The White Mountains mountain system has one interesting object, famous for the harsh weather conditions at its peak. We are talking about Mount Washington, which attracts tourists from all over the world.
Interesting information
In the state of New Hampshire, which is located in the northeast of the United States , is one of its main attractions. The hill is the highest in the region - 1917 meters.
Initially, when American tribes dominated the territory of America, the mountain was called Agiocochuk, which means "House of the Great Spirit." But as soon as the lands began to be inhabited by the Caucasian race, the mountain was renamed Washington.
Mount Washington is not an isolated object. This is part of the White Mountains of the Presidential Range. In height, it takes 3rd place after the peaks under the names of Mitchell and Klingmens House.
Top weather conditions
The most extreme and dangerous place with strong winds is Mount Washington. At this point, the intersection of strong winds blowing from three directions. The strongest air hurricanes occur in the period from November to April. They can last 16 hours a day.
The maximum wind speed record was recorded on April 12, 1934. Sensors recorded an indicator of 103.3 m / s, which is close to the speed of ground tornadoes.
The temperature at the top of this mountain in the USA also reached the lowest possible record levels. So, for example, on January 29, 1934, a temperature of -43 ° C was recorded. This indicator was considered a record until meteorological observations of the 1800s were studied. In the reports for January 22, 1885, the temperature was -46 .
On January 16, 2004, according to the weather station, the temperature dropped to -42 ° C, and the wind speed was 39 m / s. In aggregate, such conditions are equated to -70 ° C.
Blizzards and snow hurricanes are not rare occurrences on the mountain. And in a year 645 cm of snow falls. It can be said that the arctic atmosphere reigns on top of Mount Washington.
What's at the top?
At the very top, a view opens onto the abandoned buildings that were once inhabited by workers. Now this place is completely uninhabited. Only rare tourists and conquerors of peaks step on a mountain hill.
As for buildings, some of them are designed and built in such a way that they are completely resistant to strong gusts of wind.
In addition to residential facilities, meteorological services have been installed on the top of Mount Washington, the purpose of which is to record and transmit temperature indicators, note the speed and direction of the winds, as well as other climatic changes.
Back in 1937, thanks to the scientist Edwin Armstrong, an FM transmitter was installed on top. However, he worked for a relatively short time, only 11 years, and in 1948, due to high financial costs, the radio station was closed.
The year 1954 was marked by the installation of a television station, which is still operating. Recently, the TV transmitter has been erected on a higher tower, which is reinforced with additional strong cables.
Funicular: to the top along the rails
In 1869, a funicular was built on the western side of the mountain, which is used by lazy conquerors of peaks. Eight trains are used to lift people to the top, traveling at a speed of 5-8 km / h. As the trains go up the railway on a slope, the arrangement of its trains is appropriate: passenger cars are in front, and a steam locomotive follows. Such an unusual location is associated with safety measures, because in the event of a malfunction, the train will not roll down at high speed, since the locomotive closing it will take on the weight of all the cars and, thanks to a well-functioning brake system, will keep the funicular in place.
Events and entertainment for tourists
Mount Washington Road Race is an American sporting event that takes place annually in June on Mount Washington. This competition brings together hundreds of runners.
Newton's Revenge and Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb - bike rides, which are also held annually on the American peak, but in July and August. The bike ride is carried out along the highway, which is blocked for the duration of the trip.
Mt. Washington Alternative Energy Days is a 2-day automobile convention held on the mountain. But its peculiarity is that it is a congress of cars moving on alternative types of gasoline fuels.
Another car-related event is held on Saturday, preceding Father's Day. Its name is "MINI Congress".
Mount Washington - An Object in Art
This American peak is a very picturesque place, so it has become an object of admiration not only for tourists, but also for people of art - artists. Moreover, there are several famous paintings, the date of writing of which dates back to the late 18th - early 19th centuries. At this time, the Conway Society of English Artists created several famous paintings depicting the mountains. To this day, the paintings are stored in the palace and park complex of England - Hampton Court.
Not only painting reflects the majesty of the mountain. The American musician and composer Alan Hovaness in the 90s of the 20th century composed Symphony No. 64, dedicated to grief. The inspiration was his ascent to the American peak, which he made in his young years.
Instead of a conclusion
Mount Washington is an object worthy of the avid travelers seeking New Hampshire for this. But only true extremes dare to rise to its peak, because its severe Arctic climate is able to scare away many travelers.
You can also enjoy beautiful views at its foot. It is not in vain that the magnificent view of the mountain, surrounded by the surrounding landscape, has become an object of fine art.