Many residents of the Mount Washington Valley have witnessed a noticeable change in the climate. Recent weeks have featured below normal afternoon temperatures into the 40s and 50s, while nighttime readings have dipped into the 20s. Upon waking up from a good night's sleep, have you noticed the sparkling color of silver that has been painted upon your car, the grass, and window pains of your house? Well, my friends, this delicate painting of artistry is produced by one of our most beloved acquaintances, Jack Frost.
Legend has it that once upon a time, in the frigid cold of northern Russia, a caring and generous artist became the son of the Norse god of wind. This son, known as Jokul Frosti (Icicle Frost), immigrated to England with his father, Norse. Being that England was fairly populated, Jokul decided to display his artistic power to the people of the country. Every winter morning, the residents of England would awake to a spectacular display of silver, which was painted upon the entire landscape. Feedback from the residents was that of substantial amazement. The people of England soon discovered the origin of this beauty, which was linked to Jokul's new nickname, Jack Frost.
Time passed as Jack continued to present residents of England a sample of his artistic brilliance. He eventually broadened his horizons as he stroked the color of sparkling silver upon the face of the entire globe. Before first settlers arrived into the Mount Washington Valley, Jack had already begun to provide a significant enhancement for the region. This enhancement has continued for the generations that have followed, which can only be visually scene on special days.
Jack Frost, meteorologically referred to as frost, is a cold cousin of dew. Frost usually forms during the nighttime when North Conway experiences radiational cooling. Cold temperatures, light winds, and clear skies represent conditions of such a cooling. The dew point (amount of moisture in the air) is also a main contributor towards the formation of frost. When the dew point is around 32 degrees, and the air temperature falls within a few degrees of this point, sublimation occurs. Sublimation is the process for which water vapor moves into a solid, such as ice, and forms frost. A misconception of frost is that it is freezing dew, when in reality it is somewhat opposite.
Rime and hoar are two forms of frost. The most common, hoar, occurs in low-lying regions and is possibly the most frequent visitor to the Mount Washington Valley. It creates patterns of feathers, ferns, and flowers upon many objects that are subjected to the air. The most famous and visually captivating frost is rime. This is extremely common on the summit of Mount Washington. One reason for its formation is because of clouds that blow over the mountain's sub-freezing surface. This then forms the rime frost to become meters thick in the direction of the prevailing wind. All in all, when you view either frost, remember it is the artistic work of our friend, Jack Frost.