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Late-May Snowfall Blankets Mount Washington In 4-Foot Drifts

It's the first day of June, an unofficial start to summer for many Americans, and yet Mount Washington, New Hampshire, is blanketed in a thick layer of fresh snow.



A cold front moved through the region this past weekend, and while New England's low-lying towns were doused in cold rain, the highest peaks scored fresh snow.



More than six inches of snow fell at elevations above 4,000 feet, but blustering winds created snow drifts up to four feet deep, according to the Mt. Washington Auto Road.



The famous auto road was closed to the summit on Saturday, May 30, but plowing crews were able to reopen it the following day. Check out photos from the storm below. Keep reading for more.

 Snow drifts on the Mt. Washington Auto Road, May 30, 2026.
Snow drifts on the Mt. Washington Auto Road, May 30, 2026. Mt. Washington Auto Road
 Fresh snowfall, Mt. Washington, New Hampshire, May 30, 2026.
Fresh snowfall, Mt. Washington, New Hampshire, May 30, 2026. Mt. Washington Auto Road
 Snowfall, Mt. Washington, May 30, 2026.
Snowfall, Mt. Washington, May 30, 2026. Mt. Washington Observatory

One might expect the snow from a late-May storm to melt quickly, but according to a post by the Mt. Washington Observatory, it's still sticking around as of this morning, June 1, 2026.



"Frosty T. Snowman, sporting his nicest scarf," writes the Mt. Washington Observatory, "scratched a June bucket list item off by getting a picture taken by the summit sign this morning." Photo below.



Standing at 6,288 feet, Mt. Washington has recorded snowfall in every month of the calendar year, meaning snowfall at the end of May isn't that rare, but it's a moment worth celebrating for skiers longing for winter.



Temperatures are expected to rise back into the 50s and 60s on Mt. Washington by midweek. Soak in these snowy views while you can!

 Snowfall on Mount Washington, June 1, 2026.
Snowfall on Mount Washington, June 1, 2026. Mount Washington Observatory
 The new snow is hanging on at the highest points of Mt. Washington. Photo taken from the Wildcat webcam, June 1, 2026.
The new snow is hanging on at the highest points of Mt. Washington. Photo taken from the Wildcat webcam, June 1, 2026. Mount Washington Observatory

Related: What Does the "Super El Niño" Mean for Next Ski Season? Experts Weigh In

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 1:31 PM.

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