PHOTO: “Light Snow Dustings” atop Haleakala this Winter

January 9, 2013 photo of silversword plant with snow at Haleakala on Maui. Photo courtesy NPS, Haleakala.

By Wendy Osher

Authorities at Haleakalā National Park have confirmed “light snow dustings” on more than one occasion this winter season.

“Snow is not common on Haleakalā,” said Park official Leslie Young, but she said, “We have had a couple of light snow dustings this winter.”

This included light flakes on January 9, 2013 as documented by the National Park Service in a photo of a silversword plant atop the summit.

On January 28, park officials also described light flakes, frozen rain, and limited visibility in the summit area.

However, the last significant “blanket of snow” atop Haleakalā happened two years ago on January 19, 2011.

Real-time viewing of the summit area is available via the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy’s Haleakala web cams.

The peak of Haleakalā volcano is measured at 10,023 feet above sea level. It is the highest point on Maui, and the third-highest point in the state.