Rate the Climate: Mt. Washington, New Hampshire (average, wind speed, winters)
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Any idea what the percentage of calm conditions are?
Completely calm is really rare above treeline. I've been above treeline near Mt. Washington when it was only somewhat breezy (maybe 10 mph) more than once. The topography magnifies any slight wind below. In some ways, the mid 50s highs on the summit are nice, because with the lack of trees, on a sunny day, mid 50s feels warm-ish with the sun beating down on the rocks and from hiking. You can wear shorts and a t-shirt in those temperatures.
Other times going above treeline is like going into a weather machine. I attached a photo of a time I attempted to climb Mt. Washington one October. I turned around. The other photo is from near the base taken on the same weekend.
From wikipedia:
The vertical rise of the Presidential Range, combined with its north-south orientation, makes it a significant barrier to westerly winds. Low-pressure systems are more favorable to develop along the coastline in the winter months due to the relative temperature differences between the Northeast and the Atlantic Ocean. With these factors combined, winds exceeding hurricane force occur an average of 110 days per year. From November to April, these strong winds are likely to occur during two-thirds of the days.
Well, except for the sunshine, the record highs and the little too cold April, winters are pretty much among the best on earth for me.... Only summers are of course way too cool so I have to rate it B.
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