| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
East Osceola, Mt. Osceola, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, December 4, 2016 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Only car at the East Pond trailhead at 8:30 AM; 2 other cars there at 1:00 PM. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Wet Trail, Ice - Blue, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Both crossings on the Greeley Ponds Trail could be rock-hopped with a bit of thought. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails in good condition. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Some of the steep sections might have been tricky with unconsolidated snow, but saw 2 dogs that had made it to both Osceolas. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Originally planned a 17-mile loop, coming down the other side of the Mt. Osceola Trail (to Tripoli Rd.), and then returning via the East Pond Trail- but the idea of breaking trail for miles through 6" of untracked snow didn't seem too appealing, so I returned the way I came (via Greeley Ponds Trail). Patchy snow cover below 2500', with occasional stretches of leaves, slush, and mud/water- steadily increased to 4-6" by the summit of Osceola. Microspikes were not particularly helpful on the steeps ascending East Osceola, because the snow was powdery and unconsolidated. The chimney bypass was doable but hazardous- was able to find footholds on the way up, and descended via semi-controlled glissade. Without crampons, the safest option might have been a bushwhack through the woods. Both summits were in the clouds, but nice views of Greeley Ponds, and of all of the trees covered in snow and rime ice. |
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 | Name: |
Jason |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2016-12-05 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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