Summer Snow on Mauna Kea

It may be Summer, but the summit of Mauna Kea is feeling something that is not the usual suspect of a Big Island July: snow.

Overnight heavy rains and thunderstorms caused the rare occurance at the 13,796 foot-elevated summit.

The Mauna Kea road to the summit is closed to the public beginning at the Visitors Information Station. Mauna Kea Rangers say the closure is a result of icy road conditions at the summit.

“After road inspection this morning, the ranger reports ice on the upper summit ridge and switchback, the east/west summit ridge, and the UKIRT-IRTF roads. He also reported mixed rain and snow, fog, there is an inch and a half of frozen snow on the summit and moderate winds,” Mauna Kea Rangers said.

CFHT Webcam image facing north as of 10:21 a.m.

CFHT Webcam image facing south as of 10:21 a.m.