Inversion

"In meteorology, an inversion is a deviation from the normal change of an atmospheric property with altitude. It almost always refers to a temperature inversion, i.e., an increase in temperature with height..."

Since it was so cold when we got up on Saturday, we decided to head to N. Conway to do some shopping. From Bethel, this trip takes us over Pinkham Notch - past Mt. Washington. On our way back home we noted as we started climbing the Notch, the temp in the truck read 7F. By the time we reached the top of the notch, at the Visitor's Center, the temp was up to 14F, and dropped again to 5F when we reached Gorham. I figured it would be colder up higher, but the inversion actually kept the air at altitude even warmer. That was my science lesson for the day.

To test the inversion back in Bethel, we decided to head up to Sunday River for a few runs in the afternoon. It was beautiful, but COLD - even up top. So much for inversion ;-).

Funny thing, too - we usually ski in the morning, trying to get first runs. By the time we were geared up and skiing, the light was really flat - something I hadn't really experienced before. Made it hard to see with the goggles on. The conditions also were a little different than we're used to. Instead of fresh corduroy, we skied a lot of ice. I think we'll go back to skiing in the morning.