| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Garfield, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Gale River Road, Garfield Trail, Garfield Ridge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, April 3, 2013 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Plowed area at the western end of Gale River Road, room for several cars. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Black, Snow - Drifts, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction, Skis |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
Both crossings on Garfield Trail still partially snowbridged, though weakening. Poles helpful in testing the ice. Several sections of running water through the switchbacks, but easily navigated. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
A couple of leaners, but nothing of consequence. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw one guy with his dog, leaving as we started up the trail. |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A fantastic day to do Garfield. Gale River Road solidly packed in the morning, many bare spots had melted out by the afternoon. Lower Garfield trail was a mix of bare ground, ice, and thin snow cover. Both crossings are partially bridged, but I wouldn't expect the bridges will last much longer, water levels were pretty low. Snow depths increased the higher we climbed, pretty dense and consolidated, I'd say there's still 2-3 feet of base at elevation. Some drifting in the upper two switchbacks. Summit was a mix of bare rock and rime, and some pockets of snow. Clear, cold, and windy up top, the fire tower foundation didn't provide much shelter, so we went back to the junction for a break. The ski down was fun, then I took the skins off, and it turned, fun-er-er? Very fast conditions, terrifying at times, yet I had moments of brilliance in the sun. Glad to have Elena behind me, encouraging me to stop and rest, it was hard work! Took the skis off at the same point I put them on, and carried them the rest of the way. Awesome hike, and awesome company, thanks Elena! |
|
 | Name: |
Bill Robichaud |
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 | E-Mail: |
bill.robichaud@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2013-04-04 |
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 | Link: |
 https://onapathwithheart.blogspot.com/2013/04/skiing-on-garfield-4313.html |
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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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