About the Observatory
The Mount Washington Observatory is a non-profit organization providing environmental observation and education while supporting scientific research.
Since its establishment in 1932, it has contributed to landmark research efforts in short-wave radio propagation, ice physics, the constitution of clouds, and the composition of the atmosphere. Current research addresses summit weather and climate, regional air quality, and global tropospheric chemistry.
Their interactive museum, The Weather Discovery Center is open daily during summer months and three days each week during Nov-April.
The Mount Washington Observatory
Mount Washington Observatory maintains a permanently staffed observing station atop Mount Washington, “Home of the World's Worst Weather.” With support from NHSGC, they offer the public an up-close and personal understanding of the unique environment of Mt. Washington.
The Weather Discovery Center
The observatory's interactive museum, the Weather Discovery Center, is located on Main street in North Conway, NH.
At the Discovery Center you can see fifth graders figure out how to make a cloud in a bottle, learn what causes thunderstorms, or join kayakers in Boise, Idaho, for a “big water blowout”.
Mount Washington Facts:
Elevation: 6,288 feet
Latitude: 44° 16' N
Longitude: 71° 18' W
Highest wind (04/12/1934): 231 MPH
Average yearly wind velocity: 35.3 MPH
Lowest temp. (01/1934): -47°F
Highest temp. (08/1975, 06/2003): 72°F/
Average temp. for the year: 26.5°F
Average annual snowfall: 256 inches
Max. snowfall in a season (1968-69): 566.4”
Max. snowfall in a year (1969) 495.2”
Winds exceed 75MPH approx. 104 days/yr
Summit n the clouds approx. 60% of time
Fog reported for over 300 days/yr