Dear Tom,
I believe skiing is possible on the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii, but my friends disagree. What is your opinion?
–Roger Harmon
Dear Roger,
You’re correct. Air temperatures in the troposphere, the lowest layer of the atmosphere extending from the surface to 5 to 11 miles aloft, decline about 5 degrees per 1,000 feet of vertical ascent. The 13,796-foot summit of Mauna Kea is sufficiently high to receive skiable snow several times each winter.
Mauna Kea’s summit temperatures, ranging from the 20s in winter to the 50s in summer, are never frigid, but winds frequently in excess of 60 mph create dangerous wind chill readings. Skiing is best immediately after a strong, wet frontal system crosses the is- lands, bringing Mauna Kea a heavy snow. However, the snow melts quickly and ski conditions deteriorate within a few days.
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