rain may mix in before sunset. Easterly winds will increase into midday before the center of the low approaches allowing for a slight downward trend for the afternoon. But as the low exits overnight, winds will ramp back up and shift to the northwest allowing temperatures to plummet.

The colder air will allow snow to return overnight and the shifting high winds may make for ground blizzards at times. Wind chills will also be dropping overnight to around 0 possibly dipping to negative temperatures by sunrise Saturday. Saturday will see snow taper to showers as winds increase on the backside of the exiting low with temperatures remaining fairly steady through the day. As far as projected snowfall amounts, models actually have this as a mostly rain event so are of no use for guidance this morning. But given the amount that has fallen over the past few hours, I would suspect 2-4 inches today, 1-3 inches overnight and a trace to 2 inches tomorrow. It should be noted that these totals may be on the conservative side but based on the past 6 hours of snowfall I have seen, they are my best estimates. But travelers to higher summits should be aware that drifts may be several inches to a foot or more in some locations.

Traction devices are strongly encouraged and foot placement should be monitored as gaps between rocks may be obscured increasing the risk of slight post holing and increasing risks of lower leg injuries. Goggles are also strongly encouraged as snow will be blown nearly horizontal at times. And it should be noted that if you hike up today, be well prepared to hike back down as the weather may impact the operating schedules of the cog and auto road and there will be no guaranteed rides down. And remember, the weather will only get worst the higher you get, so when you reach an elevation where you don't feel safe, it is always safer to head back down than continue up.