How Tall Is Mount Washington in New Hampshire?

How Tall is Mount Washington in New Hampshire?

Mount Washington stands an impressive 6,288 feet high, making it the tallest peak in the northeastern United States. Located in the White Mountains, Mount Washington lies just northwest of Conway, New Hampshire. Mount Washington is famous for its extreme weather conditions. For instance, wind velocities at this peak have topped at 231 miles per hour. In fact, the summit records one of the highest wind velocities on Earth.

Despite the mountain’s intense weather conditions, people are still able to drive or take the Mount Washington Cog Railway to the top. Several scientific and recreational buildings lie atop the summit of Mount Washington. For example, the Mount Washington Weather Observatory is found on the mountain’s peak, and the observatory tracks weather conditions on and near the summit.

What is the Weather Like on Mount Washington?

Many refer to weather conditions on Mount Washington as the worst weather in the world. February of 2023 saw a wind chill of -109ºF on the summit, which set an incredible record that some believe is the lowest wind chill ever recorded in American history.

Researchers track Mount Washington’s weather year-round during both day and night at the observatory. Each hour, experts record data concerning humidity and temperature on the mountain. Furthermore, researchers track gradual weather changes, including snowfall, length of snow seasons, and rate of snow melting, to determine how climate change has affected the region.

Mount Washington Observatory

Researchers at the Mount Washington Observatory track various factors related to weather conditions and climate patterns on the summit of Mount Washington. Additionally, the observatory’s website publishes weather changes in real-time, so people can stay updated on temperature, humidity, and wind conditions on the summit. Live-streaming webcams on Mount Washington provide an incredible look at the White Mountains and their current weather conditions.

Wildlife Near Mount Washington

Wildlife on and near Mount Washington is diverse and scattered throughout various habitats found on the mountain. Moose are most likely encountered below the summit’s Alpine zone. The Alpine zone describes the highest climate and habitat zone in the White Mountains, starting above 4,400 feet of elevation. Here are several animals that call Mount Washington home.

Black Bears

The American black bear is common throughout the United States, particularly near mountainous regions, including Mount Washington. Black bears typically display a black coloration, but their fur may also appear dark brown or include another color. Adult black bears may measure between 4.3 and 6.2 feet long and weigh anywhere from 132 to 661 pounds. Male black bears typically record a significantly greater weight than females. Additionally, the largest males may grow up to 6.6 feet in length and weigh around 900 pounds.

The diet of black bears includes fruit, roots, honey, animal carcasses, and juvenile deer or moose. While many classify the black bear as a carnivore, the creature consumes both plants and animals, making it an omnivore. Black bears are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat anything available to them. However, black bears are predators and dangerous to other animals and humans.

Moose

Moose reside across North America and Eurasia, meaning they are found on New Hampshire’s Mount Washington. The northeastern moose is the most prevalent subspecies of moose in the northeastern United States. Additionally, adults in this region typically measure around 9 feet long and weigh between 836 and 1,106 pounds. The diet of moose includes various plant species, including maple, birch, and willow trees.

Red Foxes

Red foxes claim one of the greatest distributions of any land mammal on Earth, so it’s no surprise that these creatures are found on Mount Washington. The red fox usually records a length between 3 and 3.5 feet and a weight between 10 and 15 pounds. The coloration of the fox usually appears red with a white underbelly and black legs and ears. The diet of red foxes includes fruit, birds, rabbits, mice, and other small animals or plants.

Mount Washington vs. Other Mountains in New Hampshire: A Comparison

What are Some Other Tall Summits in the United States?

The tallest summits in the United States include Denali, Mount Saint Elias, and Mount Foraker, to name a few. All three mountains claim an elevation greater than 17,000 feet and reside in Alaska. For instance, Denali, which is also called Mount McKinley, is the highest peak in the U.S. and claims an elevation of 20,310 feet. Following Denali is Mount Saint Elias, whose peak stands 18,008 feet high. Mount Foraker’s elevation measures 17,400 feet.

While the highest peaks in the United States are certainly impressive, they are not comparable to New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, which records a much lower elevation. Some peaks in the U.S. with similar elevations to Mount Washington include Mount Mitchell and Truuli Peak. Mount Mitchell is found in the Appalachian Mountains and records an elevation of 6,684 feet. Truuli Peak, on the other hand, resides in the Kenai Mountains in Alaska and stands 6,612 feet tall.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Harvey Barrison / Creative Commons – License / Original