Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Mt. Pierce, Mt. Eisenhower, Mt. Franklin, Mt. Monroe, NH |
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| Trails: |
Crawford Path, Webster Cliff Trail, Eisenhower Loop, Monroe Loop, Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail |
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| Date of Hike: |
Thursday, February 14, 2013 |
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| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
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| Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
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| Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Goggles |
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| Water Crossing Notes: |
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| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Sign for Monroe Loop on west end (Crawford Path/Monroe Loop jct.) seems to be missing. |
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| Dog-Related Notes: |
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| Bugs: |
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| Lost and Found: |
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| Comments: |
Crawford Path to Mts. Pierce and Eisenhower was well traveled yesterday. Section from Eisenhower to Franklin to Lakes of the Clouds appeared to be untraveled since last weekend's storm. Visibility was fair and seemed to be improving, with some sun and patches of blue sky here and there; however, once in the vicinity of Mt. Franklin, visibility steadily diminished to roughly "two cairns."
Even though I've been there probably 25 times, I missed the Monroe turnoff: there was a sign saying only "Crawford Path" with arrows left and right, I didn't think I'd come far enough to be at the Monroe Loop yet, and I remember there being a sign for the Monroe Loop.
Consequently, I stayed on the Crawford Path, traversing around the south and east sides of the Monroe summit cone. A couple of spots were sketchy (hardpacked and steep), and crampons would have probably been the better choice of foot accoutrement but the snowshoe claws did fine. Soon enough (but not soon enough, actually) I reached the giant cairn marking the northern end of the Monroe Loop, so I did the quick up/down and beelined for the hut. I noticed a set or two of cramponed bootprints from today going up/down Monroe.
With the poor visibility and lighting (see also Joe's Ammy conditions report from today which were spot on), I headed down the Ammy. As luck would have it, the trail had been broken out earlier today. I was very thankful for not having to search for the correct route but was prepared to do so if necessary. The quick, snowy ride down was a hoot and was definitely the best part of the day.
The road walk back to the car was not the best part of the day, but at least Mt. Clinton Road was snowmobiled so was packed out and a pleasant enough walk, all things considered. |
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| Name: |
Snowflea |
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| E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2013-02-14 |
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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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