Climax Mine Reaches New Heights with National Weather Agency Recognition

November 25, 2024 - The rumble of the truck’s engine breaks the stillness of a snow-muffled clearing.

A worker steps out.

His boots crunch as he approaches the small observation deck overlooking distant mining benches.

He takes a deep breath that hangs in the air.

His watch hands glide into place.

And at long last he begins the task of meticulously recording data.

For over half a century, variations of this scenario have played out, with the results of the 8 a.m. ritual making their way to meteorologists at the National Weather Service. Now, the contributions of the mine water technician crews behind it officially have been recognized.

In October, representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, presented Climax Mine in Colorado with the Honored Institution Award for more than 50 years of service from the highest observation station in the United States.

“We’re all really proud of this,” said Aaron Davis, Environmental Specialist II-Climax. “A lot of the work our group does is behind the scenes, so it’s really an honor to know that our work is not only of value to our company but also our country.”

The observations are a part of the National Weather Service’s Cooperative Observer Program. As a part of that program, more than 8,000 volunteers across the country collect high and low temperatures, precipitation totals, snowpack and more. That data then is recorded to not only track long-term climate trends, but also support weather forecasts across the country.

With another location being awarded for more than 125 years of service, Climax is not the longest-running weather observation station in Colorado. However, at an elevation of 11,344 feet, it does hold the distinction of being the highest in the United States.

And with those extreme altitudes come extreme weather.

The snow season at the Climax Mine lasts from September to May, which can lend itself to impressive accumulations. On average, the site sees 275 inches of snow per year. According to Davis, who once was a part of the data collection team, the 2010-2011 season had their highest recorded snowfall, with more than 420 inches. The driest season still produced over 160 inches.

It is hard to say whether any new records await them in the future, but Davis believes the mine water technician crews at Climax still will be there to make sure the world knows about them.

“Over time, weather tells the real story of a place,” said Davis. “Mining has always been a part of our history here, so it’s only fitting we have been the historians. I don’t see any reason to stop now.”

Photos (top to bottom): Robert Aumer, Mine Water Technician I-Climax, records recent snowfall at the mine’s weather observation station; Climax General Manager John Wilmot (left) and Aaron Davis (second from right) received the award alongside some of the employees who have helped collect the data.