| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Field, Mt. Willey, Mt. Tom, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Avalon Trail, Willey Range Trail, A-Z Trail, Mt. Tom Spur |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, January 18, 2014 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Lot empty when I arrived. No services, no fee. Lot had been plowed awhile ago and had a few inches of new packed snow and crusty ruts but no problems even for small cars like mine. Lot was packed when I left and many many cars were on Rte 302. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Black, Ice - Blue, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow/Ice - Postholes |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The two crossings on Avalon Trail and two crossings on A-Z trail were open to the water and fairly easy but required wet feet in spots. The smaller brooks and drainages were mostly bridged but many creaked and cracked under foot so they aren't all solid. |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trails in good shape. Avalon Trail, A-Z Trail and Willey Range appear to have been recently blazed very high up on trunks so they should still be visible after more snow. There were several leaning trees and duck unders along the way but no issues. Two step overs in the area where trail takes 90 deg turn between Field and Willey. This area has been cleaned up extensively from last year and is a non-issue now. Lot of work by someone in here since I was last there in November 2012. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw a few dogs. These trails are all very comfortable for dogs. |
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 | Bugs: |
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|
 | Lost and Found: |
none |
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|
 | Comments: |
Trails are in great shape. Hardpack snow/ice under 2-3 inches of trampled powder. Last .1-.2 miles on Mt Willey had a bit more snow than that and the steep stretch descending from Mt Tom to Avalon Trail junction also had more. Leave the snowshoes in the car until there is more snow. Stayed with microspikes all day. The steep section of Avalon Trail between A-Z junction and Avalon Spur had some scratched off areas that the spikes didn't seem to want to hold. There is a short steep pitch descending Field to Willey that had the same issue. The steep section coming down A-Z trail, particularly the steep ravine to the first water crossing, was also pretty slick for spikes. Great day otherwise. Clouds and snow held off and it was high teens/low 20's with 8-12 mph winds on the summits with all peaks in the clear and even a lot of blue sky to the North. Plenty of Gray Jays out on Field and Tom. Caught up to the snow on Rte 93 in Plymouth and had a horrible ride rest of way to CT from there. 3 straight hikes now with a lousy ride home. At least I had views today though. Was worth it. |
|
 | Name: |
DayTrip |
|
 | E-Mail: |
bblanchette0709@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2014-01-18 |
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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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