| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Field, Mt . Willey, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Avalon Trail, Willey Range Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, October 31, 2012 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
We were the only car at the railroad station. A handful of cards at the Highland Center. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant, Standing/Running Water on Trail |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Both crossings of Crawford Brook are tricky. The first one is okay if you are prepared to step on rocks just slightly under water. The second is more tricky. If you don't want to use the couple of blowdowns (old) then bushwack ~100 yards upstream where there are a couple of places with easier crossing. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
There are A LOT of blowdowns.
Avalon to A-Z junction: A dozen, 3 are difficult (close to the junction) all involving multiple trees.
A-Z junction to Mt. Avalon Spur: just one at the beginning. Easy to bypass but it is a "hanger".
Avalon Spur to Field summit: A handful easy ones and one difficult with 4-5 trees involved. They are all on the upper part of this trail section.
Willey Range: At least a dozen of which half are tricky with multiple trees. IN ADDITION: there are 3 sections (30 yards, 100+ yards and 100+ yards) which involve some 40-50 trees in total - maybe more. Can only be passed by bushwacking around. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Cinnilla did well and was able to navigate through, over and under the many blowdowns. And she was able to find her own crossing points at the brook.
Only experienced dogs should go up there for now. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
An interesting day! I was curious what damage Sandy had caused. The answer is: "A lot".
Running water, slippery rocks and mud everywhere - in addition to the significant number of blowdowns. It is going to take time to clear all that mess. I have not seen anything quite like it before.
I would recommend adding 30-50% to normal time estimates.
I was looking out for "hangers" - but did not see anything that I would be really nervous about. However, I would not attempt to go through the 3 sections on the Willey Range trail (between the peaks). Bushwacking around is easier and safer. |
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 | Name: |
LongMark |
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 | E-Mail: |
perfrost@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2012-10-31 |
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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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